Tag Archives: landscape planning

When is the Best Time to Hire a Landscape Architect?

Many homeowners wonder when is the best time to hire a landscape architect. The answer to that question is linked to a few factors. First of all, a good design starts with the siting and design of your house. If in the planning stages of building a new home, you should assemble the entire team of professionals together in the beginning of the project so the initial design is a democratic process. This way, you can start making very important decisions from day one.

Most times a homeowner will choose to work with the architect first so decisions are made considering the home interiors before the exterior spaces. The design of your home’s interior spaces does in fact impact exterior massing, that has a direct impact on the landscaping, views, and the diversity of spaces that exist around the house. If your landscape architect is not involved in the process until after the home is being built, it becomes much harder to make desired fundamental structural changes.

Lifescape Associates can get your landscape design started off right whether in the planning stages of building a new home or wanting to revamp the landscape of your current home. Just give us a call at 303-831-8310.

Photo: landscape-architects.regionaldirectory.us

What Flowers to Plant in the Spring in Colorado

Photo via Houzz

Although temperatures are still frigid and winter still has its tight grip on Colorado, spring is just around the corner. That means it’s time to start thinking about your garden and lawns. One of the first things that need to be determined is what type of flora you are going to plant this spring. This can be a difficult task in Colorado because of the rapidly changing weather conditions. However, gardenguides.com offers some tips on the best choices for spring planting in Colorado.

Bulbs – Plant bulbs in a sunny area with well drained soil, after the last spring frost. Different types of bulbs include dahlias, calla lilies, gladiolus, and elephant ears.
Annuals – Plant annuals after the last spring frost as well. Full sun annuals include yarrow, torch flower, mexican poppy, verbena, snapdrago, fountain grass, Dahlberg daisy, and the black-eyed Susan. Plant wax begonia, coleus, impatiens, and Madagascar periwinkle in shady areas.
Perennials – Plant perennials after the threat of frost is over, or during the rainy season. The options for perennials include Rocky Mountain Columbine, prairie coneflower, blue flax, Russian sage, bellflower, and bloodred geranium.

Once spring begins and you need professional landscaping assistance for your lawn or garden, contact Lifescape.

Pre-planning for your Spring Landscape Design

Even while we are in the midst of winter, Colorado, you should still be thinking ahead to your spring landscaping design. Now is the perfect time for pre-planning your spring landscape because it gives you an opportunity to list out all the features you like about your landscape and those you want to change. And it is possible that you just want to enhance the look of something you already like within your landscaping, for example a pond. If you already have a beautiful pond but want to add a lovely stone wall or seating area near your pond to enjoy the landscape better, that’s an excellent idea.

Maybe you want to plant a new tree or shrub in your backyard. Once you figure out what species tree or plant you want, it’s important to make sure you have the proper care knowledge to keep the plant alive and healthy. If you are planning to introduce a new plant or tree in the front of the house, make sure it’s a species that complements the style of the home.

What about hardscapes? In your spring pre-planning you can be deciding on what type of hardscapes you want in your landscape. These are just a few things for you to plan for, but there is such a variety of different materials and styles, it’s best if you consult a landscape architect before trying to figure it out all on your own.

Lifescape Associates can help you decide on what landscape design will work best for your home and we can get the job done right, so you can stay stress free knowing your landscape is in the care of professionals.

The Marden Project: Modern Landscaping

Recently we were called upon by local interior designer, Debbie Marden of D. Marden Interior Design, and her husband, Sean. They had recently completed renovations on their mid-century modern home in Boulder and were looking to design a sustainable, innovative landscape that complements the home’s reinvented, modern look.

Designer Troy Shimp worked closely with the homeowners to develop a landscape that allows for private spaces but is also welcoming to neighbors and passers-by. Numerous “nooks” were created for lounging, entertaining, and gardening. Gravel paths lead one around the home through linear plantings of ornamental grasses, past an exterior daybed and shade structure to a new contemporary-design patio composed of concrete slab squares and gravel. A bubbling water feature, sculpture, and warm fire pit are specialty features that can also be enjoyed as you wander through the gardens.

The design takes a green approach; it uses sustainable materials, xeric plants, minimized lawn areas, and a water-wise irrigation system. Existing lawn areas are transformed into colorful planting beds and exciting spaces. With a quality soil prep tilled deep with a minimum of 4cy/1000 square feet, native and xeric species of plants will thrive and require less water. Drip for plantings and pop-up zones for grass will be zoned according to specific plant needs to conserve water. Low-voltage landscape lighting will use energy-efficient LED fixtures. A large garden area and green house allow for the homeowners to grow their own herbs and vegetables. Using these sustainable practices, the landscape is sure to thrive for years to come.

We are enjoying designing this creative and thought-provoking landscape and look forward to its evolution.