Lighting is an integral part of your Denver outdoor living design. In addition to utilitarian reasons, like safety and the ability to see the people you are spending time with, lighting creates a magical ambiance. Plus, you can use specialty lighting to highlight your landscape design features, or create multiple areas where people can sit…
Continue ReadingThe Golden Barrel cactus is also known as mother-in-law’s cushion. But don’t let the name fool you, not only are these plants low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, but they add incredible texture and architectural appeal to Denver gardens and landscapes. Golden Barrels have been cultivated for over a century. According to the United States Botanic Garden, the cactus was…
Continue ReadingIn the picturesque landscapes of Colorado, where the climate can oscillate between extremes, the quintessential green lawn often stands as a symbol of pride for homeowners. However, maintaining that lushness can come at a significant cost — both environmentally and economically. Rising concerns over water conservation, coupled with a desire for low-maintenance gardening solutions, are…
Continue ReadingWhen you live in Colorado, outdoor living space is not an extra amenity – it’s a necessity. But beauty and sustainability are valued just as high here, and it’s these factors that make permeable hardscapes such a wonderful option for Colorado landscapes. Gravel or broken-up pavers can create permeable surfaces that can still be outfitted…
Continue ReadingColor, texture and form – these are the aesthetic elements of design. And just as you would deliberately design a color palette for the interiors of your home, the color palette of your landscape should be chosen thoughtfully in order to enhance the overall look and feel of your property. Here are a few strategies…
Continue Reading
We were recently inspired by an interesting observation that landscape architect and writer Billy Goodnick made about the way many people approach landscape design: “Humans have a strong attraction to color (we don’t have 6 million cones in each eye for nothing), so it might seem logical to focus your design energy on conjuring up beautiful…
Continue ReadingMountain views come at a hefty price if you are a gardener. Unpredictable weather, a fleeting growing season, fast-evaporating water, heavy clay soils and “land that tilts like a roller coaster” (as Mother Earth News puts it), are just a few of the challenges that Colorado gardeners can be forced to face. But Coloradans who are…
Continue Reading
Outdoor structures – trellises, arbors, pergolas and other carpentry – have the wonderful ability to add function and interest to landscapes while also creating a connection between homes and landscapes. But with this carpentry, there can be more than meets the eye. These structures can serve multiple purposes and add unexpected function. Here are some…
Continue ReadingThe recent rain in Colorado was certainly a relief, but we still have a long way to go before we are out of the red zone. So before we get back to our rain dances, it might behoove us to explore some strategies for making a little rain go a long way. With water conservation…
Continue Reading
While Lady Spring hasn’t officially sprung, she’s certainly preparing to make her grand entrance. Are you ready to make your spring and summer landscaping plans? As landscape designers, it’s our job to inform our clients of the newest gardening trends, so here are some ideas you may want to consider as you spend these last…
Continue Reading