Landscape Design Blog

Feb 1, Flowering Vine Plants | Perennial Flowering Vines

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:46:04 GMT

Flowering vine plants are very romantic and can be used in many places. Some are fast growing vines. My favorites are Climbing Hydrangea, Morning Glory vines, and Rose vines to name a few.

Jan 31, Catmint Plant | Walkers Low Catmint

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:54:36 GMT

The Catmint plant is the one perennial everyone should have. It flowers almost continuously. Walkwers Low Catmint is my absolute favorite. Botannicaly known as Nepeta faassenii, this perennial is drou

Jan 29, Backyard Fountain | Outdoor Garden Fountains Lion Head Fountain

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:54:03 GMT

You should definitely have a backyard fountain! There is nothing like the sound of water along with seeing it. Here are some fountain ideas and the different kinds that you can consider.

Jan 25, Using a variety of fencing styles.....

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:54:36 GMT

Can different styles of fencing be used throughout a yard's landscaping? I currently have a short picket fence surrounding a cottage garden in front

Jan 21, Landscaping Question On Prices

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:44:05 GMT

A landscaping question on prices from a landscaper. I can't even recall how I found your site, but I really like it. I am a landscaper who was curious

Jan 13, Concrete Patio Settling Fix

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:56:28 GMT

Is there a concrete patio settling fix that can be done? I have a large raised stamped concrete patio (about 30 feet by 35 feet. It is divided into 8

Jan 5, Basement water at house pools

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:27:06 GMT

Here is a question about house water that pools at a corner and drainage problems. My home is older, 1937, and in one corner of the house water pools

Jan 4, Seat Wall | Designing Walls With Your Patio

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:28:34 GMT

What are the correct seat wall dimensions? How do you design these landscape walls to look best with a patio design? Here are some photos and professional information on designing them.

Dec 19, Patio Pictures | Patio Photos | Pavers Bluestone Stone

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:32:12 GMT

Here is a collection of patio pictures I have designed, done in concrete pavers, natural stone and bluestone. They can easily be done in concrete or brick. Some are two levels and seat walls are inclu

Nov 29, Lawn slopes towards house

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:48:59 GMT

The question: Will drainage pipes near my house still cause foundation problems? Our lawn slopes towards our house, which has a 1.5 metre brick paved

Nov 18, How Narrow Can My Driveway Design Be?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 21:39:37 GMT

You say in your website that driveway width should be 9-12 feet. Is there any reason a driveway could not be any narrower, say 8 3/4 feet, or is that getting

Nov 18, matching up patio design & color to brick home

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:13:41 GMT

Planning to build dark stained pergola over back patio against a dark red brick home (mixed with darker browns to blacks similar to your basket weave pic

Nov 18, what type of soil or fill should be used to help lawn drainage

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:35:26 GMT

Hi Nancy, I received your questions regarding your drainage problems. My backyard is much lower than both neighbours by almost two feet. The back of the

Nov 18, Travertine Pavers on front stoop (Chicago)

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:36:17 GMT

Here are some questions regarding placing travertine pavers over a concrete porch, and my answers. Hello, I have 1 1/4 thick travertine pavers (versailles

Nov 17, Travertine - dry set or on concrete in California

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:52:44 GMT

We are redoing our 50-year + pool and have decided on travertine for around the pool and the patio. We are located in Los Angeles, CA and are trying to

Nov 16, Drainage Issues and Water Collecting in Yard

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:17:49 GMT

Hi There - First of all, great site, very informative! My question is about drainage issues on a very flat property in the Sacramento area and appropriate

Nov 16, Land FX and Vectorworks Comparison

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 14:44:55 GMT

Hi, I am a landscape designer and I just read your software reviews and would love to know more. Specifically I am looking at Vectorworks and Land FX

Nov 9, Landscaping Costs Book | Ebook For Landscape Pricing

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:24:31 GMT

Here is my landscaping costs book, an ebook created to help you find out all about landscape pricing. Can you afford it? Can you make it fit into your budget? Find out here!

Nov 7, Designing Front Yards Ebook

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:20:13 GMT

This Designing Front Yards ebook provides professional ideas for creating a striking design that is above the usual.

Oct 26, Planting ideas for subdivision entry islands

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:36:09 GMT

Hi- I have been asked to revamp 3 subdivision entry islands with new perennials. You can see from the attached photos that the islands are full of yews,

Oct 26, travertine pavers over concrete kool decking around pool

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:54:55 GMT

I'm considering installing travertine pavers over my existing kool-deck concrete patio. I know your not a fan of that concept but three different companies

Oct 25, Front Walkway and Foundation Plant Ideas

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:15:28 GMT

I need some front walkway and foundation plant ideas. My 1960's colonial-style house sits on top of a small hill. My driveway cuts through the front yard

Oct 20, Brick Patterns | Ideas

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:21:30 GMT

brick patterns for a beautiful patio, styles, colors, edging

Oct 18, English Garden Design | Gardens

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:26:45 GMT

What exactly is an English Garden Design? These gardens have specific features, such as formality but with loose plantings.

Oct 13, Waterfall Pictures | Waterfall Scenery | Backyard Waterfalls

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:11:21 GMT

Take a look at these dramatic waterfall pictures from nature to see their beauty and also get ideas for your own backyard waterfalls.

