Small Landscaping: Big Ideas.

Not all of us have a vast area for the grand landscaping of our dreams. Some of us have small yards, patios, and porches. Some of us do not even have yards; we have balconies and rooftop decks. Whether you have a grand garden fit for a Queen or a small space, you can maximize your landscaping.

When you think landscaping, you think these huge yards with massive gardens and flower beds. We all know that ‘one yard’ in our hometowns that is absolutely jaw-dropping beautiful. Even when you define landscaping, improves the aesthetic appearance of (a piece of land) by changing its contours, adding ornamental features, or planting trees and shrubs, you can see it generally refers to land. Where does that leave us small landscapers with big ideas?

As landscapers, we have vast knowledge and handle multi-layered designs. However, we can also help with a small dream oasis to maximize your space. The elements of design are always used. This is any kind of design whether it be interior decorating or exterior landscaping. The principles of landscape design include the elements of unity, scale, balance, simplicity, variety, emphasis, and sequence as they apply to line, form, texture, and color.  These elements are interconnected.

Does all of that sound complicated? It really isn’t, we use these as a guide to make a beautiful harmonious garden space for you; no matter the size you are working with. Landscape design is a process of creating, developing, and implementing practical and pleasing outdoor spaces.

In the palette of landscaping, the designer is dealing with materials with different kinds of weathering and patina over time and living plants that are subject to a myriad of weather conditions, different soil types, insect and disease problems, and a vast host of other environmental and physical circumstances. The landscape designer must deal with the seasons and climate of their region. Plants that celebrate the seasons with the unfurling of leaves in spring, the aroma and visual delight of flowers, and the stark bareness of branches and the bleakness of the color palette in winter.

Landscape changes are never constant; in Virginia the four seasons we experience come and go. How the designer successfully combines plants and other material components in your design involves paying careful attention to detail, a thorough knowledge of practical horticulture, and a good understanding of the basic principles and elements of design. The designer faces the challenge of creating a plan that is pleasing to the senses and that visually, functionally and aesthetically improves the appearance of the landscape at an affordable cost, big or small.

In small spaces the elemental principles of design are never more present. It takes a very subtle touch to make sure the space is kept balanced and flowing.  If one element is out of balance it can throw the whole space and it’s harmony off. Using stone textures, mixed with the varying heights and textures of plants, adding a water feature, and integrating color will leave any small space the perfect escape. Don’t let a small space be a discouragement; design something wonderful with your landscapers today!!

Noise Problem? Deflect The Noise With Lanscaping.

Your garden should be an oasis; a peaceful and serene place you go to relax.  If your garden is plagued with a barrage of noise pollution such as the sounds of traffic, schools, train lines, airports and other public places that create large amounts of noise pollution a natural and beautiful way you can eliminate some of the noise is to use landscaping as a noise deflection.  There are many harmful effects that you may not associate with noise pollution. Studies have shown that being subjected to this kind of pollution can cause problems with your sleeping patterns, stress, hearing loss, hypertension and various other harmful complications.

You can reduce this unwanted noise, even by 50%, with a well-structured approach, because plants are one of the most effective treatments for noise pollution at absorbing those sounds. With a combination of distance, vegetation and structures you can create that serene relaxing oasis you have always dreamed of.

Below are a couple of diagrams that show how the multi-faceted natural approach can help you achieve your desired outdoor space.

Bigger is not always better: it is the job of your professional landscape company to help you attain the best and most cost-effective way to help sound proof your gardens.  Layering and using varied plant materials, textures, colors and shapes will help ensure you have a functional and effective noise deflecting space as well as aesthetically pleasing.

A well-built series of small berms between the source of the unwanted noise and your yard is one of the most cost-effective ways of alleviating or diminishing the bothersome sounds.  Randy Brannan, owner of Roanoke Landscapes here in the Roanoke, Virginia area, says the berms should have gradual slopes to them; this helps to prevent erosion. They are beautiful ways of eliminating a nuisance, adding a tranquil, easy-going space and adds value to your home.

Adding a water feature such as a waterfall, a bubbling fountain or a stream is also a way to reduce the noise along with the well-structured noise deflecting landscape.  This will add a tranquil element to your garden.  The fountains create a ‘white noise’ that is soothing to the ears and easy on the eyes. You can have a water feature that is adjustable; one that creates a lot of noise and large splashes at the most bothersome time of the day for the outside noise intrusion (like rush hour traffic times) and when the outside noise levels are lower you can adjust it to a more gentle and placid sound.

Creating and regulating effective sound control requires the professionally trained designers.  These professionals are versed in every aspect and nuance of the techniques required for successful noise deflection. Always discuss your specific issues with your designer in order to attain the most effective solution for your noise problem.

One more helpful tip: Be aware that more modern, hard and sleek designs can exacerbate the audibility of the noise problems, especially in more urban and city areas.

Call us today to design your new garden space free of those pesky outside sounds.