Using Pinterest to Inspire Your Landscaping

If you are ready to create your landscape design in North Florida, we are ready to help!  Perhaps you have moved into a new home and the landscaping is old or unhealthy, or you would like to use landscaping for privacy.  Or maybe you want to add value and curb appeal to your home, or would like to enjoy the health benefits of lush landscapes and trees.  Whatever your reason, you can design, install, and maintain the most beautiful lawn and landscape design you can imagine.

But what if you are not able to imagine exactly what your dream landscape design looks like?  Is this your first home or are you not familiar with the needs and conditions of Florida landscaping?  Trust our expertise but begin gathering ideas for what you like - this is where an online source like Pinterest truly comes in handy!

We suggest you start a Pinterest account if you have not already done so.  This is easily done on computer or phone, using an email address.  You will choose interests such as Landscape Design, Florida Landscape Design, Backyard Landscaping, Front Yard Landscaping, or Beach Landscape Design.  From there the site will give you many options to follow and you can begin to collect, known as "pinning" images to "boards" you create, and in so doing you make a database of the styles and types of landscaping you find the most attractive.

You can follow boards that feature landscape design ideas such as this one:

North Florida Landscape Design Ideas and Plans for Palm Coast, St. Augustine, and Ormond Beach

When you are ready to meet with us to draw up your new landscape plans, you will have an arsenal of photos that express exactly what you are looking for.  

We think you will enjoy the process and Pinterest makes it so easy to express your individual taste and style.  You might also follow Stoughton & Duran Pinterest for custom home design, landscaping, and more.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Form and Function: Landscaping for Privacy in Florida

Landscaping for privacy is one of the top reasons why a Florida landscape designer is called upon and we encourage the use of natural plantings to provide your own sanctuary. Landscaped privacy areas often look so much better than a fence, and often work better to distract from what you are hiding as opposed to drawing attention.



Reasons why you may need landscaping for privacy at your Florida home or business:

A small home site - Although easier to maintain, small yards bring your neighbors that much closer.

Noise reduction - If you live near a busy public area or road, this may be important to you.

An unattractive fence that borders your property - Double your privacy with a better looking screen of plantings.

Provide clear separation between yards - Property lines are not always obvious and landscaping can clarify borders.



Once your landscaping for privacy is planted, regular landscape maintenance is of the utmost importance to keep it doing its intended job.  Proper irrigation and fertilization is typically mandatory, and you also utilize the concepts of Florida friendly, waterwise, xeriscaped, and native landscape designs.  

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

The Four Seasons of Landscaping

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" -Ecclesiastes 3:1

Spring - In this season we begin to see the rebirth of certain plants, flowers, and trees in the St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Ormond Beach areas. We may have a few minor frosts but nothing that discourages the citrus blossoms, amaryllis (pictured), azaleas, lilies, and crape myrtles that emerge during our Florida spring. Faded plants are often switched out for fresh varieties and color comes back to our yards with aplomb.  

Summer - As the heat descends upon northeast Florida, the importance of proper watering becomes paramount. Improperly timed and zoned sprinkler systems can be devastating for your grass and landscaping. Having a licensed and insured professional check, set, and service your irrigation will protect you from burned out lawns and possibly save you money on your water bill.

Fall - Because our weather remains very warm during the "second spring" of Florida and hurricane tinged storms can bring an abundance of rain, our lawns are simply glowing with green life and growing so quickly you can almost see the blades expanding upward. Many of us are relieved to have hired a professional lawn maintenance company to keep our lawns under control throughout the summer heat and into the exuberant fall - the rest of us are wishing we did!

Winter - In Florida this is when we enjoy spending cozy family and social times on our patio, as we sit in front of a warm, softly burning fire pit. With days often mild and glorious in the midday sun, hardscaped areas within the landscape become very inviting. During the Florida winter you may find yourself ready to plan a winding garden path, a trickling waterfall, or an al fresco dining area within the beauty and sanctuary of trees.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

A Look at Homeowner Landscape Design Data Reports

The new research reported by the 2017 U.S. Houzz Landscape Trends Study was on target for our industry and we would like to present some highlights here.  

The results of the research survey come from approximately 1000 American homeowners who have completed outdoor projects in the last year, who are currently in the middle of a landscaping project, or who plan to do it soon.  These landscape designs are upgrades or updates of the current homeowner's exterior spaces, with the typical goal to make the space their own.

