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Landscaping with Natural Stone

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Jul 5, 2023 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Patios, Retaining Walls, Walkways

Creating a beautiful outdoor space often involves finding the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal. Landscaping with natural stone helps elevate outdoor spaces in terms of both beauty and practicality.

Whether you’re aiming to build a beautiful pathway, add a captivating focal point, or design an entire landscape, natural stone options such as flagstone, armour stone, and river rock can transform your outdoor environment into a mesmerizing retreat. In this blog post, we’ll explore the diverse uses and characteristics of these three popular natural stones, offering insights into how they can elevate your landscaping projects.

Flagstone: Timeless Beauty and Versatility

stratford landscaping hardscaping flagstone patio Flagstone, characterized by its relatively flat, irregular-shaped slabs, is a timeless choice for adding elegance and functionality to your landscape design. This type of natural stone is available in various colors, including earthy browns, grays, and blues, offering a wide range of options to suit your aesthetic preferences.

Pathways
Flagstone can be used to create visually appealing and durable pathways throughout your garden or yard. By arranging these flat stones in a natural or geometric pattern, you can achieve a unique and inviting path.

Patios
Transforming a bland outdoor area into a captivating patio is effortless with flagstone. Its natural texture and color variations provide a rustic charm, while its durability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor living spaces like patios.

Stepping Stones
Create a whimsical and enchanting garden by strategically placing flagstone stepping stones amidst lush greenery. These irregularly shaped stones add character and functionality, guiding visitors through your landscape while preserving its natural beauty.

Armour Stone: Majestic and Enduring

Hardscaping - walkway with stepping stones and armour stone retaining wall Armour stone is a heavyweight natural stone renowned for its strength and durability. These large, rugged stones bring a sense of grandeur to any landscape and are commonly used for creating retaining walls, borders, and eye-catching focal points.

Retaining Walls
Armour stones are ideal for building sturdy and visually striking retaining walls. Their substantial size and weight provide stability while adding a touch of natural beauty to your landscape. These walls help prevent soil erosion, level uneven terrain, and create distinct planting areas.

Garden Edging
Utilize armour stone to define garden beds, pathways, or driveways. The imposing presence of these stones adds an element of sophistication and serves as a functional barrier, protecting your plantings and preventing soil displacement.

Water Features
Incorporating armour stones into water features, such as cascading waterfalls or natural-looking ponds, can create a captivating oasis in your garden. The rough texture and natural colors of these stones enhance the visual appeal of your water feature, evoking a serene and peaceful atmosphere.

River Rock: Serene Simplicity and Versatile Charm

Pondless stream using natural river rock by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping River rock, also known as river stones or pebbles, is a smooth natural stone typically found in riverbeds. Its unique rounded shape and earthy, soothing colors make it an excellent choice for enhancing various aspects of your landscape.

Ground Cover
Use river rock as a ground cover to create a low-maintenance and visually appealing landscape. Its smooth texture and uniformity offer a soothing backdrop for vibrant plants and flowers while preventing weed growth.

Dry Creek Beds
Mimic the beauty of a meandering stream by incorporating river rock into a dry creek bed. This decorative feature adds visual interest and can be used in xeriscaping projects. But they can also be functional, directing rainwater from rain barrels, eavestroughs, or reservoirs into beds, improving drainage in areas prone to flooding.

Waterless Ponds
River rock can be arranged in a layered manner to resemble the bottom of a pond or lake. This creative landscaping idea provides a unique focal point, adding depth and texture to your outdoor space without the need for water.

Pondless Streams and Waterfalls
The soothing sights and sounds of gently flowing water can be achieved in your own backyard. To create a pondless stream or waterfall, river rock is assembled down a slope and recirculating water cascades down the rock into an underground reservoir, where it’s pumped back to the top of the water feature.

Landscaping with natural stone opens up a world of possibilities for creating a captivating outdoor space that harmonizes with nature. Its timeless beauty, versatility, and durability make natural stone an ideal choice for pathways, patios, retaining walls, and other landscaping elements.

Natural stone is a permeable option that can benefit the environment by preventing runoff or pooling standing water. With increasing frequency and amounts of rain, permeable solutions work by allowing water to pass through joints and filter it back into the ground alleviating pressure on rivers and storm sewers. Permeable options can also reduce heat by counteracting how they absorb and emit the sun’s heat over traditional paving.

