Architectural Landscape Design Blog

Adding Some “Sizzle” With Fireplaces and Fire Pits to Light Up Your Night

Does the thought of seeing dancing flames and hearing a fire “sizzle” on a cool night or day warm you up? You can build fires in your backyard in the spring, fall, and winter, and yes even on a cool summer night.

You can add an outdoor fireplace to an exterior wall of your house or place one on the patio. Or you can build a fire pit. You can take the chill off on a spring or fall night and welcome people to your home on a winter night by adding a fire element.

Our MN designers and landscape architects have a lot of experience in designing fireplaces and fire pits with many options. We can check on any local regulations to determine if there are any use restrictions where you live, such as clearance requirements of an open flame from combustible surfaces and structures.

We can build you a fireplace or fire pit from brick or natural stone that either uses wood or gas. A freestanding fire pit built above the ground serves as an informal gathering place with seating even when it’s not “fired up”. You can add a cover so when it’s not in use it functions as a table for entertaining. Or best yet add some “sizzle” to a night and invite family and friends over for marshmallows and s’mores. Or you can build it flush with your patio so you can cover it with a lid once the fire is out. Adding cooking grates for barbecuing is another plus.

Whatever your choice fireplaces and fire pits offer another focal point for your yard year around. They’ll increase the pleasure you’ll find in your yard and add to the value of your property. Welcome nightfall to your yard with a little “sizzle” contact us on 952-292-7710.

Landscaping Away Ugly Utility Areas

It’s unfortunate, but it’s true most houses have some ugly utility areas that would be better hidden from view. See if one of these appears in your yard. Taking a critical second look may present an opportunity to turn a place you would like to avoid looking at into an area that you may enjoy.

These areas run the gamut from garbage cans, dog runs, swimming pools, outdoor above ground spas, spa pumps, compost heaps, compost containers, tool sheds, air conditioning units, vents coming out from the house, utility meters, etc. All of these can strike a discordant note in an other wise harmonious, well designed, beautiful yard.

The type of barrier you use may be governed by some local requirements. Our licensed and educated landscape designers and architects can review what the specific requirements are where you live. What exactly you use can be determined by what you already have in your yard. They can also look at what the year around effect will be. For example, trees planted in front of dryer vents coming from the house can be subjected to a lot of winter stress.

The more you follow what you already have—-shrubs, fences, walls, hedges—the more unity you will have in your landscape. Plus, it won’t call attention to the addition of the barrier you put up, which might otherwise draw unwanted attention to it. Function over form, sometimes prevails, like a chain link fence for the dog, when every other fence is red cedar. But you might want to build a cedar fence in front of the chain link fence and front it with trees or add flower boxes to the fence to give the illusion of a smaller space or “outdoor” room. Or you could add some cedar trellis in front of the chain link fence so it visually blocks the area.

If you are interested in adding some landscape barriers in your landscape call our MN landscape company today on 952-292-7712.

Reading A Landscaping Contract in MN

Hiring labor in MN has a few unique rules around it that all homeowners should be aware of. There is nothing more frustrating that hiring someone to do a job, then paying them some money, only to find out that they will never finish it. You won’t have to worry about that if you learn how to read a contract correctly.

If you are facing a standard contract, and they uses too many words that are not clear, it could be that it was purposly written to allow for a back door. A back door is a way of crafing a contract ~ there are tricky phrases that thatcan be interpreted in more than one way, allowing the holder to choose whatever interpretation he wants at the time. Simple rule of thumb- if it is not clear, don’t sign it. Ask them to reword it, or provide your own. If they want the work bad enough, they will sign yours.

Make sure there is a provision for completion. Landscaping contractors have to deal with the weather, and will frequently lose days to rain or snow. Make sure that you are both clear with each other about how these lost days will be made up, and put an end date in the contract to make sure that they will not walk off when they have had enough.

With live plants, there really should be some kind of warranty in place that runs at least 12 months. Non viable or inappropriate any plantings often don’t survive the first year, so it is important to have some form of protection in case your plants succumb to the unseasonable weather.