How much do people spend? The majority of the respondents (23 percent) spent between $1000-$5000.  Complete overhauls or major luxury landscaping were not a rare occurrence: 15 percent of the projects were over $50,000 in budget. Bottom line: Spending money on improving landscaping is considered worth the expense.

Where are the landscape projects? We know that landscaping is known to increase curb appeal exponentially, yet 69 percent of the landscaping jobs were completed in the backyard of the home.  44 percent were the front yard, and 32 percent were side yards. (Keep in mind some projects were in multiple locations.) Bottom line: We care the most about our living and entertaining spaces.

What needs are being addressed with landscaping? The number one issues that landscape design and installation were focused on were "drainage" and/or "poor use of space".  This was followed by "lack of privacy".  If curb appeal were the main goal of the landscaping work, the most important feature was flower beds/borders by a wide margin. Bottom line: Landscaping equals functionality.

How long does the project take?  It is important to remember that unforeseen problems such as extreme weather (especially in Florida) can upset project schedules. But these were the averages for three different levels of landscaping work:

Minor project: 3 months of planning/3 months of implementation
Major project: 5 months of planning/4 months of implementation
Complete overhaul: 6 months of planning/6 months of implementation

What plants are the most popular? For the past several years of studying these statistics, the top answer to this question is "low-maintenance", followed by "flowering". (Pictured at top is the stunning camellia variety, "Pink Perfection", which grows well in North Florida landscape designs.) Bottom line: Combine color with waterwise hardiness.

Ultimately, 73 percent of landscape projects are completed by a professional landscaper such as GreenFlex Landscaping.  Although, of those homeowners who are currently in the planning stage of their landscape job, only 63 percent plan to hire a professional.  

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

   

Flower of September: Blanketflower Covers the Dunes with Wheels of Fire

We have selected the blanketflower, Gaillardia, as our Flower of September. You will see it blooming everywhere in North Florida, especially the colorful dunes of our beaches, well into the fall months. This native wildflower is also called firewheel, Indian blanket, Indian blanketflower, or sundance.

There is an abundance of subspecies of this flower but the one that grows the best in Flagler Beach, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Daytona, and Ormond is Gaillardia pulchella.   This flower grows either as a short-lived perennial, annual flowering plant, or sometimes year round.  Blanketflower is a relative of the sunflower family.

Gaillardia pulchella is a hardy plant that will grow in almost any soil but it tends to appreciate soil that is sandy and well-drained. It thrives in our region in summer and fall because of its high drought tolerance and predilection for a dry, hot climate and full sun. It spreads beautifully (like a blanket) and you will see expansive patches of its bright fiery colors.

Blanketflower is loved by honeybees, butterflies, and caterpillars - in fact some species of caterpillar will eat only Gaillardia.  Blanketflower produces plentiful seeds for replanting and self-seeding, and the seed heads are very popular with wild birds.  If deer are damaging your landscaping, you will be pleased to note that blanketflower is deer-resistant!

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Florida Landscape Design in Agricultural Zone Nine

To say that Northeast Florida has a unique climate that creates landscaping challenges would be a bit of an understatement.  Our lovely little bit of USDA Zone 9 is quite possibly one of the most challenging and unusual climates in the world.  Just the fact that this area has wavered for decades back and forth between Zones 9a and 9b shows you that even the agricultural experts have a hard time keeping up with it.  GreenFlex Landscaping will design, install, and maintain your dream landscaping using our knowledge and experience in this zone.

You may think that dealing with the Florida heat is the challenge for landscaping in our area, but in actuality dealing with the occasional and erratic cold of our brief winter is the factor that can change an easygoing landscaping project into a complex plan of science, nature, and art.  A professional landscaper knows what you are dealing with, and even modifies your landscape design based on how close your property is to the ocean as well. 

In a nutshell the approach to landscaping in North Florida is a well thought out plantings that are tolerant to both the regular extreme heat of summer, but also the extreme cold as we experience freezes a few nights each year.  Delicate and tropical plants can be placed in protected spots and a comprehensive landscape design plan will be provided before any work is done.  We live in a part of the country that is unlike any other, and part of it is our plants, trees, and flowers.

Do not be daunted by the customized needs of this area's climate, soil, and rainfall (which ranges from extreme droughts to overabundant floods).

