Landscape Structures: Part 3 – Decks are the Cornerstone for Your Outdoor Oasis

This is part three of four in a series on landscape structures. Part three covers decks.

Decks are a comfortable spot to enjoy nature at home. They are an ideal locale for reading a book, relaxing with family, entertaining friends, and simply taking in the ambiance Mother Nature has to offer.

There are three major types of deck building projects. Those are building a new deck, renovating an existing deck, or adding a full ceiling system underneath a deck to allow the area beneath to become dry outdoor living space.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, I work closely with clients to determine their needs and budgets. This way I can help design the ultimate outdoor living space that often includes decks. My comprehensive landscape design includes placement of any landscape structures, such as decks, for an ultimate aesthetic appeal. Best of all, clients that utilize my 3D designs get to see what their deck will look like before construction even takes place!

In my latest blog below, I discuss the advantages of decks, materials, and numerous design ideas.

Benefits of Decks

These landscape structures provide so many wonderful advantages to homeowners. A few most noteworthy benefits include:

·       Increases home value

·       Expands house’s square footage

·       Provides endless entertainment possibilities

·       Creates luxurious aesthetic appeal to yard

Common Deck Building Materials

Today, there are so many options for what materials you can use to build your deck. On top of that, there are also many stains in some materials allowing for a variety of colors. As part of the design process with Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss the various materials available, what they will look like, and how they fit into your budget.

Five popular deck materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar

3.       Redwood

4.       Composite

5.       Ipe

Below I go into a little more detail on each material’s pros and cons.

Pressure-treated lumber

Advantages: Lower cost and chemically treated to withstand mold, rot, and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Higher maintenance and tends to warp or crack over time.

Cedar

Advantages: Most inexpensive among the natural wood options, beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: More expensive than non-natural wood options and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Redwood

Advantages: Long lifespan, beautiful natural wood appearance, durable, and often naturally rot-resistant.

Disadvantages: Expensive, harder to get on the East Coast, and requires annual power washing and a coat finish every three to four years.

Composite

Advantages: Low-maintenance, available in huge selection of colors and textures, and withstands rotting and insect damage.

Disadvantages: Damp spaces can attract mold and depending on the company and selection can be expensive.

Ipe (one of the more popular tropical hardwoods)

Advantages: Durable, naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, sleek and beautiful natural wood appearance, and long lifespan.

Disadvantages: Must be sealed every year, expensive, and not great option to stain or finish.

When selecting a deck material, it is important to factor in cost, maintenance, and what it will be used for. These variables will direct you to which deck material looks great, but also fits within your budget and needs.

Deck Design Ideas

A deck is not simply a space to sit outside, it provides the opportunity to create an outdoor living space you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Below are a few fun ideas to add to your deck!

·       Hot tub

·       Built-in seats

·       Plants

·       Garden

·       Shade sails

·       Lighting

·       Patio furniture

·       Fire pits (Read this great article on the do’s and don’ts for fire pits on wood decks!)

Let Me Help You Create Your Dream Deck Today!

Why wait any longer to build the deck of your dreams for your family to enjoy? Get started today by giving me a call at 336-848-7164 or completing this contact form. I look forward to patenting with you to create an outdoor living space you adore!

Check my Instagram page for inspiration and ideas for all things landscaping! Don’t miss the fourth and final blog in this landscape structures series. It will cover porches.

Shrubs Provide Splendor & Solitude – Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 3 – Spring Shrubs

This is part three of four in a series on Spring plants. Part two covers Spring shrubs.

My Spring plants blog series covered Spring bulbs in part one and Spring perennials in part two. Up next are Spring shrubs in today’s blog!

Shrubs are a staple of landscape design. They provide abundant beauty and benefits. I love to use many of them as privacy landscape barriers in my landscape designs. Many often use them as a ‘filler’, instead of choosing them for their outstanding qualities in leaf and flower they exhibit. I choose shrubs in my landscape designs based on their size, bloom time, and application to the specific landscape design.

There is much more to a shrub than mere greenery. The ones I work with often bloom with beautiful flowers during the Spring. Many shrubs have red, burgundy, or even yellow leaves for year-round aesthetic appeal. I frequently create landscape designs that utilize plants my clients initially may not have heard of before, but now could not live without! I bring those ideas to life for my clients with my 3D landscape designs so they can see them before they even bloom that first time!

Spring Shrubs

Shrubs are available in a range of sizes, bloom time, and leaf shape and color. Some are green all year, while other shrubs have gorgeous blooms during Spring but drop their leaves over the winter months. I base my shrub selections on a landscape design depending on the needs of each client.

