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Serving the Naperville Community
Serving the Naperville Community
 In spring, we are all eager to enjoy the first blooms of the year. Traditionally, spring has been associated with rebirth and great promise. Here are our tips for landscaping with spring in mind for Wheaton, IL.
Related: A Brick Patio and Other Characterful Additions to Hinsdale IL Landscapes Spring brings fragrant and colorful flowers. The spectacular display offers a delightful contrast against green leaves and needles; add to that some flowering perennials and flowering trees… and you have a true feast for the eyes! But how do you create this perfect mix of plants so that your landscape is gorgeous only in spring? You don’t want to have all of your flowers, trees and shrubs blooming at the same time, so use the rule of thirds: one-third of your plants should bloom in spring; one-third in summer; and one-third in fall. This doesn’t mean “all” of your plants need to be flowering. In fact, it’s the contrast between seasonal pops of color against the more steady display of evergreen trees and shrubs, non-flowering deciduous trees, and your lawn. However, when you’re choosing plants for spring blooms, don’t purchase only those that bloom in spring. Enjoy the gradual shift in color as the seasons change, by choosing one-third of your blooming plants to showcase their full glory in spring; and two-thirds that will grace your landscape with color in summer and fall. You can take several approaches with this seasonally-layered strategy. One is to devote an entire flower bed to spring bloomers. Then, you can enjoy a spectacular riot of color as these plants bloom at the same time, and then relax into a softer, more relaxed green state during the remainder of the growing season. Once spring bloomers are spent, your eye will be drawn to your summer and fall plant beds, livening up various areas of the landscape while the others play a supporting background role. The other approach is to mix spring bloomers in with plants that bloom later in the season, so the specific plant bed (or large-scale garden) always has something in bloom. Taking blooming seasons into consideration when choosing plant material is a key element for a successful landscape design. This way something is always in bloom and your landscape is beautiful and interesting in all seasons. Popular spring bloomers are crocuses and daffodils (the flowers that truly signal, “spring is here!”); daisies; hyacinths; tulips; Spring Beauty; rockcress; bluebells; columbines; and wild geranium are just a few spring bloomers that will make your spring landscape cheerful and uplifting. But don’t just focus on annuals and perennials! Ground covers that bloom in spring help green up a landscape that is emerging from its winter slumber. Thyme, for example, offers a fragrant and soft transition between a walkway and a plant bed. Spring-blooming shrubs include azaleas and lilacs. Spring blooming trees include magnolia, cherry, and crabapple. Use evergreens and non-flowering shrubs, trees, and perennials as a beautiful backdrop to blooming flowers. Evergreens are the mainstays of the garden, the steady and reliable greenery that offers a beautiful contrast to colorful flowers and in winter, a reminder that your landscape will once again be lush and green come springtime. In the fall, when all the flowers are spent, you may enjoy spectacular shows of color from trees and shrubs that are otherwise happy to play a supporting role to flowering plants. Related: How to Avoid These Common Hazards in Your Wheaton, IL, Landscape Design
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 If your landscape is in need of freshening up — especially now that everyone is spending so much time at home — a few special touches can make all the difference and transform an ordinary space into one you are happy to spend your time in. Here’s how a brick patio and other characterful additions to Hinsdale IL landscapes can put a smile on your face.