If you have any doubts about your contractor, or feel there is room for error, then shop around and get 3 or 4 opinions before you commit to anyone. Testimonials are easy to come by, what you need to do is go see their work.

With Architectural Landscape Design from Minneapolis you won’t have to worry about what to expect. Unless you are happy, we are not happy, so we always leave our customers with 100% satisfaction. You can drive by our work, and call our references to see what kind of work we are capable of. You will be completely informed of what you are getting into. If you are ready to start a detailed landscaping project this year; then let us help you walk through it both before and after. As with all our clients, we are here for you – 952-292-7717

Giving Your Minneapolis Garden the Right Wardrobe

If you like to garden, then there are a few basics that every gardener needs to know; such as mulching. There are so many materials to use for mulch, and differing opinions about how to apply it, it is really best to speak with a professional Minneapolis Landscaper concerning your specific property.

When you mulch you are slow feeding your garden a balanced diet throughout the year. Not only does it help your plants thrive, but it will make it look nice, too. Mulch will break down over time and add a variety of nutrients to the soil, making the garden healthy and well fed. When applied properly, it will also help retain moisture, so that the plants won’t be so apt to dry out during hot spells. Mulch is that insulation factor that will also help control weeds, and maintain an even temperature all year, so the change of seasons won’t take too heavy a toll on the plants underneath it.

As for types of mulch, there are;

Pine straw- high in acid, this is best for dogwoods, rhododendrons, and azaleas

Pine park nuggets- rather large in size, these will help camouflage falling pedals. They also make a nice path that will supply a visual direction within a garden.

Shredded pine and hardwood mulch- This can be double, and triple shredded mulch. Since it has been processed, it doesn’t last as long, and tends to be reabsorbed back into the soil a little faster; however it makes a beautiful appearance when first applied.

Composted leaf mulch- easily the most common type, but it will break down much faster as well. Since it is so readily available every year, it is cost effective; it is appealing to many property owners.

Green mulch- Like leaf mulch, this is typically what is left over from a fallen tree. These fresh wood chips may produce a short term shortage of nitrogen in the soil, so it is a good idea to add about a half pound of high nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 sf of 4” thick mulch. This will help keep your garden strong.

The best application will use about 3-5” of mulch across the bed, because this will settle to about 2-4” over time. When it reaches approximately 1“thick, it will be time to replace it again. Remember, don’t load mulch up around the tree truck, this will only encourage root growth above the surface of the ground.

When you need a few answers about how to handle your garden this year, give Minneapolis’ Architectural Landscape Design a call to find out what will work best for you. 952-292-7717

Fire Pit Next To The Pool In Minnesota

Imagine a fire pit build right next to the pool. Not one that requires wood and produces ash, but a gas fed fire that burns clean with the flip of a switch. What better way to spend a cool summer evening in your Minnesota home. Reserved for the lucky few years ago, gas burning fire pits have become more popular with the advances in technology, that make outdoor living that much more convenient and affordable. Some things to consider when installing an outdoor fire pit should include the following;

How many people would you like it to accommodate? 1-4 is typical, as this will encourage simple, intimate conversations that create trust and safety. 5 or more people will require 360 degrees of campfire style pleasure for anyone coming or going.
What mood are you trying to create? Cozy and romantic, or a loud family gathering.
Is there a particular view that you want to capitalize on? If you do, then build a pit that is close to the ground, so you can take advantage of it. If not, then feel free to build in an elevated fire pit that will bring the fire up a bit, so the heat will radiate across the center of your body. A hearth, mantle or even a small pizza oven are also favorites in situations like this.
Will this space be impacted by wind? If so, then make sure you have a screen built in. Wind can carry ash and embers for miles, so make sure you are taking this consideration seriously. If wind is not a concern, maybe consider a water source in case your flames get a little too high.
Does smoke bother you? If it does, then opt for a gas burning fire pit. These are very popular these days, and very safe even for youngsters. Gas burning pits are beautiful, clean, efficient, and still provide all the warmth and beauty you would expect from any fire place.