Whether you prefer a formal garden or a rustic retreat, natural stone can be adapted to suit your style and preferences, breathing life into your outdoor oasis. Planning a landscaping upgrade? Visit our Project Gallery for ideas and inspiration. And if you’d prefer to have a professional design and/or installation, contact us.

Landscape Lighting

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | May 25, 2023 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Patios, Ponds, Walkways, Water Features

Landscape lighting can have a dramatic impact on the overall look and feel of the areas around your home. Not only does it add visual appeal, but it also increases safety and security, allowing you to enjoy your garden and patio any time of day or night. Good lighting design can help you create a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the natural beauty of your landscape.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types and benefits of landscape lighting available and how to choose the right lighting for your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to highlight specific features or create ambiance, there are lighting types and strategies that can help you achieve your goals.

Store-Bought vs. Custom Landscape Lighting

There are myriad landscape lighting solutions available online and at major retail outlets these days. Many of them are solar-powered or battery-operated. Although these options are easy to install, they do have a few drawbacks:

Low quality/intensity of light – This is especially true with the battery- and solar-powered lights. These can make a tree or structure look nice, but they’re generally not strong enough to adequately light walkways or outdoor living areas.
Durability – With landscape lighting, you generally get what you pay for. If you want something quick and inexpensive, just be prepared to replace your lighting every year or two. If you’d prefer something that is going to last for years, you may want to invest in proper lighting and installation.
Insufficient coverage – Because these retail lighting options are off the shelf, you may get a light set that doesn’t offer the exact length or number of lights you need for the area you want to illuminate. So, you must choose to either have a dark gap in the area covered or purchase an extra set to get the desired coverage.

The first step to creating a beautiful, illuminated landscape is to decide on the right type of lighting. There are many different types of lighting available, and your choice will depend largely on the look you’re trying to achieve. Some popular choices include accent lighting, path lights, floodlights, patio lighting, and water feature lighting.

Types of Lighting for Your Outdoor Areas

Path Lighting: Path lighting is typically used to illuminate walkways, driveways, and other paths throughout your property. It can be used to create a subtle, welcoming ambiance or to guide visitors safely to your home.
Accent Lighting: Accent lighting is used to highlight specific features of your landscaping, such as trees, shrubs, and statues. It can be used to create a dramatic effect by casting shadows and creating depth.
Flood Lighting: Flood lighting is used to illuminate large areas, such as a backyard or a garden. It can be used to create a bright, welcoming ambiance or to highlight specific features of your landscaping.
Deck and Patio Lighting: Deck and patio lighting can extend the use of outdoor living spaces by providing illumination for dining, entertaining, and other activities. It can also create a cozy atmosphere for nighttime relaxation.
Water Feature Lighting: Water feature lighting can enhance the beauty of your pool, pond, or fountain by creating a stunning visual effect. It can also provide safety by illuminating potentially hazardous areas around the water feature.

Benefits of Landscape Lighting

Security – Landscape lighting can enhance security by illuminating entryways, driveways, and pathways. It can also deter potential intruders by illuminating dark areas around your property.
Safety – Properly placed landscape lighting can prevent accidents by illuminating stairs, pathways, and uneven terrain.
Aesthetic appeal – Landscape lighting can enhance the beauty of your property by highlighting architectural features, trees, and other landscaping elements.
Functionality – Landscape lighting can extend the use of outdoor spaces by providing illumination for outdoor dining, entertaining, and other activities, as natural light begins to wane.
Increased property value: Well-designed landscape lighting can add value to your property by enhancing its curb appeal and creating a more inviting atmosphere.

No matter which type of landscape lighting you choose, it’s important to make sure that the fixtures are properly installed and wired for safety. This will help ensure optimum performance and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, be sure to position your lights strategically so that they don’t create shadows or glare—this will also help keep your outdoor space safe and inviting.

By choosing the right type of landscape lighting for your home, you can transform your outdoor area into a beautiful oasis that provides security while enhancing its natural beauty both day and night. With careful consideration and expert installation techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning outdoor space that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

The 5Ws of Landscape Design

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | May 7, 2023 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Softscaping

The Questions to Ask – Who, What, When, Where, and Why – When Drafting a Landscape Design

Landscape design is the art and science of creating outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional, and sustainable. Whether you are starting from scratch or simply refreshing an existing space, understanding the 5Ws of landscape design can help guide you through the process. In this blog post, we will explore the Who, What, When, Where, and Why of landscape design, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the key elements of this exciting field. So, let’s dive in and learn more about the 5Ws of landscape design!