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Fall is Here and We Have Landscape Design in Mind

Fall in North Florida means an end to the dog days of summer and an excitement for the beginning of the holiday season.  Although we don't have a large amount of deciduous trees changing color, you can still spot a few mixed in with our citrus, palm trees, and live oaks.  Landscape design considerations evolve a bit for autumn, and may include:

Adding bursts of color with temporary seasonal elements to landscaping and outdoor living areas such as chrysanthemums. Read more about this unique flower here: 

http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2014/11/flower-of-november-chrysanthemum-for.html

Cooler weather signals the time to enjoy a fire pit or fire bowls. Get ideas for how to add them and keep in mind we can integrate a fire pit or beautifully placed fire bowls to accent your overall landscape design:                    
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2010/12/fire-pits-add-cozy-heat-to-florida.html

Is now going to be the year you finally update or upgrade your property's landscaping?  Begin collecting inspiration for landscaping makeover now with these suggestions, so you can share your vision when it's time to get a free estimate:

http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-will-you-design-your-landscaping.html

Many pool owners are not using their pools over the colder months of the year.  So it is a great time to plan and install "poolscaping".  Just imagine your enjoyment next summer of new hardscaping and landscaping installed now while no one is using that area of the home: 

http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2015/09/poolscaping-for-your-florida-landscape.html

Our hurricane season is nearing its official end on November 30th.  Have you noticed that some of your landscaping may pose problems in a strong storm?  

http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2014/05/hurricane-preparedness-includes-your.html 

Fall is a great time to refresh beds of mulch throughout your landscape design.  There are many reasons why proper mulching is important if you want beautiful and thriving landscaping, which is known to be the key to curb appeal and first impressions:

http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2013/09/mulch-is-must-in-landscaping.html

Our clocks will "fall back" at the end of October for Daylight Savings Time.  The days of autumn and winter also have less hours of sun naturally as our planet rotates.  Lighten up the darker months of the year with low watt, elegantly placed landscape lighting:

http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/accent-lighting-for-your-florida.html

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

"Poolscaping" for Your Florida Landscape Design

What feature takes a basic pool and makes it extraordinary? Landscaping around a pool design, or "poolscaping", is the ingredient that creates the essence of a backyard oasis. Tropical grottoes, elegant pool decks, and modern outdoor living are all achieved with the perfect landscape design. If your pool is lacking beauty or character, considered a free consultation with a landscaper to add the wow factor.

Poolscaping will often incorporate the following:

Privacy: Plants, hedges, and bushes create a natural screen while adding a beautiful transition to other areas of the property. Landscaping can be used as a visual screen, while also blocking unwanted noise.

Plants in Pots: Plants in pots are portable, create unity in the design, and clustered together give a natural feel. They will need to be watered regularly, as potted plants dry out quickly in sun and warm air.

Planters: These are permanently placed structures within the pool design that will contain plants. Planters can be elevated or can be flat and open, symmetrically or asymmetrically placed in the overall plan.

Lighting: Outdoor lights are for design beauty as well as functionality, creating a safe well-lit space at night. Low voltage lights of all styles and sizes extend the enjoyment hours of your poolscape.

We recommend and install pool landscaping plants such as evergreen trees and shrubs, long blooming flowers, and ornamental grasses. It is best to avoid plants in the pool design that drop a lot of debris such as fruit trees or others that lose leaves.  Poolscaping is the finishing touch of your Florida dream home.

 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of February: The Eye Catching Bougainvillea

Even in the Sunshine State, there are minimal flowers blooming in the winter month of February.  But one eye catcher can remain evergreen and colorful: the bougainvillea, a vine like shrub that adds a taste of the tropics to any landscape design in Flagler, St. Johns, or Volusia Counties.

Establishing a bougainvillea in the proper soil with the proper light and drainage is the difficult part, and many who love the plant depend upon the expertise of a professional landscaper to install and maintain it to its ultimate beauty.  Colors include whites, purples, reds, yellows, oranges, and pinks.

The flower of the bougainvillea is actually a tiny white one in the center, but the surrounding three leaves of color are the real show stoppers.  This plant, which can grow in tree, vine, or bush form, is native to South America.  Beware of one thing about this beauty: it has thorns!

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Flower of December: The Christmas Cactus Lives Up To Its Name

If you live in North Florida, you will notice that the plants called "Christmas Cactus" truly do bloom around Christmastime here, if left to their own devices.  It is sign of the season in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, or St. Augustine to see the plant Schlumbergera begin to bud and flower in its unique and beautiful way in December.

Christmas Cactus is native to the coastal mountains of Brazil and grows there on trees and rocks as an epiphyte, or air plant.  This flowering succulent plant enjoys humidity and shade, making it a perfect plant for our North Florida homes and patios, and slightly different than its desert relatives who enjoy sun and dry conditions.  

