Welcome to February’s edition. How quickly time contin- ues to move us forward. I wish it would just slow down and allow us to appreciate what is happening around us. That is something that time will not do; it is something we must do. A conscious awareness that the people, the good and bad events of life, will not always be – because life changes. That’s how I view my clients, my job and landscaping. We have one shot to really make something beautiful for our clients. Typically, we will not be back unless we do another aspect of the yard or come back for bi-yearly maintenance.

The featured landscape was a front yard and backyard job. For this article, we will discuss the backyard. I am going to limit my words so the pictures tell the story, however, there needs to be some guidance. The first image is pre-landscape, the second is during (down to the dirt), the third is completion, and the fourth is current, six years after completion. Hopefully, you can follow it. Each angle has the pool in it to help orient you to where you are in the yard. My favorite one is the third picture which allows a panoramic view from the flagstone patio to the house, although it lacks growth and detail. The fourth picture brings that in, showing a split dry riverbed and mature plants.

The whole design theme was to create something very different and fresh. The prior landscape was just a normal, boring landscape, but we do not do normal or boring. My only regret is the current red leaf Japanese Maple is not the one we planted; ours was replaced. Look at the third picture and note that our Japanese Maple is full, branches down low. Then in the fourth picture you can barely see it, it’s a skinny bean pole Maple. You cannot do that for something that is supposed to be the showpiece of your landscape. We provided the perfect backdrop for the maple to develop in, and now thisbean pole? Disappointing.

Finally, the hardscape. You know a property is dated when you see exposed aggregate for the hardscape. In the second picture, you see orange marker paint – I used that to re-design the hardscape for my concrete friend who’s viewed. We picked a stamp pattern and color not often used. I have not seen this pattern but would like to use it when the job requires demo-ing out existing con- crete. My reason for showing you this job is, as with other jobs, that beauty and usability can both be created, and it’s important. The backyard is where we entertain, enjoy our family, and relax. It is important to find a landscaper that shares and adds value to your vision, even if you must wait. Paying a little more for this assurance is well worth it. Sales and deals and lowest bids only mean shortcuts for an investment that will cost you more in the long run if not done correctly, and it will more than pay for itself over the years with enjoyment and use if correctly done. So, as we start the season please keep this advice in mind.

Until next time – Good Gardening.