Architectural Landscape Design Blog

Archive for the ‘Pools and Spas’ Category

Water Management & Landscape Design for Minneapolis

Monday, July 18th, 2011

Water can be both a blessing and a curse depending on what time of year it is. In the winter it freezes and causes all kinds of hazards and extra work to move it out of the way; and in summer it can flood and undermine an entire community. However, if your property was properly designed, with contemporary water management systems in place, water can be your well spring of life all year long.

Water management systems can be anything from a sump pump, to a sophisticated waterfall that will channel water to an elaborate garden. Instead of tolerating water until it dries up, consider using it by creating a garden that will grow into a lifetime of pleasures, or produce an abundant crop of whatever greenery you like.

The key to water management is to grab the water at the water table underground. By placing pumps and pipes here, you will be able to control the water before it reaches the surface and gets out of control. This is done by excavating the surface and planting a carefully engineered design of PVC pipes and pumps so that the water can be maneuvered in whatever direction desired. When the water table rises, it hits this underground system, and comes to the surface the way you planned it, not just pooling at whatever low spot it can find.

By managing water at its source, you can transform your yard into the paradise you always wanted it to be. Let Architectural Landscape Design show you how it’s done. 952-292-7717

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Minneapolis Patios Conjure Up Hundreds Of Ideas

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

For most, a patio is a flat, paved area behind the house that keeps mud from forming. For Minnesotans, it is much, much more. The patio has evolved into a social gathering point that allows some of our greatest thoughts to transpire. For some, it is a safe haven for the little ones while mom is busy with something else. For others, it is their own private kitchen, where they can change hats at the end of the day.

To start with, the patio design in Minneapolis must be something that fits the homeowner’s life style, and brings out the best in your Minneapolis landscaping.  Next, it should reflect the style and dimension of the people using it. For instance, you would never put tiers of potted plants there is you had grandkids playing kickball there every time they came over. Likewise, you wouldn’t put an outdoor kitchen if you hate to cook.

Finding your own personal space hiding within the confines of your property lines is something that takes real skill and talent; not to mention experience. To actually build this dream come true is something even more spectacular, unless you work with Architectural Landscape Design. We are capable of designing and building all the structural and aesthetic portions of any outdoor space, and transform it into the one you always wanted. Once we come together on a vision, our professional team will go to work to present you with a blueprint that will help this dream become a reality.

We are able to build in stages, so that you can move at a comfortable pace until you are completely satisfied with this added space within your home.Just because it is outside, doesn’t mean it has to stay there. We can make this part of your home the most special place on the lot. Contact us to find out more about how to create your perfect patio. 952-292-7717

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Minnesota Water Landscapes Provide Places for Peace and Drama

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011

Water is considered a purifier in most religions. In literature it is often used as a symbol of purification. Examples include the critical importance of a river in the drowning of Opehlia in “Hamlet”. In philosophy the Ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles held that water is one of the four classical elements along with earth, fire, and air. It renews and refreshes. It’s also clear that people like having water features in their yards as they have grown in popularity.

Water can also provide background sounds that obscure harsh noises caused by foot or car traffic in your neighborhood. The calming and tranquil properties of water offer a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. Water attracts wildlife to a garden because it offers sustenance. You may be able to bird watch and see local and migratory birds and be treated to their different songs.

Our Minneapolis Water Landscape designers can help you develop a custom water feature that we will design, build, and help you maintain. When it comes to outdoor waterscaping there are many to choose from with varying sizes and styles suited for your property.

We can work with you to combine many of these water features like waterfalls over retaining walls that fall into ponds and continue as streams around the yard or complement a spa or pool area. Waterfalls and ponds bring drama and create focal points in the yard. Some of the water features we can create for you include:

Rock ponds for planting and reflections
Reflecting pools-Formal and informal
Raised pools joined by waterfalls
Waterfalls
Streams
Rock bubblers-where the water bubbles out of rock
River beds
Multi-terraces waterfalls
Fountains
Koi Ponds

Call us today at 952-292-7717 for a consultation and estimate on adding a water feature to create a peaceful haven in your backyard or front yard.

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Good Bones Build Healthy Gardens | Minneapolis and St Paul metro

Sunday, May 1st, 2011

Good “bones” in the garden means healthy structures for the rest of a garden to grow off. The term “bones” refers to something architectural that defines the structure of a garden.

There are two kinds of garden bones; they are constructed and natural. The constructed are the architectural elements, that include stone or retaining walls, fences, gazebos, arbors, swimming pools, pathways, arbors, obelisk, sundials, bird baths, gates, statuary, etc.  Natural architecture includes trees, shrubs, woody plants, natural stone outcroppings, or a pond. A lot of times it is an evergreen tree or a shrub. A woody plant in order to make an impact should be minimally thirty-six inches. Ornamental trees with weeping forms, ornamental bark, or berries are also good choices.

Start by imagining the garden in the winter what you see at that time are the bones of the garden. They are what will support the spring and summer plants, and serve as a backdrop. Take a picture so you have it to work with as you add natural and constructed elements. Architectural Landscape Design can also create a design plant that shows your house, incorporates the existing “bones” and adds whatever architectural structures you may want, such as pathways, obelisks, gates, fences, retaining walls, privacy fences. Even regarding an area to make it possible to use. They have the experience, equipment, designers and crews.

The key to a successful landscape design isn’t the just the flowers, trees, and shrubs that draw your eye. It is the structure that you see on that winter day in the dead of winter that provides the organization of the yard. The constructed, architectural elements really add the definition to outdoor spaces. Architectural Landscape Design can design and build these elements that include pools, patios, gazebos and walkways to name a few. Their trained architects and garden designers can help to build a well-designed garden that provides support and interest year around. They will work with you to create a great plan that also embraces the architecture of your house. Serving the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro and surrounding communities, call 952-292-7717.

