Meet the Owner of Hawkins Landscape Architecture – Lori Hawkins

In today’s special interview-style blog, I wanted to share a little more about me and Hawkins Landscape Architecture to my loyal customers and fans. Read on to learn where my inspiration comes from and even what my dream backyard would include. You can also learn more about me on my about page.

Why Landscape Architecture?

Originally, I was a journalism major at Penn State (my dad was a journalist). But I decided that wasn’t the right choice for me. I knew I wanted to do something creative, and I loved art. I met another student who was a landscape architecture major, and she told me about it. That same day, I went and changed my major without even telling my parents! Luckily, they were ok with it!

When did I Start Hawkins Landscape Architecture?

When the great recession hit, I was laid off from the large design firm I was working at as a landscape architect. In 2009, I started Hawkins Landscape Architecture and never looked back.

How do I Find Inspiration for my Designs?

My inspiration comes from a variety of places. I look at a lot of pictures and will google images of things that I have in my mind. Then, I take a lot of information from the customers likes and dislikes and incorporate those into the design.

What is my Favorite Landscape Feature and Why?

I love water features and the sound of water. There are so many different ways water features can be incorporated into a landscape design.

What Would my Dream Backyard Look Like?

My dream backyard would include a shotcrete pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, and a cabana. It would be my very own little slice of heaven on Earth!

Why Choose me as Your Landscape Architect?

I have over 30 years of experience and bring that to the table to create a function and beautiful design for my customers. I also use 3D imaging technology which no other registered landscape architects in the Triad do!

Ready to Get Started on Your Own Dream Backyard?

Call me today at 336-848-7164 to discuss your dream backyard, budget, and needs. I will work closely with you to design an outdoor space you couldn’t imagine living without. Head over to my Instagram page for photos and inspiration on all things landscape!

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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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!

Landscape Structures: Part 1 – Everything to Know About Pergolas

Photo by: Mike Micchiche

This is part one of four in a series on landscape structures. Part one covers the ever-popular pergolas.

Pergolas are a great way to create shade and build ambiance in your backyard. We increasingly receive more and more requests from clients who want to add a pergola to their existing landscape design or add one into a new design. These unique structures date back to the mid-1600’s in Europe and were commonly used in gardens.

If you have always dreamed of having a romantic pergola in your backyard, then I can help you make that dream a reality! I love designing gorgeous pergolas for my clients and work closely with them to design one they love. We will discuss everything from materials to size to shape of the pergola in our consultation to ensure it is not only the pergola you are dreaming of, but one that fits within your budget.

Pergolas Provide Numerous Benefits to Homeowners

This stunning landscape structure provides so many advantages to homeowners. Here are some of the top advantages of building a pergola in your backyard.

·       Creates shade

·       Increases home’s value

·       Builds ambiance

·       Extends living space

·       Enhances privacy

·       Provides place to hang plants, shades, or curtains

These are only some of the many advantages to building a pergola. Another great benefit is the many ways to utilize a pergola.

Ideas to Utilize a Pergola

Pergolas can be used in so many ways. They are not merely a landscape structure, but a way to build an outdoor living space and something unique to your yard. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

·       Walkways

·       Sitting area

·       Grilling spot

·       Shaded poolside break area

·       Garden location

·       Entertainment destination

·       Reading nook

They sky is really the limit when it comes to how you use your pergola. How you use your pergola will play an important role in the design of the structure. For example, if you are wanting to enjoy the stars you will want to place it somewhere where the night’s sky view is unobstructed by trees or the house. However, if you are wanting one for shade, then it is better to put it closer to trees or the house for optimal shading.

Speaking of limitless, one of the best parts about pergolas are they are completely customizable.

Complete Customization with Pergolas

Homeowners love the variety a pergola provides them when it comes to design. There are three major areas of focus in designing pergolas. Those are:

1.       Size

2.       Style

3.       Material

Size

We can design a pergola in about any size you would like! If you have a smaller backyard, then a smaller pergola is usually best. However, if you have more space then you might want to consider expanding to a larger, more robust pergola.

Style

While many pergolas have a similar look, there are a variety of style choices when designing and building one. They can have just one row of timbers or panels across the top. Or they can have multiple ones in different directions which create a square design across the top. We will work closely with you to decide a style, so the final design is exactly what you envisioned.

Material

A final, but particularly important, design aspect of pergolas is deciding on the right material. You will want a material that you not only love how it looks but are comfortable maintaining as needed for that specific type of material.

The four most common pergola materials are:

1.       Pressure-treated lumber

2.       Cedar wood

3.       Vinyl

4.       Trex

Pressure-Treated Lumber

One of the biggest pros of pressure-treated lumber is it is usually the least expensive material. Additionally, this material has a good lifespan. However, it does require staining every four to five years. Another con of this material is it tends to warp and crack over time.