WHO

Who is going to do the design and installation? If you’d like to do it yourself, but aren’t feeling completely confident in being able to do it all, consider contracting out the portions of the project you’re feeling less sure about.

Some people pay for a professional consultation and design and then take care of the installation themselves. Others know what they want but may need assistance with more complex areas of the project, or things that require specialized equipment. And of course there are those who prefer to leave the whole process to a professional landscaping company. You may also need to hire a tradesperson like an electrician or plumber for specific elements of the project.

Also, think about who is going to use the area being redesigned. Will the design benefit all intended users?

WHAT

What do you want your landscape design to look like? Consider the overall style, materials, plants and trees, lighting, etc. What will it take to make your vision become reality?

Are you looking to just add plants, to add or remove trees, to increase or decrease flowerbed areas? Perhaps you want to replace patio area or deck, or make that area larger or smaller.

If you’re adding a pool or hot tub, achieving your vision probably also means adding or replacing a fence, gate, or wall. And adding a water feature or fireplace may require professionals be involved in order to create the space you have envisioned.

WHEN

There are several factors to consider around timing when you’re planning a landscaping project. First, you’ll want to determine how long the project will take and ensure that materials and equipment will be available when you need them. And if you’ll need tradespeople or the help of others, you’ll have to line them up, as well.

Any required permits will take time to acquire, so it’s important to know what you need and apply for permits early in the process.

And remember that your project timeline will be subject to weather conditions, so it’s prudent to expect that your project will take longer than you anticipate, as a contingency.

WHERE

What part of your property are you planning to enhance? Generally, homeowners focus on one area and have specific goals in mind. The front of a home is not typically a place where one spends a lot of leisure time or entertains. The primary benefit of adding landscaping there is improved curb appeal.

Unless a home is located on a corner lot, side yards usually serve as a thoroughfare from front to back. The most common goals for these areas are improved drainage and easier navigation. If the home is located in an urban setting, the side yards can be narrow and shady, so plants should be chosen accordingly.

The backyard is the place where you can add supplemental living space, a place to spend time and entertain. The sky’s the limit for the elements that can be added to make this area more enjoyable.

Another consideration when planning your landscaping project is the type of soil that will provide the foundation for both softscaping and hardscaping. Clay based soil is hard and doesn’t drain well. Sandy soil is soft and doesn’t hold moisture well. Depending on the soil type, it may need to be amended to provide a better foundation for walls and patios, and to provide a better substrate for plants and trees.

WHY

This is where a landscaping project always begins. A homeowner has a vision and goals. Above, we mentioned goals like enhancing curb appeal and creating additional living space. Those are the two most common whys.

More specifically though, new landscaping can address issues like:

overgrown or hard-to-maintain areas
unfinished space around a new pool or hot tub
too much or insufficient natural light
filling in a spot where an old patio or pool was removed
lack of privacy or blocked view

No matter your project’s scope, understanding the 5Ws of landscape design can help you create a space that is beautiful, functional and sustainable. And if you need some help creating and/or executing your plan, contact us.

Budgeting for a Landscaping Project

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Mar 8, 2023 | Landscape Design

Budgeting for a landscaping project can often be challenging. However, with proper planning it is possible to stick to your budget and complete the project without breaking the bank. Setting realistic goals and considering the costs of materials, labour, and other factors can help you plan ahead and get an accurate estimate of how much your project will cost. With careful consideration of these costs, you can better allocate resources and prioritize what needs to be done with more efficiency while still staying within your budget.

Determine Goals

Planning and budgeting for a landscaping project Establishing landscaping project goals is essential for a successful outcome. Evaluate your space carefully and decide on the purpose of the area, then prioritize which elements need to be addressed first. Consider what plants, design features, and materials best fit your needs and determine how much time you are willing to invest in maintaining the space.

It is important to set realistic goals that are achievable within your desired timeline and budget. With clear objectives in mind, you can begin planning out the specific details of your project.

Establish an Acceptable Timeline

Creating a timeline for your landscaping project is an important step in ensuring that your project elements are addressed in order of priority. While many projects can be completed over the course of a few days, others may need to be stretched over weeks, months, or multiple seasons to make the project budget more manageable.