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Landscaping is about Making Changes and Choices

Monday, April 18th, 2011

Almost every homeowner knows one change leads to another, whether it’s an inside or outside change. When it comes to landscaping if you buy a new shrub that can mean moving the perennial bed that worked for the last ten years.  The loss of a tree can change a garden from shade to sun. Install a new swimming pool and a privacy fence suddenly becomes necessary.

As your garden and yard ages opportunities for development and reinvention occur. But how do you determine what to do, what’s really needed. If you want some more outdoor seating should it be a brick patio or a wood deck? If you want to enjoy some dappled shade should you plant a locust or a maple? What about that steep slope in your lawn that continues to be a safety risk to mow? Should you put in steps, retaining walls, or change the grade?

Landscaping is about making changes and choices regarding all of the areas of your property: the front lawn and entrance to your home, the private places in the backyard, and the functional areas, your driveway and the sides of the house. It’s important to make sure that all the features of your property are functional and work well meeting your personal needs.

The first big planning decision is determining the need for hard surfaces (hardscapes) and green space. Make sure to allow enough patio areas for comfortable use. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least two-thirds of your property for planting and lawn. Planting the shrub can be done effectively with hard work and a good shovel. The leap from moving perennial beds to changing land slopes and installing swimming pools can be accomplished easiest with a landscape designer. Call the landscape design and horticulturists at Architectural Landscape Design in Minneapolis. They have the necessary equipment, knowledge and experience to help you. If you are considering making some landscaping choices and changes call 952-292-7717. Architectural Landscape Design works in the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro and the surrounding communities. Ask for the free one-hour no obligation meeting to discuss your landscape changes and choices at your location.

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Extend your Outdoor Seasons – Install a Fire Pit or Fireplace | Serving the Minneapolis St Paul MN Area

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are being used year around in Minnesota. You can use them winter through spring as a stand-alone yard fixture, or install them as part of your surrounding landscape, by creating an outdoor patio design. Or extend your outdoor entertainment center by adding them as part of a pool, spa, or outdoor kitchen design. The outdoor fire pit and fireplace design experts from Architectural Landscape Design Minnesota offer all the services you need to create and install a fire pit or fireplace for all seasons.

As  spring arrives we wait for the snow to melt and things to green up. On chilly days people love getting a jump-start by sitting outside by a warm fire, in the summer fires can also be a boon as they help keep the nights bug free!

It goes without saying fires in the fall are one of the most celebrated of yard events, family and friends together — roasting marshmallows, hotdogs and s’mores is a time-honored tradition.

Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireside Fireplaces are being used and installed year around in the Minneapolis & St Paul Minnesota Metro

There is an upsurge in people having winter fires. They use their fire pits or fireplaces separately or with their spas, and saunas. Serious and amateur star watchers are also having outdoor fires. People love being out on a wintry nights because they offer the best star gazing due to clear skies and weather conditions.

Celebrating the Winter Solstice is also an increasingly popular outdoor celebration in Minnesota. Many people are having outdoor parties or potlucks to mark the solstice by using their fire pits and fireplaces. The Winter Solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years. This event celebrates the time when the night is the longest and the day is the shortest. The dark triumphs over light, but briefly. Fire is known as a symbol of hope and light.

Our Minnesota landscape design company can include in the planning the drainage needed and the hardscapes necessary for your fire pit or fireplace so you can access it year around. We’ll consider and recommend the natural stone, pavers, or concrete that works with your outside space.  Our landscaping and design teams works the Twin Cities Meto asnd welcome the idea of working with you to make sure the home fires burn brightly at your house year around, give us a call  952-292-7717.

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Add a Pool or Spa with Minnesota’s Architectural Landscape Design!

Friday, February 25th, 2011

A stand-alone swimming pool, a spa, or a combination pool/ spa can be a wonderful addition to your outside living space. Who isn’t looking for spaces to exercise, entertain and relax?

Planning a swimming pool can be a simple or complex project. Take the easy route by tapping into the years of installing pools and spas that our Minneapolis Pool and Spa Installation experts offers as we have all the design and build resources in one company.

We will get you into your own pool or spa quickly as we have an experienced staff that will design and install the pools after consulting with you to answer any of the questions you may have. Whether you are interested in a stand-alone pool, an infinity pool, or your interests range to a lagoon style cascading rock pool with waterfalls and a spa we are excited to work with you. We can design your MN pool to be the focal point for your yard, or we can install “outside living rooms”. We know the hardscapes available so we can install your pool on one level using concrete, natural stone, and interlocking pavers for the pool deck. Or we can separate your “outside living room” by designing and installing multiple levels or tiers. We can define them by using retaining walls, boulder outcroppings, walkways, and stairways. In addition to your pool “room” we can explore adding these additional “rooms”: dining, kitchen, gazebo, zip line, sports court, camping, entertaining, fireplace, and firepit rooms. We’ll also build pool structures like gazebos, pergolas, and cabanas if you’d like.

Working with you, we can make your pool whatever you want it to be, and that’s the excitement. We have the experience to make it a simple project for you, and the access to and knowledge about all of the different pool and hardscape materials available. Because we are full service, we cut unnecessary time spent coordinating or waiting for various vendors. We also handle communications with your water, gas, and electric utilities. Architectural Landscape Design works in the Minneapolis, St Paul and the expanded metro area. Let us work with you!!!

We look forward to discussing water elements with you. Take the easy route;  call us today on 952-292-7717 for a free consultation!!!

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