2017 Landscape Design Trends

Edible Gardens

Crazy to think that we are now getting back to the basics of life and the appealing thing in 2017 is that homeowners love the idea of designing a landscape that has food in it? I know what your thinking food in my front and back yard? Not , really : However having a landscape that is high maintenance and watering everyday sometimes twice a day $$$ , you know what I mean . We are now designing yards with bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables , herbs for the cook in the family and living a healthy lifestyle in our own backyard space. 

Cooking from your garden is not only satisfying but it is a great inexspensive way to put food on the table each day. Organic living has been a huge part of families and what we put in our belly has been priority #1. I know it is at our house. My daughter has Celiac and we by no means have wheat in our home. 

Choose a location in your yard that has great soil , rich fertile soil not dry like the clay we have in our area. Make sure the drainage is good and protect it from wind and harsh weather elements. 

Natural Materials 

Clean and modern still might be in for some, However the trend has been to be using materials such as railroad ties , swings for seating and natural stone pathways with grass between. Clients are asking for more real and timeless looking landscapes. Most still want the one item that stands out and makes the WOW factor in the back yard , However they want it ORGANIC. 

I don't mean build something from 1920 in your landscape , I mean using one imagination you can create outdoor bars out of old barn wood or stone tiles with moss between. Stone and wood rule the organic garden. We like large boulders and dry river beds with Cedar and rusted old metal. Recycled materials are huge. GREEN is Good. 

Native Plants 

Plants still take the place of anything in your backyard. So what are customers asking? Natural native plants that grow here and survive here. There is no doubt with the endless amounts of new plants and non native plants introduced that we don't just throw are hands in the air and say, " Stop the madness." 

Clients want to know what natural look of my surroundings belongs to my back yard , what makes my space remind them why they live here and what organically makes sense. Coneflowers are a native plant that we have used for years and continue to introduce into new landscape yards here in Indiana. 

Smaller shrubs and less trimming are still huge in 2017. Customers want a yard that is natural so if a weed or two pops up in there landscape it looks good! Listen todays families are so busy and taking aim everyday after work to water plants and pull weeds are not priority. 

Play spaces

My kids play soccer in the backyard with a removable goal. The key word is , " Removable. " Why you ask? Dad and Mom like there toys too. 

Bocce courts are huge now , Adults have entertainment needs when the need is to entertain. Customers are now creating there own back yard playground. Less grass and more play. Customers don't want to weed the yard or pick up the corn whole  boards overtime they mow. Nope! They wan larger dining areas , bigger outdoor kitchens and simply a place to relax. 

I have a client that said, " I don't have room for a bocce court , because my yard is to small." That would be true but you do if we remove the grass on the outside of your landscape? You know what ? We did it and she loves the fact that work play and entertainment are a huge hit in her back yard space. 

Backyard Grilling

Still huge! We are blessed to celebrate a lot of great holidays during the summer and fall. Labor Day weekend and a rack of ribs? Yeah, I can taste it already. The smell of firing up the grill and just relaxing all day with a great beverage. 

Outdoor kitchens are still big , However we have seen customers wanting it simple and clean. No smoker , no external burner , no beverage cart . No just the grill. Technology allows us to have grills that do both and do it well. Smaller grill area and larger bars. 

Does that mean that society drinks more? No but uncle Lou still does. It means simply that the spaces we design are now becoming less to maintain and more to enjoy. The grill and the refrigerator . The two most important items . 

What makes your food taste better in your outdoor living space?

What makes the food taste better in your Outdoor Living Space ?

  What makes a restaurant good ? The food ?  The grill ? The guy cooking the food?  All of the above especially the guy cooking the food, Right?   I've eaten at some great restaurants and set in some restaurants and wondered why or who doesn't think this place needs  a remodel or a sense of ambiance. Same goes with your outdoor living space and the table you entertain and enjoy nights of great meals with family and friends. 

