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![]() The first signs of fall do not need to mean that it is the end of fun in your Wheaton, IL, backyard until spring. A fire feature can change everything about the way you see your property, and can become an essential component to your landscaping. If you have been wondering how you can warm up the features of your exterior in a sleek and seamless way, read on, and we will show you why a fire feature is a must for your home this fall. Related: 5 Landscape Design Inspirations for Your Wheaton, IL, Outdoor Patio Outdoor Fireplace Grand and inviting, an outdoor fireplace can be the perfect way to give your landscape a stylishly useful appeal. Not only will an outdoor fireplace add beauty and value to your property, but this fire feature can help you to really make the most of your backyard when temperatures drop. For one, an outdoor fireplace creates ambiance in your backyard in a way that no other fixture can. Imagine decorating the mantle for the holidays, taking family photos by the beautiful stonework, or creating a rustic burning backdrop for all of your parties and family gatherings. Not only are people naturally drawn to the crackling magic and dancing flames of a fire, but the artistic masonry that goes into creating the overall look of an outdoor fireplace will not go unnoticed by any of your guests. Fireplaces are also essential for creating comfortable spaces during the cooler months. Where there is fire, there is heat, and during the chilly fall months and beyond, you will be sure to enjoy spending more time outside when there is a warm place to rest. Add your favorite outdoor furniture, fire wood, and some well-placed side tables for drinks, and your outdoor fireplace will make your backyard feel cozy as can be all season long. A paver patio with a solid, gorgeous outdoor fireplace is a winning combination for just about any backyard. Fire Pit A fire pit can offer you the same fire feature benefits as an outdoor fireplace but with a more casual, rustic feel. Perfect for smaller spaces, a fire pit creates an easy way to stay warm and gather with family and friends outdoors when temperatures go down in the fall season. Picture this: roasting marshmallows with the kids, sipping warm beverages and talking with friends around the fire late into the night—resting by the fire is the perfect fall pastime! It will become yours after the installation of your new fire pit. One option for incorporating a fire pit into your existing landscape is to make your retaining wall do double-duty. Ask your landscape contractor if you can choose to have a stone wall that acts as a circular bench, nestled into the earth for the perfect fire pit integrated seating. It could be a no-fuss way to add fire to your landscaping plan without upsetting the overall look of your outdoor living space. If you’re looking for a way to make your backyard more beautiful and enjoyable this fall and all year long, consider adding an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your landscape plan. You will be adding value, beauty, comfort, and endless hours of enjoyment to your property with this one essential addition that will keep you warm—and will make your landscaping inviting. Related: Incorporating a Brick Patio in Your Modern Wheaton, IL, Backyard
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There are many excellent options when it comes to upgrading your Naperville, IL, backyard, but one of the more obvious projects to tackle first is the patio. The patio can serve as the central place to be in your landscape, as the number-one spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. However, the process of choosing what type of material to construct your brick patio may leave you with a lot of questions. Be sure to ask these four questions so that you can get all of the answers you need to make an informed decision about your patio upgrade.
