Welcome to the July and August edition of TheHomeMag.
I hope everyone’s summer has gone well. It seems like the less I listen to the news, the happier I am. I will check in from time to time, and it doesn’t seem like much has changed. The Democrats blame the Republicans, and the Republicans blame the Democrats. I am oversimplifying I know, and there are times that there are very good reasons to oppose the other side. If my company, or any company for that matter ran like the government, there would soon be no company. It is in each company’s best interest to work together, and to get along for a common goal. I guess those in government lost sight of their mission. Whether you are Democratic, Republican or Independent, our prosperity and well-being should be the common goal, because that’s why we elected them. Unfortunately, this is not happening, and sadly, we all lose.
Now let’s talk about something uplifting. The job we are going to discuss was such a fun job. Our client’s, Rick and Mary, saw eye to eye on almost everything as we went through the decisions that we needed to make. It made my job easier. The job became so much more than what they had originally envisioned. I am grateful that they trusted my vision as we went through the phases. You will see what I mean in the photos. They wanted a “no lawn” landscape but wanted it to be sharp. Prior to the change, the landscape was just ordinary. When we met, Rick presented me with a hand drawn sketch, which emphasized an island in the center of color surrounded by synthetic turf. I liked the concept, but I cautioned him that we were going to waste a lot of expensive synthetic turf to honor that island, as well as a half-moon shaped lawn in back. Rick still wanted to
move forward. Part of my job is to point out and inform clients of any possible problems and extra costs. Once I have informed the client, I am good with whatever the client decides. Now let’s talk about synthetic turf. Synthetic turf only comes in 15’ foot width, but you can order any length you want. It’s always going to be 15’ wide unless we splice it, which is doable, but making the seam disappear takes some work. However, by keeping the width to 15’ft., we did not have to splice, and it was now more a matter of simply laying the synthetic turf over the design I had painted out and cutting off the excess. The best part was both Rick and Mary were good with the width.
Take a look at the left side (see before photo). Rick just wanted us to remove the lawn and replace it with groundcover, however, there was no soil, and it was all tree roots. The only solution was to create a raised planter bed, so we could add more soil. By the time the roots of the new plants started to compete with the tree roots, they would be fairly established. However, adding the block to only one side of the yard left the overall design unbalanced. It was too heavy on the left. I shared my concern, both in design as well as the additional cost with Rick and Mary, and they were good with both. At this point, they now could see my vision, so it was much easier to spend the extra money. To this day, spending client’s money makes me nervous. I know in landscaping not all the steps are necessarily seen. You cannot foresee every difficulty you are going to encounter, and so the final cost is not always known. Also, in true design, the landscape begins to take on a life of its own. As you see elements coming together and complimenting each other, you see something, an idea that you did not see earlier. In starting
a landscape, it is very important to have at least an extra $5K in reserve, and $8K would even be better. I worry much less when I know I am not going to hurt my clients financially. I am freer to design and bring out the absolute best. Though the plants are still young, as we finished the landscape, the yard became a real eye catcher. I just spoke to Rick and Mary while writing this article, and they told me they still receive lots of compliments. (we finished in April)
The next stage was the plants. Personally, I do not like designs on paper because they lack in demonstrating what the finished product will look like. Even the 3D pictures, although they are better, are still not realistic. I know H.O.A’s, require them, but my preference is once everything is removed, I can then paint the new design with marker paint. Spaces, ratios and distances from house to pool or property line, or from established tree(s), can easily be seen and adjusted accordingly. I have been in many yards where had this method been followed, the patio would have not outsized the yard, or vice versa. Clients tell me that their hardscape is either too much, or not enough, but they do not have the finances now to change it. It frustrates me. For the plants, we tour Green Acres, as I have mentioned before. Plants are second nature to me, having grown them for many years. Touring clients is always fun, and is a break from the stress of running a business. It’s also a chance to better get to know my clients, and vice versa.
Finally, the crown jewel of any landscape are the night lights. I love using them because they take the landscape to a new level and extend the evening use of the yard. They are not cheap because we use solid brass. The most common metal is
aluminum that has been powdered coated and tends to fade after a couple years. Other metals are used, especially if a modern look is wanted. Titanium is used for that look, but the cost is double that of brass, if not more. It’s the light from the fixture we want, though a general rule of mine is that nothing goes into the landscape that does not take it to the next level. If the plants are positioned and used correctly, you can minimize the appearance of the brass light if that is a concern.
Gardeners, you should be harvesting your vegetables now. Keep them fed monthly to keep them producing, and to help them stay healthy and fight off the bugs.
Until next time, good gardening – Arthur