Planing that eating space

 Where was the last great meal you had? What made this a great meal? The people that surrounded you at that meal? These are all things that should be asked in planning your outdoor living space. 

How often do we eat outside? What foods do we like to cook outside? What will we need to cook those great grilled foods and drink our favorite beverages outside? Who will we be entertaining? 1-10 guest or 3 five  or for the supernatural parents 5 or more kids. 

The Table and how it works for your space?

  The space you sit at is crucial, Finding  that favorite spot to sit at and how you fill when you are relaxing at that table is and the only way to unwind after a long week of work. There are essentially 4 types of counter tops or surfaces used for your table , I will give you pros and cons to both. 


Wood- Wood can bring out the cook in you. I sometimes think old oak and a bottle of wine make me cook more like an Italian chef. Wood can have it's advantages and made properly and covered or taken care of will last for years of enjoyment, Yes , taken care of.  We had a client that would carve there guest names in the oak table every time they entertained. I thought this was the greatest idea since , cooking with olive oil became healthy. So, don't rural out the new trends of rustic woods. 

Granite- Comes in all the exciting colors , don't choose black......Hot and hard to clean. Makes a great solid decorative top , widely used for outdoor kitchens. Cost can vary and is the number one choice for outdoor entertaining. 

Tile- Tile has come a long way. Remember when putting a back splash of tile with Dad was fun? Getting dad that cold beverage out of the fridge , you felt like a hero! Tile comes in many shapes and styles that now replicate wood or granite , natural stone. Tile is a great option for the budget minded. Cost can be less and still give the look you are wanting to accomplish. A little cleaning maintenance and sealant once in awhile and presto you have a great counter space. 


Metal/Iron- So why not? Cast irons and metals have been around since the dawn of time. What do I like about it? Not much , I will be honest, Used the correct way or mixed with some of the above options , I can tolerate. Metal and Iron can be cold and although it would help keep my favorite beverage cold , my arms on a cold evening is not pleasing. Use Iron to accent tables , highlight the colors of that favorite table top. 

So , what makes your food taste better in your outdoor space? What surrounds you and what makes you feel happy is what you sit behind. Entertain and let the ones you entertain , decide what makes your favorite table to sit behind. Be inspired to make your space a part of you and how you cook . 

My Families Outdoor Living Space

                                         My Families Outdoor Living Space 


Understanding the term Family is, "  OHANA" in the Hawaiian language. Understanding Outdoor living space is termed as , " A gathering of those closest in your life and those who live as Ohana in your life. " 

So what makes up a family outdoor living space? Is it that my husband loves to cook on the grill or my wife loves to sit by the fire with her favorite adult beverage? Nah,  It might be even that the kids love to be outside and or your wishing they would just go outside right! I know , I have two that I wish the same.

I know some of you are thinking , why does all this matter? It does to the designer like myself. I want to know how much time do you spend outside , what are your likes and dislikes? What would you say you and your friends do on most summer weekends? Outdoor living spaces are the connection to family and gatherings with friends. Make good choices and your space will be all the above. Below is a great example of what a space can do.

Example: I asked Bob and Jane Smith this question. There answer might surprise you. The client wanted to have a large outdoor living space and budget around 45-50,000. I asked Bob , " How often do you and your family sit on the deck outside." Bob replied," We never sit out on our deck as a family, I use it to cook outside and let the dog in and out." So, I looked at Bob and said, " Bob , I have to be honest and don't take this the wrong way, I want your business , I just don't think that creating this large space off your deck will make you go outside anymore then you currently do?"  He looked at me strange at first and said , " Well , I am really the only one in the family that does go outside, But, I want to change that! " That's the best answer! I told Bob , " Great , Now we can create a space that will want to make you and your family gather together on the weekends and not just a space where you occasionally let the dog in and out or grill out on weekends alone."

Understanding ways that can create family togetherness in an outdoor living space is key. Think of these choices to create an better family and a better outdoor living space for you and your family.