Dividing the project into phases will not only help you manage your budget, but will also help you create a space over time that is beyond what you even originally anticipated. In addition, extending your timeline increases your ability to address any unexpected delays or problems that may occur along the way.

Setting Priorities

Set priorities in a backyard landscaping project map out patio flowerbeds gardens pathways Determining priorities will help significantly with budgeting for a landscaping project. Prioritize project elements that are going to provide maximum value, such as plants and hardscape features that will add both aesthetic appeal and functionality. Depending on the size of your project and budget, you may choose to do some work yourself while outsourcing other elements that require more expertise or specialized tools.

When establishing priorities, it is important to consider the long-term maintenance costs associated with each element. While making sure to create a space that meets all of your needs, try not to neglect those items which need maintenance in order for the project to remain successful in the long run.

Use a Landscape Planning App

Employing a landscape planning app can help you determine the most cost-effective way to complete your project. Landscape planning apps let you visualize how your space will look, providing helpful tools for budgeting and analyzing maintenance costs over time.

Tools like this are especially useful for larger projects with more complex elements, such as water features or hardscaping materials. With a comprehensive overview of all the elements needed to complete the project, it is easier to stay on track while remaining within your allotted budget.

Creating a Budget

Planning a round stone patio in backyard landscaping budget With the aforementioned steps completed, you’re much better prepared for budgeting for a landscaping budget. Research prices for materials and labor before making any purchases so you have an idea of how much everything will cost when estimating your project budget. Don’t forget to factor in taxes, fees, and permits if applicable.

Make sure to account for any unexpected expenses along the way as well as potential costs associated with maintenance and upkeep after completion of the project. It is always better to overestimate your budget than underestimate it so you don’t get stuck with a large bill at the end of the process.

With proper planning and preparation, landscaping projects can be completed without breaking the bank. Setting realistic goals, creating an acceptable timeline, prioritizing project elements and creating a detailed budget are all key components in ensuring that your project is successful within both its timeline and budgetary constraints. With careful consideration of these factors, you can create a beautiful, usable landscape within budget.

Use Professional Services When Necessary

If you’re a DIYer, you might opt to do as much work yourself as possible in order to save on labour costs. However, some aspects of landscaping may be better left up to professionals depending on their complexity and required tools. Hiring a professional landscaping company also ensures that the project meets all local codes and regulations for safety. If you don’t want to go it alone, contact us and share your landscaping goals.

Five Ways to Attract Wildlife to Your Backyard

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Jan 4, 2023 | Flowers, Gardening, Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Native Plants, Ponds, Shrubs, Trees, Water Features

If you are looking for ways to attract wildlife to your backyard, then you have come to the right place! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring different methods for attracting and nurturing wildlife in an eco-friendly way. We will discuss how native plants can provide food and habitat, which water sources are best suited for animals, how to create safe shelters, and much more. By the end of this blog post, you’ll have all the tips and tricks required to turn your backyard into a thriving habitat for various types of animals.

Plant a variety of native plants that provide food and habitat.

Planting a variety of native plants is one of the best ways to attract wildlife to your backyard. Native plants provide food in the form of berries and nuts, as well as providing shelter and nesting materials. They also help to increase biodiversity, which helps promote healthier ecosystems for animals to thrive in. Planting native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses will create a space that allows for birds, insects, and other animals to find food and shelter from predators. Not only do these plants have benefits for wildlife but they require less maintenance than non-native plants since they are accustomed to the local soil conditions and climate.

Provide water sources, such as bird baths and small ponds.

Provide water source for wildlife pollinators pond waterfall bubbler Providing a source of water is essential for wildlife in your backyard. Bird baths and small ponds are excellent methods of providing a source of water. Not only do they help to attract birds and other animals, but they also give them a safe source of hydration. If you are looking to create a bird bath or pond, make sure it is shallow enough that there is no risk of drowning.Additionally, place rocks or pebbles in the water to provide areas where animals can drink safely without having to enter the water. One caveat: ensure your water source doesn’t freeze over by keeping water moving (with a bubbler or waterfall) or add a small heater to keep it usable. By adding these water sources you will be able to keep birds and other animals safe, hydrated, and happy in your backyard.

Keep pets indoors or away from areas of wildlife activity.