Related: How to Avoid These Common Hazards in Your Wheaton, IL, Landscape Design Brick is a top choice for adding beauty, expanding your outdoor living space, and making the walk from one part of your landscape to another enjoyable. Brick is durable and beautiful. It works well with nearly any architectural style, either as a complementary or a contrasting material. Whether you choose authentic clay brick or a concrete alternative, you can be sure that your outdoor space will be filled with historic charm and character. The classic brick patterns include running bond, basket weave, or herringbone. The most dramatic is herringbone, which creates amazing visual texture. This laying pattern is extremely strong, making it perfect for driveways as well as pedestrian spaces. If you want to get fancy, a fan-shaped or circular laying pattern adds even more interest and says “You’ve arrived” in style. Bricks are nearly the perfect material for use in walkways. Their slender profiles and small sizes lend themselves to curves; and what’s more romantic than a sweet brick walkway that meanders through the landscape? If you want to recreate a cozy cottage look in your backyard, consider a collection of smaller brick patios: one for cooking, dining and lounging; one for quiet contemplation or one-on-one conversation; and another, centered around a fireplace or fire pit, to create a gathering spot you’ll enjoy in any season. Link these spaces with meandering brick paths. If you’re not a fan of so much “brick red” you may want to go with concrete pavers made to resemble brick. You will have significantly more color choices including dramatic blended colors, and some flexibility in dimensions as well. Another character-filled material is bluestone. Quarried in Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey, bluestone is a type of flagstone with a dramatic bluish tint. It also often features other colors within each stone, including bronze, chocolate, buff, green, and purple. This makes each stone completely unique. Brick and bluestone pair exceptionally well. For an elegant yet relaxed look that works with nearly any style of home, use brick as a border for a bluestone patio. How can you finish the look of a brick or bluestone patio and walkway? Masonry walls! Masonry walls can be comfortably low — serving as overflow seating — and serve as a wonderful bridge between the man made shapes of the home and the bricks, and the surrounding landscape. Walls give your landscape vertical dimension. A neutral-toned stacked-flagstone veneer will add texture and interest to the patio, and this style works very well with both brick and bluestone. Incorporate landscape lighting into the wall construction (just under the lip of the cap stone) for a subtle yet dramatic lighting scheme. The rich details of a brick or bluestone patio and a masonry wall make any space feel cozy and welcoming. The timeless look of these three character-filled materials is sure to be a hit. All three will add value to your home, too! Take this opportunity to plan a few landscape upgrades, so that once the warm weather is here to stay, you’ll have a stylish and appealing space to hang out in! Related: Landscaping Ideas for Rustic Backyards in Hinsdale, IL  A landscape should be a delightful place to enjoy time with family and friends. But some landscapes make life dangerous. Nobody wants to risk injury or a lawsuit, so here’s how to avoid these common hazards in your Wheaton, IL, landscape design.
Related: Enhance the Look of Your Naperville, IL, Home With a Refined Driveway The Wrong Materials for the Job It’s unfortunately all too common for some landscape companies to use the wrong landscaping materials for a particular function. This could happen due to low budgets, lack of knowledge, substituting materials that aren’t available, or time constraints. Not all pavers are suitable for all applications. Not all retaining walls are alike. Not all materials are strong or durable enough for their intended use. Not all materials are high quality, either, and low-quality materials can degrade quickly and cause hazards. Uneven Ground It’s one thing to have a gently undulating softscape, but a hardscape must be level for safety. The main reason for a softscape becoming uneven is poor installation. Improper base materials, poor compaction, and careless installation of pavers or natural stone will lead to movement. Some parts of the hard surface may settle, while others get pushed up. Either way, it's imperative that uneven ground be made level as quickly as possible - even if this means tearing out the entire patio and re-installing it. Surprise Steps Nothing is perhaps more dangerous than a step that comes out of nowhere, such as when its colors blend perfectly with the patio above. For someone with impaired vision (or even just someone who’s not paying close attention), surprise steps can lead to trips and falls. Steps should always be marked with contrasting paver colors or pillars. Too Many Curves or Corners As the saying goes, the fastest way to get from A to B is in a straight line. Curved walkways are beautiful and work well if the curves are gentle. Avoid right-angle turns, because that’s not how people walk—they want easy access to their destination, not an obstacle course or a maze. Keep in mind, people will walk through gardens if that’s the easiest way. Poor Drainage Poor drainage can mean water pooling in a part of your landscape and causing the ground to sink or become dangerously soft; this is especially bad if that area happens to be where people walk regularly. No Fencing Fencing around a pool is a must if you have small children, but don’t forget fencing around compost piles, ponds, or any area that you feel is better left looked at than walked through. Inadequate Lighting Landscape lighting is essential for after-dark safety. A home with a single high-wattage bulb mounted on the siding will illuminate one area of the landscape (usually too brightly), but it will also cast dangerous shadows and leave the rest of the landscape pitch black. The human eye isn’t great at adjusting between lighting extremes. Today’s landscape lighting involves many types of fixtures and lighting techniques that will do double duty in making your landscape attractive and safe at night. Lack of Maintenance Debris like fallen branches or overturned rocks; animal burrows; overgrown walkways; rotten tree stumps; or landscape edging that has grown over, can all cause tripping hazards Related: 4 Ways to Complement a Brick Patio  Are you wondering if you’re always going to be stuck looking at a boring asphalt surface or cracks in the old poured concrete? Are you tired of the constant maintenance and repair hassles of a solid-surface driveway? Fortunately, you can enhance the look of your Naperville, IL, home with a refined driveway.