Make sure you talk with an experienced landscaper who knows how to consider all the options. With Minneapolis’ Architectural Landscape Design you will be getting years of design installation experience, as well as the educated knowledge of licensed horticulturalists. If you are going to invest in your home this year, make sure you are working with professionals that can handle everything involved. 952-292-7717

Boulder Landscaping: Retaining Walls, Waterfalls, Cascading Pools

Landscaping with boulders opens up a world of possibilities. Using only natural stone you can transform a landscape or solve many problems in a yard. When you use natural stone boulders you are designing an accent or landscape feature that will be a life long thing.

We have all seen landscapes where it appears that boulders were just taken off a truck and placed in the yard. Our landscape designers and architects will develop a specific plan with your yard in mind. They will place the boulders in such a way that it can look like Mother Nature did it herself. Or if you’re looking for a dramatic look boulder can be used to create stunning designs and applications.

What are some of the uses? Natural looking boulder retaining walls are one of the most popular retaining walls. They provide a great backdrop for brightly colored perennials, annuals and trees. You can also create planting beds or pockets in the boulder wall or you can make it a boulder bluff and keep going up a hill.

One of the most dramatic uses for boulders in a yard is to create a waterfall, a series of waterfalls, or a series of cascading pools. The placement of the boulders and the color really dictate how natural it will look and will emphasize the different colors of stone. Another common use for boulders is the railroad timber wall replacement; when timber means timber and the wall is literally falling down! When it’s rotting and white gray in color its time to replace it. Boulders work great! Plus they don’t have any of the arsenic that railroad timbers have had that can leach into the soil and be unsafe.

Our MN landscape design group would love to come to your house and plan your landscaping with you. Boulders can add to any yard, call us today to talk about how we could introduce them in your yard, 952-292-7717.

Courtyard Spaces: A Great Way to Create A Microclimate and Make Use of Smaller Spaces

A courtyard garden is a truly an outdoor room. They have been in existence for centuries starting with the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. An outdoor room can be used as a focal point and gathering spot. It is space that is surrounded by colonnaded walls or fences.

Try imagining what one would look like if you built it. There would probably be a fountain in the central part of it. They help to offer outside air conditioning by lowering the temperature a few degrees. The walls would have trellises where climbing plants would grow surrounded by sweetly scented flowers. There would be flowers that are only night-blooming flowers. Big potted plants of citrus fruits like oranges and Meyers lemons would grow and be grouped together. The walls would be whitewashed and some pergola or arch would have seating under it to shade you from the midday sun.

You may not get all of those things today. But you can build a courtyard or enclosed space that offers much of the drama and elegance of courtyards of old. If you have a limited space that doesn’t seem to be doing much for you, contact our MN designers we will help you evaluate it.

It is actually an add-on in terms of space since a courtyard is basically a box without a lid. You are able to use it for storage of outside equipment and sports equipment. It also offers extended living space as it flows from your house. Because of the whitewashed walls and lack of windows you can create a microclimate that extends your growing season or simply gives you the opportunity to grow things. You can start a garden with big pots and grow dwarf stocks that have been created just for this use. One of the best things is the smaller the space the smaller the maintenance required.

If you have a space that isn’t being used that is small, narrow or just not being used call us today on 952-292-7717.

Patios A Hundred Different Ways

It used to be that a patio was a grey concrete slab with some folding metal chairs. Obviously, those days are gone! Today, there are hundreds of ways to design patios and countless materials to choose from to create a patio. You can use brick, concrete, brick pavers, cobblestones, stamped concrete, natural stone, marble, tile, and the list goes on.

How is the best way to choose what will work with your house, fences, driveway, and paths and fit in your neighborhood? Our landscape designers and architect can help you design the right patio or patios for your space. They’ll help you narrow down the choices of materials to one or a combination of materials that complements your yard’s design. Another benefit is they know the natural stones quarried in this area that is another option to consider.