Keep pets indoors to avoid scaring off wildlife from your backyard Keeping pets indoors or away from areas of wildlife activity is an important part of protecting wildlife in your backyard. Cats and dogs may be attracted to the small animals in your yard, such as birds, rodents, or other creatures. It is best to keep these pets inside or restrain them while they are outside so they do not disturb or harm any wildlife.Additionally, make sure that any outdoor dog runs are not set up in areas where wildlife likes to rest and feed. By taking these extra steps you can ensure that both your pets and the local wildlife stay safe and happy.

Create a shelter for wildlife with logs, brush piles, birdhouses, and nesting boxes.

Creating a shelter for wildlife can be a great way to improve your backyard habitat. Logs, brush piles, birdhouses, and nesting boxes are all excellent places for animals to take refuge from harsh weather or predators. Logs provide shelter underneath and can also be used by birds as perching spots.Brush piles offer animals tall grasses and shrubs to hide in while keeping warm. Birdhouses and nesting boxes give birds and small animals a safe place to build their homes. All of these structures will help create an inviting environment for wildlife in your backyard.

Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed.

undisturbed flower garden hyacinth daffodils hummingbird moth Providing undisturbed areas in your garden is a great way to support local wildlife. By leaving some areas of your garden untouched, you are giving animals the chance to make their own homes without interruption from people or pets.This can take the form of wild patches of grass, untended corners of your yard, or piles of sticks and logs that provide harborage for small creatures. Even if it seems like doing nothing is best, keeping these areas free from human activity and disturbance will be beneficial to the wildlife that makes use of them.

With a few simple changes and an open mind, you can transform your backyard into a hub of biodiversity, where birds, amphibians, mammals, and insects come together to build their homes. Create shelters with logs, brush piles, birdhouses, and nesting boxes to attract wildlife to your backyard. Leave some areas of your garden undisturbed for animals to make their own homes. Once you get started on making your backyard more wildlife-friendly, there’s no telling all the types of critters that will call it home.

Landscaping a Small Backyard

by A Touch of Dutch Landscaping | Dec 1, 2022 | Hardscaping, Landscape Design, Maintenance, Patios, Softscaping

Do you have a small backyard? Do you feel like you don’t have enough room to landscape it the way you want? Don’t worry, we have some strategies for you! In this blog post, we will discuss how to add plants and shrubs for privacy and visual appeal, how to add a small patio for relaxing and entertaining, and how to create balance with colour, size and shape. We will also discuss low maintenance landscaping options. So, whether you have a small city backyard or a country cottage yard, we have the perfect tips for landscaping a small backyard.

Make the Most of a Small Space

When it comes to landscape design for small backyards, the key is to maximize the space and make the most of what you have. Start by adding plants and shrubs that will provide both privacy and visual appeal. Choose plants with varying heights and colors to create a lush landscape.

Make sure to consider the size and shape of your yard when selecting plants. Tall, thin trees may be best for narrow spaces and can be balanced with the addition of compact, low-growing shrubs, ornamental grasses, and other perennials.

Make Your Small Backyard Livable

You can also create a cozy gathering space with the addition of a small patio using natural stone, brick, or interlocking pavers. There are even precast stone products that look like flagstone but have a much more uniform surface and are more cost-effective relative to their natural counterpart.)

A small patio is perfect for relaxing or entertaining, and its appearance blends nicely into surrounding landscaping, so it won’t be visually overwhelming. Consider adding comfortable but space-saving furniture to maximize seating capacity.

Visual Impact and Balance

When designing your landscape, be sure to create balance with colour, size and shape. Create visual interest by grouping plants that are different sizes and colours together. Install pathways along high-traffic zones with stones in unique shapes or patterns. You can also add lighting to draw attention to certain areas of your landscape and make them stand out in the evening.

Be Master of Your Domain (Not a Slave to It)

Finally, when it comes to landscaping a small backyard, don’t forget to consider low-maintenance landscape options. Native plants are always a great choice as they require minimal upkeep and thrive in your local climate. Consider hardscaping materials like gravel or river rock over landscape fabrics to prevent weeds from encroaching on your garden beds.

By implementing these strategies for landscaping a small backyard, you will be able to create an inviting outdoor space that is both functional and visually appealing! With the right design elements and thoughtful planning, even the smallest of yards will provide years of enjoyment. If you’d rather leave the landscaping of your small yard to professionals, contact us to get started.

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