Concrete pavers may be the perfect solution that transforms your driveway from a featureless slab into a functional feature of beauty that enhances your overall home and gives you a greater return on your investment. Related: 4 Aesthetic Themes to Consider for Your Landscaping in Naperville, IL Why Are Concrete Pavers a Great Choice? Concrete pavers give you more return on your investment than asphalt or poured concrete. They are known for outlasting solid-surface driveways that are susceptible to earth movement and the freeze-thaw cycle. If one part of an asphalt or poured concrete driveway settles or rises, it will cause cracks in the surface. Once the surface cracks, it can be patched (which is usually an unattractive solution), but this is the beginning of the end. The driveway will have to be replaced within a short time, because once there’s one crack, you can expect many more. If you factor in the repair and replacement expense involved with asphalt or poured concrete driveways, concrete pavers start to look more attractive right away. Concrete pavers are individual units that lock together like puzzle pieces. They rest on sturdy footing that minimizes movement under load or due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Individual units allow heat to escape, making the surface barefoot-friendly—which also minimizes the “heat sink” effect of solid paved surfaces. Damaged pavers can be replaced individually in the unlikely event that they break, and the repaired surface will be indistinguishable from the original surface. Concrete pavers are also compatible with driveway heating systems. Unlimited Design Choices Driveway pavers are available in a variety of design styles that can complement your home’s architectural style. You can find concrete pavers that will give you the look you want, whether you love the timeless aesthetic of old-world brick or cobblestone pavers; the elegance of granite; the warm rustic appeal of flagstone or bluestone; or an ultramodern look that uses plank-like pavers with unique brushed textures. Many homeowners also personalize their paver driveways with borders, accents, and custom inlays (such as the family initial) in contrasting colors and materials. Use accents to add character and to pick up the dominant colors in your home. An Eco-Friendly Solution Some concrete pavers can be installed as a permeable surface. While the pavers themselves are impervious to water, they are separated by slightly larger joints that allow water to seep down into a special substrate that is designed as a reservoir. From this reservoir (which is not a hollow space but rather specially chosen aggregates that fit together snugly yet have enough space for water to collect), water percolates into the ground rather than running off or pooling in the landscape. When you consider how much water usually runs off a solid-surface driveway, this is one way to minimize your environmental impact in the most attractive way possible. A permeable driveway is the ultimate in eco-friendly sophistication! A Great Investment In Your Home Updating your driveway with stylish concrete pavers lets you enjoy a unique and beautiful driveway that is durable and long lasting. If your driveway is tired or damaged and it’s time for a replacement, we can help you choose the right pavers for your style and needs. Related: Driveway Design Ideas for Small Front Yards in Hinsdale, IL  A rustic backyard can be just the thing to take your mind off your hectic lifestyle and let you “plug in” to nature for some R&R. If you’re wondering how to make your outdoor living space feel more natural, here are some landscaping ideas for rustic backyards in Hinsdale, IL.