Related: Incorporating a Brick Patio in Your Modern Wheaton, IL, Backyard What styles of brick are available? When masons are talking about brick pavers, then generally mean bricks made from clay that are formed into shape, and then baked in a kiln. This material is naturally colored using a mix of clays, and will retain that color over time, even when exposed to UV rays. You may find you that you want the popular, classically recognizable rectangular shape for your brick patio. Will a brick patio match the style of my home? Brick has been a classic option for providing the surfaces and walls of home features for many years, and it isn’t hard to see why. This familiar material can help to give any space a warm, homey feel or a regal, sophisticated finish. The way that your bricks are laid is the key to making your brick patio work for you and your lifestyle. If you’re looking to use brick in a more contemporary way, consider having your patio paved in a herringbone (zig zag) pattern. If you are looking for a more classic style, running bond or basket weave can help to add a traditional feel. Your mason can help guide you to find the right brick laying pattern to make your finished project perfectly accent your home. Are brick patios durable? You will want to ask your landscaper about the longevity of the materials you ultimately choose. Brick pavers are considered very tough and durable and can often last for generations. Even with time and wear, brick pavers tend to hold their timelessness and value, as worn-in brick tends to have a charming appeal. Brick pavers are so tough, in fact, that they can be salvaged by builders to be used in other projects, making them an eco-friendly option as well. Brick pavers require minimal cleaning and maintenance. Why would I want a brick patio? Imagine the many possibilities that a modern brick patio could add to the way you spend your time around your home. It can become the central entertainment spot of your neighborhood or your very own relaxation spot in one corner of the world. When you opt for quality pavers, you are opting for taking the load off of worrying about maintenance. If you’re looking to upgrade your back yard patio, and want to use a material that is rich in history, style and durability, you may decide to look no further than brick pavers. This material is sure to make you say, “There’s no place like home!” Reach out to your trusted landscape contractor to make your new brick patio happen. Related: 5 Reasons Why a Brick Patio is a Must Have for Your Naperville, IL Outdoor Living Area ![]() Nosy neighbors and wide open expanses can leave you feeling vulnerable in your Hinsdale, IL, backyard. However, a carefully planned landscape design can provide you with natural looking privacy fences made of lush and lovely evergreen shrubs. While you may be tempted to simply install a tall masonry wall for privacy, you may be surprised to see that there are natural evergreen options available that could fit your tastes better. Installing these year-round beauties offers a way for you to enjoy your outdoor space without worrying about prying eyes. Read on, and we’ll show you some of the best evergreen shrubs that create the kind of barriers that will blend in beautifully with your landscape. Bushy Firs and Pines A classic way to block out unsightly buildings and create a natural barrier in your backyard is with the use of big and bushy shrubs. Classic evergreens like juniper, spruce, and fir can help to create a forest-like feel surrounding your space with gorgeous greenery all year long. Plus, if you enjoy decorating for the holidays, they make for an excellent place to decorate and add a little seasonal cheer! Holly, though not a fir or pine, also makes for excellent privacy shrub while providing a year-round, Christmas-like feel. Flowering Shrubs If you’re looking to add a bit of natural privacy fencing but want to enjoy beautiful blooms as well, a flowering shrub fence is an excellent option for your backyard. There are many types of flowering shrubs you can choose from, in varying colors, sizes, and even fragrances. Azaleas are an excellent option due to their versatility and availability of colors, plus they offer shiny greenery when not in bloom. Cold-tolerant rhododendron also make for excellent flowering privacy shrubbery, and offer blooms in pink, purple, and white. You could also ask your landscaper about other popular flowering shrubbery options, and inquire about early spring blooms so that you’ll see cheerful colored bulbs and shiny green leaves when other plants may be dormant. Related: Landscaping Inspiration for Your Front Walkway in Your Hinsdale, IL, Home Edible Evergreens Here’s an option for a visual feast: One of the most popular ways to surround your home in beautiful greenery these days is with edible plantings. Shrubs like rosemary, bay leaf, huckleberry, lingonberry, and many more make beautiful displays that taste as good as they look. Plus, if you want to invite critters into your yard, certain edible shrubs are an excellent way to get them to come and visit for a nibble. Ask your landscaper what edible evergreen shrubs are available in your region and would work best for your backyard. Boxwood and Arborvitae Classic and timeless, boxwoods and arborvitae are the quintessential shrubs that homeowners typically reach for when creating natural borders and walls. They are both easily shaped and manipulated into beautiful dense forms, making them perfect for creating expertly manicured “walls” or even topiary. Arborvitae, in particular, are an excellent option for creating the ultimate natural evergreen wall as they can reach to heights of up to 30 feet! Either way, these two tried and true evergreen shrubbery options won’t disappoint and will help you create the visual backyard barrier you desire. Whether you choose gorgeous greenery, fragrant flowers, or edible evergreens for your natural barrier wall, you’ll enjoy the beauty and versatility that each style brings to your property. Related: 6 Practical Landscape Design Tips for a Functional Outdoor Living Space |
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