1.) Cooking area for family.
2.) Fire and seating for family weekend togetherness.
3.) Uniqueness to your space. Not just an ordinary patio.
4.) Structure for days when weather is not good but still can enjoy that weekend cookout.
5.) Everyone in the family should have there wants and needs for the space.

SO.....OHANA is family and family make up a great outdoor living space.

www.countrygardenslandscaping.com

PAVERS VS STAMP CONCRETE

I always get asked what is the biggest difference between pavers and stamp concrete? 

ANSWER: Concrete stamped is poured on a solid slab and pavers have individual joint lines with grout as a bonding agent.

Why is concrete less expensive then a paver patio? 













ANSWER: Concrete poured on site and stamped requires less labor and minimal preparation as with a paver patio. Pavers are individual stones laid on a rock base and 1in of sand for leveling. Pavers are warranted as concrete patios are not warranted products. Cracking in cold climates and unsettled slabs are inevitable and will happen over time. Pavers allow flex and control of freeze thaw in climates where cold temperatures are a factor.

Do pavers get grass between the joints? Concrete does not do that? 

ANSWER: Pavers that are not properly grouted or installed correctly will have a higher chance of getting weeds in those areas. However , a properly grouted patio and well maintained patio (sealing) will last forever. Concrete over time of weather related cracks build up breaks that will allow weeds to grow.

Can I repair a cracked concrete stamped patio to save money? 

ANSWER: Lets be honest if you wreck your car and total the front it will never drive the same correct? Just like the example a patio that is cracked can be patched  or bandage. However , it will never be fully repaired until you rip out and start over. Pavers are individual concrete pavers that can easily be removed and re-installed if need repair or need moved. Concrete slabs are a solid pc.

Why are concrete slabs or stamped patios tax accessed in most states and pavers are not? 

ANSWER: Concrete is a solid slab considered attached to your home where pavers are individual pavers that are considered not attached or tax accessed. Each state has different laws. Check with your accountant or state official for assessments.

Bottom line a product that is warranted or carries a lifetime warranty is a better investment and return on investment. Money well spent. 

Patio shapes and borders

Patio shapes and borders for an outdoor living space become a key element in the way a patio looks and the shape and feel it takes on after the main floor is layed.

3 key factors that we propose to our clients :   1) STYLE - style is best well described in the hardscape world as round , square or mix. Each of these shapes has and will make a patio's style become it's own. Round represents a loose style to the patio , warm in nature and allows corners to be highlighted with certain elements ( Fire features , water features .) Round also gives room for creating your own style and shape to highlight certain areas of the outdoor space.

SQUARE SHAPE - Is most often refered to the style as modern or contemporary. Square shapes of outdoor living space keep things confined as seperate rooms of a home or space. Square can create sharp features with borders and with fire and water features tucked in a visual from your main house. Squares can be cold and can create a cold look to an outdoor space , However borders stand out far more in a square patio.

MIX- Exactly as the name say's , A mix of round and square can create a happy medium to an outdoor space , creating sharp fire elements and round seatwalls to compliment the feel of a warm inviting space . We use mix elements in cases where the home has sharp corners and square peaks . By using a mix we can compliment the homes shape and give curves to make the space seem not so square. Borders can be highlighted in square areas of the patio as a curve to offset it's tight look.

BORDERS- How to decide a look? Easier than we make it . Color should always be complimented in earthy tones as in nature. Red and Grey for example , Work well if you have a ranch style home or red bricked home with white trim. Grey and Greyer, Work well for a modern look or contemporary look and splashed with a white or black. Tan & Grey, Work great for the traditional home and a everyday favorite as everything goes together!

Thanks for reading and I hope this helps with your decision making process for your new outdoor living space.