In its native Brazil, Christmas Cactus blooms in May.  All around the world, as a houseplant it has been very popular and it can live for a long time, being passed down through generations.  For many areas of the United States, careful steps are taken to make the plant bloom during the holiday season.  That is not the case here, as it does not demand much care and is perfectly suited to our climate.

Florida landscape design is very customized and our clients have found that the assistance of a professional landscaping company leads to success in planning, installation, and ongoing maintenance of a well landscaped home or commercial property. 

If you enjoyed this post, please feel free to read about other Florida winter plants of interest:

Amaryllis:
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-truth-about-amaryllis-flowers.html

Poinsettia:
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2013/12/flower-of-holy-night-all-about.html

Florida Holly:
http://floridalandscapedesign.blogspot.com/2011/12/florida-holly-is-not-so-festive-after.html

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Managing a Landscape to Look its Absolute Best

What can you expect when a landscaper maintains your commercial or residential landscaping?  Here is a general idea of the elements of good landscape management by a professional, experienced company:

1) Shrubs will be pruned and trimmed approximately six times per year.  We will use proper horticultural techniques so that the integrity of the plant is maintained.

2) Any dead, diseased parts of plants will be removed as well as any plant material obstructing walkways or roadways.  Clippings and cuttings will be removed from the site.

3) Small trees (up to 10 feet in height) will be trimmed and shaped to their optimal condition approximately six times per year and checked for proper growth.

4) Medium trees (10-16 feet in height) will be trimmed to maintain clear trunks from ground to lower branches, giving them a clean look and healthy growing condition.

5) If necessary, chemical treatment will be used on plants with infestations of pests or disease.  This will be done very carefully and paying attention to whether the chemicals are working.

6) Thorough weeding will occur, especially in open areas of plant beds.  The soil in these beds will be tested once per year to evaluate pH and nutrient content.

7) Fertilization of shrubs and ground cover will be done twice a year, typically in Spring and Fall.  The fertilizer used will be based on soil testing evaluations.

8) Trees will be fertilized based on size using a balanced formula, and though usually done once a year the initial application will usually be in the spring.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Sturdy Pavers Create Smooth Hardscape Design

If pavers are installed properly, they are more durable and low maintenance than just about any other hardscape material.  Pavers are used to build smooth surfaces for patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, fire pits, and even retaining walls and other landscape design features.

Pavers give a property a much more upscale look than typical concrete and elevate the entire landscape design in the process.  To have a successful installation of pavers, you must have a perfectly flat prepared area to lay them and they must be then compacted and the cracks filled so that weeds cannot grow between them.

For pavers in Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, or St. Augustine, we use a variety of stone types including bluestone, fieldstone, flagstone, or slate.  Each one has its own characteristics and cost - we are happy to provide all the information you may need to make your decision when choosing which pavers to have installed.

We recommend that you look around for ideas in landscaping magazines or on the internet on sites like Pinterest or Houzz, so that we can design and build something that fits your style as well as your budget.  Pavers are incredibly strong and durable and if installed properly, they will be very low maintenance as well as attractive.

If you would like to find out more about having pavers as part of your property's landscape design in Palm Coast, St. Augustine, or Ormond Beach contact a landscaper for more information or we will gladly answer any additional questions you may have.  

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚





   

Mulch is a Must in Landscaping

One component of landscaping installation you can be assured will not be ignored by a professional landscaper is the necessity of mulch, initially applied and continuously maintained, for your garden beds.  Mulch is the material, usually organic, that covers the soil around your plants.  In nature, mulch is created by leaves and other decomposing matter and it is part of what encourages the growth of plants in both wild and structured landscape plans.

The basic purposes of mulch are to conserve moisture, improve the soil, discourage weed growth, and enhance visual harmony and beauty.  The next time you notice a property with an especially attractive landscape design, look a little bit closer and you will see how important the use of mulch is when it comes to an appealing flow to the design.  And of course, any thriving and healthy landscape will have proper mulching to thank for it.  There are even brightly dyed mulches that add a dose of color to entice the eye.    

Different mulch affects the soil in different ways and a professional landscaping company will be familiar with the prime choices of mulch for your particular landscape design.  Bark chips, shredded mulch, wood chips, and wood chip mulch are some examples of what may be used locally and these materials vary in appearance, cost, availability, and effect on the soil underneath.  Rocks, crushed stone, and gravel are also considered a material for the process of mulching, with its own special accommodations.