Start with Stone Stone anchors your outdoor living spaces and creates a beautiful transition from the home to the softscape. The key to your choice could be opting for a type of stone that complements your home without mirroring it. For example, if your home features a red brick siding, choose bluestone or granite, which will tone down the red and provide an attractive rustic contrast. You can also use manufactured stone instead of natural stone. Concrete pavers and veneers are available in a huge array of styles, shapes, colors, textures, and finishes that let you achieve the look of a natural stone but in precisely the design style you want. A rustic style tends to favor darker stones with rougher textures. The hand-hewn look isn’t concerned with perfection, whether you choose natural stone or manufactured stone. The joints between stones will appear irregular and that’s part of the charm. If you’re using manufactured stone veneer, though, the installation process can be simplified somewhat because the parts where the individual blocks join come precision-cut. Balance heavy textures with smoothness. For example, a granite patio is relatively smooth but you can add a rustic touch by combining granite underfoot with stacked-flagstone (or stacked-flagstone veneer) seat walls, or other vertical elements. Or opt for flagstone underfoot, and you’ll have balanced its pronounced texture with smoother granite walls. When it comes to walls, consider whether the wall is meant to be functional or purely decorative. This lets you choose whether to use mortar or a dry-stack method. Dry-stack walls are made by stacking flat stones on top of each other and letting gravity hold the wall together. They are not meant to be structural, and they won’t support the shifting weight of people but they can be ideal for decorative purposes only, such as defining a planting bed or as a rustic fire pit. Taller walls, seating walls, or structural retaining walls are constructed with mortar for strength and stability. You can achieve the look of a dry-stack wall by recessing mortar or by using a veneer with a pronounced face texture. Use larger stone slabs with grass, moss, or a ground cover planted between stones for a rustic backyard walkway. At the entry, lay stones (or concrete pavers) beside each other in a random, relaxed pattern. You could include a rustic fireplace or fire pit to finish the look and create a focal point. Rustic fireplaces feature large format stone veneer (modern outdoor fireplaces are typically fire-safe concrete block, with a stone veneer). This “chunky” look gives the fireplace the substantial feel reminiscent of old lodges. A large raised hearth lets you sit right next to the fire to warm up on a chilly day. Although the term “rustic” usually implies a wood-burning fire, you can still achieve the look using natural gas or propane and do away with the mess of firewood. Add Wood to Balance the Stone Wood helps tie your outdoor living space in with the natural setting. Benches, privacy fences, decorative fences, rustic gates, and patio furniture can all be made from a rustic wood such as pine. Wood can be left to weather naturally (although this will shorten its lifespan), sealed with a clear coat, or painted.  Does your Hinsdale, IL, landscape seem too flat? A few simple additions can make a huge difference in giving your landscape more visual interest and dimension. Here are some dramatic landscape design ideas that make use of pillars and walls.