Visit us for ideas! www.countrygardenslandscaping.com

Planning Your Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor living has become a way to take the indoors , outside. As homeowners we are continently trying to make our home better. Whether it's a weekend paint project or fixing the leak on the faucet. However , planing your outdoor living space is like taking a perfect painting and tracing over it with paper , hoping it all makes sense when it's done? I know , who does that? You would be surprised. As a landscape designer , Clients present me with there own visions of there outdoor space on napkins , cardboard boxes, scrap book collages even business cards with ketchup smeared on the back. So ,outdoor projects can happen while your at your favorite eatery and the napkin scrams ideas. Planning is key and these topics should help with the planing for you and your landscape designer to accomplish your perfect outdoor space. Purpose of your Space -What are you planing to do with your space? Will this be a family gathering for party's or will this be your own private getaway from life's everyday hustle and bustle , Or is the space both ? Do , I plan on having an outdoor kitchen? Do , I need a bar or are we buying furniture? Privacy from my noisy neighbor? Location and Size - How many people in our family will be using this space? If , I am building a fire pit and have a seat wall and chairs, will it all fit? Making sure the patio or space is proportionate with your home is key. Too small or too big of a space can either over power the house or make it look like a small island in an open ocean. Materials - I tell clients , A great designed space can look awful if the wrong materials were used. Example : Log cabin home with a modern looking paver stone....It does not work , It's like ice cream and soup. Log cabin with natural stone or even flagstone would bring this space to life. So , materials have a lot to do with the look of your current home. Bells & Whistles -Ambiance , the key to a perfect setting. When asked how do you get the , "Wow Factor?" I say , it's all in the bells and whistles. Fire pit or fireplace? Built in -kitchen or cart grill , Water feature for sound? Custom designed metal structure in the wall with water? Lights under the seat wall , Pergola over the living space. These are all examples that make up the foot print of the perfect outdoor space. So , if your now planing your space on a napkin or a cardboard box and meeting with your landscape designer , Ask yourself these questions and plan properly and you will have a great space to live and extend your home from the inside to the outside. Happy planning!

Hardscape Planning

Outdoor living has become a way to take the indoors , outside. As homeowners we are continently trying to make our home better. Whether it's a weekend paint project or fixing the leak on the faucet. However , planing your outdoor living space is like taking a perfect painting and tracing over it with paper , hoping it all makes sense when it's done? I know , who does that? You would be surprised. As a landscape designer , Clients present me with there own visions of there outdoor space on napkins , cardboard boxes, scrap book collages even business cards with ketchup smeared on the back. So ,outdoor projects can happen while your at your favorite eatery and the napkin scrams ideas. Planning is key and these topics should help with the planing for you and your landscape designer to accomplish your perfect outdoor space. Purpose of your Space -What are you planing to do with your space? Will this be a family gathering for party's or will this be your own private getaway from life's everyday hustle and bustle , Or is the space both ? Do , I plan on having an outdoor kitchen? Do , I need a bar or are we buying furniture? Privacy from my noisy neighbor? Location and Size - How many people in our family will be using this space? If , I am building a fire pit and have a seat wall and chairs, will it all fit? Making sure the patio or space is proportionate with your home is key. Too small or too big of a space can either over power the house or make it look like a small island in an open ocean. Materials - I tell clients , A great designed space can look awful if the wrong materials were used. Example : Log cabin home with a modern looking paver stone....It does not work , It's like ice cream and soup. Log cabin with natural stone or even flagstone would bring this space to life. So , materials have a lot to do with the look of your current home. Bells & Whistles -Ambiance , the key to a perfect setting. When asked how do you get the , "Wow Factor?" I say , it's all in the bells and whistles. Fire pit or fireplace? Built in -kitchen or cart grill , Water feature for sound? Custom designed metal structure in the wall with water? Lights under the seat wall , Pergola over the living space. These are all examples that make up the foot print of the perfect outdoor space. So , if your now planing your space on a napkin or a cardboard box and meeting with your landscape designer , Ask yourself these questions and plan properly and you will have a great space to live and extend your home from the inside to the outside. Happy planning!