Mulch is applied as deep as six inches to keep soil temperature and moisture at a stable level.  Application of mulch decreases evaporation so plants get properly watered, and blocks sunlight so that weeds cannot sprout.  Mulch slowly decomposes into the soil, which is why it needs to be replaced periodically. 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚   

    

The Official Flora of Florida

This year, Florida celebrates 500 years since Ponce de Leon first landed upon our shores.  He proclaimed the peninsula (which he believed was an island) would be known as Florida, the "flowery land".  This arrival by a European explorer occurred in the vicinity of St. Augustine and you might like to imagine the flowers, plants, and trees that were most likely present.

Landscaping in this area is full of tropical and semi-tropical blossoms and a variety of palm trees, among so many other varieties of unique flora.  Ponce de Leon's landing occurred during the Easter season, also known as Pascua Florida, the Feast of Flowers.

When it came time to create an official state seal in 1868, it is not surprising that hibiscus flowers being scattered by a Seminole woman were the focal point of the image chosen to symbolize Florida.  Because of the times, a cocoa tree was also used to represent Florida agriculture.

Many years later the cocoa tree was replaced in the seal with the native sabal palm tree, which is now also the designated state tree of Florida.  The state flag of Florida is comprised of the seal superimposed over a red St. Andrew's cross on a white background.

What other flowers have come to stand for our beautiful land of blooms?  The official state flower since 1909 is not hard to guess: no other flower could symbolize the Sunshine State as perfectly as the lovely, fragrant orange blossom.

And there is an official state wildflower as well: selected and announced just recently in 1991, Coreopisis can be seen thriving along roadsides as part of highway beautification programs.  This native wildflower is usually bright yellow but can be other colors such as pink.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Get inspired by hardscaping design

Brick is classic, stone is elegant, pavers are modern...no matter your preferred style of hardscaping, the most important fact to remember is that well maintained hardscapes are inviting and contribute major curb appeal to your property. If gravel areas are bare in patches, pavers are cracked, or weeds have crept into spots they should not have, then you might be wise to hire a professional landscaper to remedy the situation.  Start with hardscaping upgrades:  the result will be a beautiful design and the impression of a home that is immaculately maintained.

Looking for ideas?  What moves you?  It is always advisable to choose what you like and let your landscaping company know ahead of time.  Here are some places to start:

Do a "hardscaping" search on Pinterest.

Take a gander at Pinterest boards such as Landscape Inspiration - you will notice that the most popular landscape designs pretty much always involve some type of hardscaping.

Read and enjoy these amazing, photo-rich articles on Houzz that pertain to hardscape design.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Well Maintained Landscaping for Safety and Curb Appeal

Thinking about trimming those palm trees yourself?  Keep in mind, the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that unless you have the professional skill and experience to do so, you should not perform household tasks that require you to climb anything higher than a six foot ladder.  Reportedly, ladder injuries have become a major factor in emergency room visits.

There are so many reasons why you should consider the services of a landscaper to maintain the grounds of your home or business.  Did you know that untrimmed bushes and shrubs could give coverage to a burglar attempting to break in through your doors or windows?  Or that one of the things that thieves look for is a home with a lawn that has not been mowed, indicating that the homeowner is on an extended absence?  

In a previous Florida Landscape Design post, we went over the ways that professional landscaping design and care will raise property values in areas such as St. Augustine, Palm Coast, and Ormond Beach, where motivated sellers are looking for ways to give their houses added curb appeal.  There are other facts to consider when making the choice to trust your lawn and landscape's maintenance to a company such as GreenFlex Landscaping:

• Studies have shown: 75 percent of interested buyers drive by an available property and 63 percent look at photos online before walking through. You simply must have the exterior appearance at peak perfection.
• Outdoor landscape lighting gives your property curb appeal at night!  This is becoming evidently more important as so many potential home buyers drive by homes for sale during the evening hours, after work. 
• It is recommended that to look its absolute best, a home must have its lawn mowed twice a week in the summer.  Along with that it is necessary to pull weeds from beds and sweep or blow walkways clear of trimmings and debris. 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Landscaping for Ormond Beach, Palm Coast, and Saint Augustine

New residents to northeast Florida find almost immediately that landscaping here is very different than other parts of the country.  There are specific varieties of plant material that thrive in this area, many of which require specific care for optimal health.