Cedar Wood

The most popular cedar wood tends to be Western Red Cedar. But there are other options available. A big advantage of cedar wood is it is naturally insect resistant. Plus, it is beautiful as is, without the need to stain it. A final pro is it has a long lifespan as well. The most common con of this material is it is more expensive.

Vinyl

This material requires extremely limited maintenance, which is its biggest advantage. However, it is not a material that is easy to paint over, so that means there are not many color choices. 

Trex

This composite material is blend of plastic film and wood fibers. It requires virtually no maintenance other than occasionally pressure washing. Another advantage is the fact that it is a weather-resistant material. One con is it tends to cost more than other materials. Additionally, most homeowners think it does not have the desired beauty of other materials, like natural wood.

See Your Landscape Structure Come to Life with 3D Designs!

Our clients love our 3D Landscape Design as it allows them to see first-hand how their landscape structure will look on their property. Are you ready to see your very own pergola come to life with our 3D Designs? Get started today by giving us a call at 336-848-7164. You can also complete our simple contact form and we will be in touch soon. We look forward to helping you create the perfect pergola!

Be sure to follow my Instagram page to see some of my landscaping projects and design inspiration!

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Luxurious Fiberglass Pools and Spas Provide Numerous Benefits

Are you dreaming about enjoying the perfect pool in your background with friends and family? At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we can design your vision with every detail you desire to help you bring this amazing outdoor space to life. There are so many benefits of fiberglass pools, which we discuss in detail in our latest blog. When you add on a spa, there are even more benefits at your disposal. We also share the many landscaping options to consider when you are adding a pool and spa to your backyard.  

My goal is always to provide a finished design that my clients love and will enjoy in their backyard for years to come. Pools and spas are luxuries that I absolutely love designing. There are truly so many design options available. I work closely with every single client to ensure the final design is exactly what they are looking for in their backyard.

Are you ready to dive into all the wonderful benefits a pool and spa provide you and your family?

Fiberglass Pools – Endless Benefits

Fiberglass pools are one of the options when you are considering adding a long-term pool in your backyard. They offer numerous advantages, which include:

·       Lower life-time cost

·       Less maintenance required

·       Shorter install time

·       Smooth interior surface

·       Extremely durable

·       Resistant to saltwater damage

·       Doesn’t impact water’s pH level

·       Algae-resistant gelcoat

·       Less electricity & chemicals required

These are only a few of the benefits of choosing a fiberglass pool. We can discuss those in length in your consultation.

Recommended Fiberglass Pool Brands

At Hawkins Landscape Architecture, we will work closely with you and your contractors to ensure you end up with a pool you love and are able to maintain. We do have a few fiberglass pools we highly recommend to our clients. Those are:

·       San Juan Pools

·       Blue Hawaiian Pools

·       Viking Pools

Spas Provide Numerous Health Benefits

Most people love sitting in spas or hot tubs, but did you know they offer extensive physical and mental health benefits? Here are some of the top health benefits they provide.

·       Muscle relaxation

·       Joint pain relief

·       Decrease blood pressure

·       Burn calories

·       Improve insulin sensitivity

·       Restore flexibility

·       Alleviate lower back pain

·       Decrease headaches

·       Reduce anxiety & stress

·       Better sleep

Luxurious Landscaping to Complement Your Pool & Spa

While you are swimming in your pool or relaxing in your spa, you will want to enjoy the outdoor space around you. Landscaping is the perfect way to create a flawless ambiance around your pool area. Four big landscaping tools we use in these settings are:

1.       Pool deck

2.       Retaining walls

3.       Plantings

4.       Lighting

We carefully tailor each of these landscaping features into your overall pool and spa design. Our goal is always to provide a design where you love every detail. We want you to be able to envision you and your family enjoying that outdoor living space and making many cherished memories.

Skip the Guesswork – See Your Landscape Design in 3D!

Between the size and shape, it is often hard to imagine a pool in your backyard. 3D landscape designs completely change that. Our unique and revolutionary 3D Landscape Design allows clients to see the pool and spa they want right in their own backyard – before installation even begins! This is an ideal way to ensure you love the size and shape of the pool before installing it into your backyard.

Design Your Dream Pool & Spa Today!

Are you ready to create and have your very own pool to entertain family and friends? We can help make that dream a reality! To get started simply give us a call at 336-848-7164 or complete our simple contact form. During our consultation we will discuss your vision, budget, and answer any questions you have about the process.

If you are interested in seeing some of my other work, then head over to my Instagram to see photos from my various landscape design projects. I am looking forward to helping you create the pool of your dreams that you will enjoy for many years!

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/