Below are some shrubs I love and want to share more information about with you. You will find out where each plant grows and their optimal growing conditions.

For those that did not get to read the other blogs in this series, I recommend you look at this hardiness zone map as a reference point. The Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is in zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Azaleas (Rhododendron)

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. They need well-drained, acidic soil.

Click here for more information on Azeleas.

Heath (Erica cinerea)

Hardiness Zones: 5

Optimal Growing Conditions: Open sun. These plants need moist, but not soggy soil.

Click here for more information on the Heath.

Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)

Hardiness Zones: 5-7

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun. They need well-amended soil.

Click here for more information on Witch Hazel.

Golden Bell (Forsythia)

Hardiness Zones: 5-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Direct sun. Loose, well-drained soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on the Golden Bell.

Japanese Andromeda (Pieris japonica)

Hardiness Zones: 5-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial shade. These plants need rich, well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on the Japanese Andromeda.

Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles)

Hardiness Zones: 4-10

Optimal Growing Conditions: Varied from sun to shade. These plants prefer well-drained, acidic soil.

Click here for more information on the Flowering Quince.

Korean Spice Viburnum (Viburnum carlesii)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Moist, well-drained soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on Korean Spice Viburnum.

Japanese Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Hardiness Zones: 7-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Shade to partial sun. They need rich, moist, and well-drained soil to flourish.

Click here for more information on the Japanese Camellia.

Are You Excited About the Spring Shrub Possibilities? Start Your Landscape Vision Today!

Now that you know about some amazing Spring shrubs, why wait any longer to bring them to life in your yard? I would love to bring your vision to life! Call me today at 336-848-7164 or complete this simple contact form to learn more about my services.

Head over and follow my Instagram page for more information and teasers on all kinds of Spring plants! Also, do not miss the final part of this blog series where we discuss Spring trees.

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Hellebornes, Primroses, and Irises… Oh My! Spring Plants Blog Series: Part 2 – Spring Perennials

This is part two of four in a series on Spring plants. Part two covers Spring perennials.

No landscaping is complete without beautiful plants. Every plant brings its own unique beauty and grace to a front or back yard. Spring is the perfect time to ‘branch’ out and try new plants in your yard!

In part one of my Spring plants blog series, I discussed Spring bulbs. Today, I want to share some information about Spring perennials.

Perennials are the perfect touch of color and nature’s beauty for any landscape. If you are unsure of where to begin when it comes to plants, do not fret. I work closely with all my clients to create a design that utilizes plants that will compliment all their landscaping features. Best of all, my 3D landscape designs show you exactly how everything will look once completed.

Can you smell the flowers yet?

Spring Perennials

For those who are not savvy about all things in the gardening world, most perennials tend to grow foliage in their first year and bloom in their second year. Best of all, these plants usually live and prosper for several years.

Below is a selection of some of the perennials I often incorporate in my landscape designs. I have included information on where each grows and the optimal growing conditions for each plant.

In case you missed it in part one, I recommend you look at this hardiness zone map as a good reference point. As you will see the Piedmont Triad in North Carolina is zone 7. Zones are determined by average annual extreme minimum temperature. For a more in-depth look at zones and to search your zip code, visit the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.

Hellebores (Helleborus)

Hardiness Zones: 4-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. They need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Hellebores.

Bleeding Heart – Dicentra (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial shade. These plants need rich and moist soil.

Click here for more information on the Bleeding Heart.

Creeping Phlox (Phlox stolonifera)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun to partial shade. They need moist, but well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on Creeping Phlox.

Bergenia (Bergenia crassifolia)

Hardiness Zones: 4-10

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to heavy shade. Moist and rich loam or clay soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on the Bergenia.

Candytuft (Iberis)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full to partial sun. These plants need well-drained soil.

Click here for more information on the Candytuft.

Primrose (Primula vulgaris)

Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Varied from sun to shade. These plants prefer humus-rich soil.

Click here for more information on the Primrose.

Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum)

Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Optimal Growing Conditions: Partial to full shade. Rich, moist, and well-drained soil is best for these plants.

Click here for more information on Solomon’s Seal.

Iris (Iris germanica)

Hardiness Zones: 3-8

Optimal Growing Conditions: Full sun. They need deeply cultivated, rich soil to flourish.

Click here for more information on the Iris.

Spring has Sprung! Why Wait Any Longer for Your Dream Oasis?

Are you daydreaming of beautiful plants blossoming in your yard now? Make this dream a reality by calling me today at 336-848-7164 or complete this easy contact form to get started.

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we are devoted to designing your dream yard and being with you every step of the way.