Landscape designing and installation in the Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, and St. Augustine areas is challenging and many people find it beneficial to outsource these tasks to professional companies.  Choosing a trusted company to install and maintain your landscaping and lawn is of the utmost importance - check that your landscaping service provider has the appropriate licensing, customer testimonials, and insurance.

Florida living is close to nature and the outdoors; it is usually an active lifestyle of beach, golf, and swimming.  Palm Coast landscaping companies are full service landscape design, maintenance, and installation organizations.  As your Florida landscape designer, we will create an outdoor space that invites entertaining and enjoyment with water features, hardscaping design, outdoor lighting, and a green lawn.

Ready to take your landscaping to the highest level of style, beauty, and growth?  Do you need consulting on the best plants and trees for your particular landscaping project?  Is your existing lawn not up to par? 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

St. Augustine Florida Landscaping - Historic and Beautiful

The oldest city in the United States is the seaside town of St. Augustine, Florida. This gently sprawling village on the northeastern coast of the Sunshine State combines both colonial British and Spanish elements in its historic architecture and narrow cobble stoned streets. Today's St. Augustine is an artsy destination with amazing tourist attractions such as the Castillo de San Marcos, the Fountain of Youth, the Pirate Museum, St. Augustine Alligator Farm, and the original Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Landscaping and lawns vary in St. Augustine throughout the city limits as most areas in Florida tend to do. The closer to the ocean, the more salt tolerance and soil conditions become an issue with landscape design and lawn care. St. Augustine does experience the occasional frost during winter months, although tropical varieties of plants typically thrive if placed properly in the landscape design plan with sufficient irrigation. Because they enjoy a mild climate, residents of St. Augustine lean towards outdoor entertaining so hardscaping, patios, pavers, firepits, and pool landscape design are very popular.

Be sure to tour all the major sections of St. Augustine including St. Augustine Beach, Crescent Beach, Vilano Beach, Downtown, Uptown, Lincolnville, Westside, the Shores, the South, Davis Shores, Treasure/Butler Beach, and Ponte Vedra. 

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Most Popular Stones for Hardscaping Design

A landscaper implements hardscaping into its professionally designed landscape plans using a variety of stone. Natural stone is categorized into two categories based on how it is cut: "fully dressed" stone is cut into very precise shapes and "semi-dressed" stone is loosely shaped with a uniform thickness.

Look for these stone types in professional hardscaping design:

Bluestone - is a specific type of sandstone that stands out because of its bluish-grey color. Bluestone is often the focal point of a rock garden, or can be used to create stone stairs, walls, or patios.

Fieldstone - this is a perfect stone for decorative walls or raised garden beds. Similar to flagstone except rounder and useful for freestanding hardscaped elements. It comes in a variety of colors and can add a level of whimsy to a landscape design.

Flagstone - an easily-installed, slab-like, durable stone made of sedimentary rock such as limestone or sandstone, and ideal for many areas of landscape design. Flagstone makes beautiful, elegant pavers but should always be tested to see how slippery they get when wet.

Slate - these rocks started out as shale that gradually metamorphosed over time. It comes in grey, green, or blue color. Slate cracks into thin slabs of rock, making it ideal for pavers and tiles. Because it is naturally water resistant it is often used with water features.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚

Facts About Commercial Landscape Design and Maintenance

Landscapers specialize in both residential and commercial landscape design with an emphasis on Florida friendliness, elegant water features, expert hardscaping, outdoor low wattage lighting, and successful lawn maintenance. We take into consideration important components of a commercial landscape design that you may not realize:

1) Seasonal color changes - The flowers in bloom are different with each season. It is of paramount importance that a property have an eye catching amount of color no matter what time of year. Professional commercial landscapers have a well tuned knowledge of the flowers that thrive with each new season and will ensure they are planted at the right time and encouraged to their peak of beauty.

2) Handicapped accessibility - It is not just indoor spaces that must follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gardens and hardscaped areas of the landscape plan must be designed with disabled visitors and residents in mind. The most attentive property owners want a space that is inviting and comfortable for customers and dwellers of all ages and abilities. A landscaper determines a site plan that follows these restrictions with no effect on the gratifying overall result.

3) Ongoing maintenance - It is a rare business owner or property manager who cares for their own landscaping. We keep the lawns green, the trees trimmed, the mulch fresh, the flowers lively, and your property looking its absolute best throughout the unexpected climate shifts that can feel like a rollercoaster in our part of north and central Florida. A landscaper knows the best plants for your soil, light, and water conditions and once planted the upkeep such as pruning and fertilizing will be on a schedule for maximum success.

🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