Oct 12, Curved Walkways | Creating Curves in Walks

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:55:03 GMT

Read about curved walkways and tips, such as design, steps, where to start, etc. and on how to design one that works for your property.

Oct 7, Driveway Trees - Which To Choose

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 12:52:49 GMT

A question (and answer!) about driveway trees and which to choose. I want to plant trees down sides of 1800' driveway. Need a tree that is strong, clean,

Oct 4, Dry Wells, Retaining Wall Drainage and French Drains

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:57:38 GMT

Here are questions about dry wells, retaining wall drainage and french drains. Good morning. My yard has a hill that comes towards the back of the house.There

Oct 3, Landscape Steps | Outdoor Steps & Stairs

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:29:49 GMT

Landscape steps can be created using many different paving materials. Brick, bluestone treads, stone risers, concrete pavers and many others can be used for beautiful outdoor steps.

Sep 25, laying travertine pavers over concrete patio and extending

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 13:10:03 GMT

Can I lay travertine pavers dry on top of concrete by laying a layer of sand and a solid perimeter and maybe cut out a drop in drain?...I have a pad and

Sep 22, Designs and Ideas For Driveways

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 19:23:35 GMT

If you are thinking about re-designing your driveway or need a new design, ideas, and information, this is the place to start. Driveway Designs, Ideas and Pictures Driveway photos, dimensions, circular driveways, courtyards, edgings, aprons and driveway materials are all discussed!

Sep 22, How durable is scored concrete - Creating a concrete patio or pavers

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:46:03 GMT

Should scored concrete or pavers be used for this patio? We are working on a backyard landscape plan with an experienced professional landscape architect

Sep 21, Paver Steps | Material Types For Landscape Stairs

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:29:44 GMT

There are many materials to use when designing paver steps. Take a look at these landscape videos for some examples. Some to consider are bluestone, concrete block caps, and bullnose pavers.

Sep 17, Stone Steps | Outdoor Stairs

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 00:44:37 GMT

Stone steps can be either a solid piece of stone or separate pieces. Here are some excellent landscape videos showing how outdoor stairs looks with different types of bluestone.

Sep 12, Water running off stone patio into conservatory doors at house

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:41:44 GMT

Here's a question regarding water getting into the house due to improper installation of patio. Water is running off patio into the house. Please also

Sep 10, Travertine Pool Deck Installation on Concrete and Sealing

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:16:56 GMT

This homeowner has problems with her travertine installation on concrete decking and questions on sealing the stone. We had a complete pool remodel and

Sep 9, paver patio cost proposal

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:56:44 GMT

Hi, I just received a proposal for a 25x14 paver patio using Imperial pavers, $6,900. This includes digging up an old concrete patio (10x12) then digging

Sep 6, Circular garden around a flag pole

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:42:11 GMT

I'm trying to design a perennial garden around a flag pole that is viewed from all sides. The garden size is 20' diameter. The flag pole is in the center

Sep 6, Grouping Flowering Trees

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:16:03 GMT

I have a capped off well in my back yard. At present I have a corkscrew willow and a bird bath in that spot. I would like to plant a grouping of small

Sep 6, Help! Neighbor changed grade to flood my backyard!

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:54:17 GMT

Here's a question about flooding in a yard caused by a neighbor's new landscaping. Hi Susan, I am hoping you can give me some advice as I am desperate

Sep 6, landscaping for a townhouse wall

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:28:49 GMT

I have a new townhouse that is an end unit. It is a two story unit with light cream colored siding, no windows, no break in color, only a huge two story

Sep 2, Landscape Trees | Design Ideas and Varieties

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:33:55 GMT

How to use landscape trees in a design, types and great varieties

Aug 30, Planting Boxwoods over French Drain

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 12:32:13 GMT

I am a swimming pool contractor. We recently installed a french drain next to a swimming pool. The purpose of the drain was to catch water that drains

Aug 29, travertine

Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:30:33 GMT

Is there anything special that needs to be done to use travertine in a freeze/thaw climate? In our case it might be used on top of existing concrete stairs,

Aug 25, cleaning and sealing travertine pavers

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 22:06:58 GMT

We installed beautiful tumbled travertine pool deck and coping, deciding not to seal it because the stone vendor said it was not necessary. But we are

Aug 23, Backyard Landscaping | Ideas

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:24:28 GMT

Ideas for backyard landscaping areas, recreational, entertaining areas, various specialty gardens

Aug 23, Outdoor Kitchen Island | Outdoor Kitchens

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:23:51 GMT

An outdoor kitchen island can be part of outdoor living rooms. Outdoor kitchens can include many different appliances, accessories and features, such as a beautiful outdoor pergola for a very intimate

Aug 21, Landscape Design Prices and Proposals

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 11:54:36 GMT

How to compare landscape design prices and proposals? We have a 1/3 acre, pie-shaped lot on which we've taken an old farmhouse and expanded it into a

Aug 18, Shade Plants or Groundcover For a Shady Yard Area

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:56:22 GMT

I have too much shade in my back yard, so grass doesn't grow on one side of the yard. I would like to fill it with shade plants and mulch or ground cover.

Aug 17, Small yard roof drainage question

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:13:06 GMT

I live in a large city and have a small fenced yard on the corner of two streets. I am in the process of grading my yard away from the house (years of