The shape, style and placement of the patio you choose is very personal. It has to do with what your expected uses are of that space. A patio is typically no more than a well-drained area that is somewhere to sit and play. But when you add on your personal expectations it takes it to the next level.

You may like the look and feel of the very basic rectangular patio. That is always a good option for a small garden space. But geometric combinations of circles and rectangular spaces together are very dynamic. They can be used very effectively to create separate patio outdoor living rooms. We can easily design those to be on different levels to increase the visual interest of your yard also.

Another option is to consider adding built-in furniture. It’s a great time and space saver when you don’t have to take the time and plan at the end of each season how and where to store garden furniture. We can build stone bench seats and stone-slab coffee and dining tables that are available for year around use, summer dining and winter prep areas for cross country skiing. Call our MN landscape company today on 952-292-7717.

Night lighting: Light your Yard for the Pleasure of Increased Outdoor Entertaining and Family Time

A light above the door and a post lantern in the front yard with a floodlight in the back yard used define outdoor lighting. Now there is no limit to the types of lighting for yards. The best systems for lighting your house at night provide three things: safety, security, and ambiance or mood.

Take an inventory with these three requirements in mind. Our MN landscape designers and architects at Alternative Landscape Design can offer advice and show you how they have incorporated night lighting plans in multiple landscapes.

Safety is critical, look at both your hardscapes and yard. Whether you are entertaining or just stepping outside you need to be able to see well enough to avoid injuries. Start by walking from the street up to your front entry, walk around to the back of the yard. Try any stairs; look for blind spots, any uneven or broken walkways. Is there any place on your landscape where someone could run into an object or possibly due to the drop offs take a tumble? We can light up stairs, retaining walls, fences, patios, decks,and sidewalks by installing low-voltage fixtures such as path lights, or riser lights. This type of lighting also directs traffic keeping people in lit places increases safety.

A well lit yard discourages burglars and intruders increasing security. We can help install lighting that is well shielded so it doesn’t disturb your neighbors or you.

Mood lighting through up-lighting, down-lighting, and side-lighting can add a magical relaxing feel to your yard. It also increases the time you’re able to use your backyard and makes it safer.

Install points of light that provide security and safe passage in your yard while protecting the mood. If you are interested in night lighting don’t hesitate to call us today on 952-292-7717.

Cooking Outdoors: Outdoor Summer Kitchens Delight All!

Everybody loves food cooked outdoors, it tastes better! You can make a space in your backyard for cooking that’s efficient and makes cooking and entertaining outside a real pleasure!

It’s like buying a house; it’s location, location, and location. When planning an outdoor kitchen you get to pick the perfect location for you. Locating grills and workstations out of the traffic patterns and access routes to your house makes a big difference. You also get a chance to determine where you want the smoke to go, instead of into having to shut the windows to your house when grilling!

An outdoor kitchen can be as big and expansive as you want it or it can be right-sized for you. You can build a summer kitchen with outdoor cook tops, ovens, refrigerators, ice machines, bread baking ovens, fireplaces, fire pits, outdoor lighting, etc. There are endless options. Our landscape designers and architects delight in helping people plan their vision of an outdoor kitchen.

We can build patios, decks, gazebos, arbors, and pergolas to accompany your kitchen. The best outdoor kitchens have plenty of weatherproof storage as well as enough counter space to prepare and serve meals. Arranging your outside kitchen is a lot like arranging one indoors. If your family and friends like to cook together you may need some extra countertops to accommodate everyone cooking together outdoors. In addition, to weatherproof storage, we can help you look at the different options for weather resistant countertops like marble, concrete, metal or tile. We’ll also plan if you want it to build your countertop big enough to have a 15-inch plus overhang so you can use it for a buffet or a bar also. Working to insure there is the necessary gas and electric lines and that all zoning requirements are met is another benefit.

Your outdoor kitchen will become a favorite outside dining room, let our Minneapolis, St. Paul landscape design team help you call 952-292-7717 today