Do not forget to follow my Instagram page for more information about Spring plants and pictures of these glorious pieces of nature! Be on the lookout for part three of this series where we discuss Spring shrubs!

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Landscape Structures: Part 2 – Luxurious Gazebos and Quaint Sheds

This is part two of four in a series on landscape structures. Part two covers gazebos and sheds.

Gazebos and sheds are all the rage in landscape design right now. Both provide great benefits to homeowners and offer an abundance of design options. At Hawkins Landscape Design, we partner with our clients to discuss their needs and budgets and provide a comprehensive landscape design. This includes placement of any landscape structures, including a gazebo or shed, for an overall outdoor living design they will love for many years.

I love that these landscape structures provide either ambiance or refuge for my clients. They are fun to place in a landscape design and pair perfectly with so many other landscape features. Learn more about these unique and cool landscape structures in my blog below.

Gazebos

One of the features of gazebos that provides the most benefit to homeowners is there seemingly unlimited uses. Here are some popular ways to utilize a gazebo:

·       Shaded area

·       Reading nook

·       Poolside lounge space

·       Garden

·       Outdoor kitchen

·       Exercise or yoga destination

·       Hot tub

·       Entertaining space

These are only a few of the ways homeowners could use a gazebo. Since it has a cover and is flexible in design and size, the possibilities are endless. It protects against the sun’s harsh rays and the downpours that often occur in North Carolina. They are a great place to enjoy the outdoors but stay dry no matter the weather.

Common Materials Used for Gazebos

When it comes to the sides and roof of the gazebo there are numerous options to choose from for materials. We will discuss your needs and budgets, and help you decide on a material(s) you will like and will look stunning on the finished structure.

Below are a few common materials used in gazebos:

·       Wood – there are many options within this category, like pressure treated lumber or cedar wood

·       Aluminum

·       Steel

·       Canvas

·       Bamboo

·       Wrought iron

·       Brick

·       Stone

It is important to consider what the gazebo will be used for, climate, and price when deciding upon materials for your gazebo. You will want something that looks the way you want but fits within your budget.

Sheds

One landscape structure that has been around awhile but has recently rose in popularity due to changes in uses are sheds. Only a few years ago, sheds were mostly used for storage or maintenance. Recently, sheds have increased in popularity to do new uses for the space. The most common is the ‘she shed’, which has numerous uses. A few ways to utilize a she shed are:

·       Home office

·       Recreation room

·       Home gym

·       Private spa

·       Hang out destination

·       Crafting space

This stand-alone structure has unlimited design possibilities. It can even look almost like a mini house from the outside, complete with a front patio and columns (as pictured here).

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will discuss all your needs and desires for your shed to ensure you have one that you absolutely adore looking at and using!

If you are looking at a prefabricated shed, it can be sited on your property on my masterplan. However, custom gazebos and sheds need to be designed by a licensed architect and constructed by a general contractor.

See Designs Come to Life with Our 3D Landscape Design

Our amazing 3D Landscape Design is extremely popular among clients as it allows them to truly see what the gazebo or shed will look like right in their yard. It is a great way to make tweaks so you know exactly what you are getting ready to build. Our clients love that they can see first-hand how their landscape structure will look.

Create Your Dream Gazebo or Shed Today!

Do not wait any longer to create a space you cannot live without in your yard. We will work closely with you during the entire design process to ensure you have a gazebo or shed you love. Call us today at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form. We cannot wait to help get you into an outdoor living space you love!

Looking for ideas or inspiration now? Check my Instagram page to see some of my other landscape structures projects!

Porches are all the RAGE!

Porches! This year has been the year of home renovations, many including screened or grilling porches. This porch is off of a stately home on High Rock Lake. The porch serves as a covered area for outdoor dining and entertaining off of the new pool! The design not only included the porch with grilling/dining area and custom fireplace, but also a new shotcrete pool with infinity edge and spa. Other porches I have designed this year have many other types of amenities:

*Fireplaces and other Fire Features

*Built In Kitchens- these kitchens can include more than just a grill, how about a pizza oven, Green Egg, kegorator, or a built in bar?

*’EZ Screen folding doors, that can allow the porch to either be open air, or open entirely to allow the fresh air and dining alfresco:)

*Built in Hot Tubs

*Built in Showers

The sky is the limit when designing these wonderful home renovations. Most homeowners can expect a return of 84% on their investment when they add a porch to their home- so a great value for the money! Using my 3D imaging technology, customers are able to see the finished porch before construction:) See more projects such as this on my Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/3dlandscapearchitect/

VizTerra Training This week! Look what I will be able to do with my designs!