Related: 4 Aesthetic Themes to Consider for Your Landscaping in Naperville, IL A Warm Welcome An elegant masonry driveway entrance with a pair of pillars on either side, sloping down to a lower garden wall and adorned with lights, could give your home a “gated estate” look. Pillars and/or a low wall along the walkway to your front entry are also a way to integrate landscape lighting without the need for stand-alone light fixtures. At the entry, make a statement with twin pillars to add symmetry or balance for a prominent tree, or opt for solo pillars that serve as focal points (add a gazing ball, light fixture, sculpture, potted plants, or even a small fountain for even more interest). A Clutter-Free Outdoor Space Solve the problem of a cluttered patio by installing low seat walls. Never again push chairs out of the way or leave guests wondering where they can sit. Seat walls along the perimeter of your patio can define the space. Look into integrating landscape lighting in an attractive way under this landscape design, and consider pillars on either end of the seating wall to serve as a place to rest a drink or plate. Seat walls are especially welcome near a grill station or outdoor kitchen, or encircling a fire feature. They make the space feel cozy, and they offer enough seating for a big backyard cookout! If you don’t want a solid masonry seat wall around your patio, create an airier enclosure by looking into installing a series of pillars with wooden benches supported on either side by the pillars. Flat pillar caps are functional as a place for a beverage or decorative (colorful flower pots, interesting rocks, treasures from your travels, outdoor lighting). For added drama, give thought to the installation of a series of tiny fountains in these bench pillars—just imagine the relief of its cooling effect on a hot day! Special Effects At night, create a dramatic light show with copper, concrete, or metal fire bowls set atop pillars. Use two to frame a view; use one as a focal point; or install several around the patio for a luxury effect. The installation of a low wall along walkways would offer a place to rest and a way to integrate landscape lighting. Walls can encircle planting beds, create raised planting beds, serve as the base for a privacy fence. If you want more privacy without feeling closed in, consider a tall stone veneer wall with a pump that feeds water over the top to cascade down into a pebble-filled pond. Over time, moss and aquatic plants will grow on the wall to create a gorgeous living wall with the added bonus of the tranquil sounds and movement of water (best on an east- or north-facing wall, where the plants won’t get too much sun). Built-in planters on a masonry wall would give you a place to introduce seasonal color for an ever-changing landscape or enjoy a vertical garden filled with herbs and vegetables. Pillars and walls vertical interest to your landscape, and offer many practical functions as well. If you’re ready to add an artistic and practical touch to your landscape this year, give us a call! Related: 5 Pet-Friendly Landscaping Ideas in Wheaton, IL  A fire pit in your Wheaton, IL, landscape would offer a warm, cozy spot where everyone will want to gather. If you are planning on adding a fire pit to your backyard, here are three ways to make sure it becomes the center of your outdoor living.
Related: Modern Landscaping Design Ideas to Try in 2020 in Naperville, IL 1. Consider Location The location of your fire pit could be the most important consideration. Does this mean it needs to be right smack in the middle of the patio? Not necessarily—in fact, you may want to avoid putting a fire pit in the center of the patio unless the patio is very large. Keep in mind you would not want to run into challenges with the placement of lounge or dining furniture around the fire pit while you do need to leave enough room to comfortably seat a small crowd. For those reasons, look into offsetting the fire pit to one side of the main patio, or you could create a separate space for it altogether. This could lead to a dedicated fire area without impeding traffic on the patio. It’s also an opportunity to take advantage of a view. Whether you have a gas-fired or wood-burning fire pit, consider placing it in a sheltered area where strong winds won’t affect your experience. 2. Choose the Size Carefully Part of deciding on the location is how big of a fire pit/seating area you want. It does not have to be massive to become a focal point. Even a small fire pit can be a focal point if positioned and designed correctly. Plan for seating around the fire pit (and a fire pit size) that will allow for both group gatherings or cozy, intimate one-on-one time. If space is tight, consider seat walls, either with or without back rests. Seat walls visually define the space and allow more people to share the space. Also avoid completely enclosing the space with walls. Leave some room for people to stand, or to pull up a few chairs. If your fire pit is positioned to take advantage of a view, make sure that the entry to the fire pit area doesn’t also face the view: offsetting the entry will give most people enjoying the fire the option to also take in the beauty of your landscape. Most fire pits are somewhat lower than seat walls, so consider the elevation of the fire pit area as a way to draw the eye toward the flames. A sunken fire pit area can draw out many conversations long into the night. It encourages people to gather, it holds heat very well, and it offers a sense of privacy. By contrast, an exposed fire pit—for example, on a hillside overlooking a stunning view—tends to give people an expansive and uplifting feeling. 3. Opt for the Right Materials Fire pit materials depend on whether the fire pit is portable or permanent. Portable fire pits offer a bit more flexibility in terms of placement, but you may find this option to be an inconvenience if you entertain frequently. A permanent fire pit gives you the opportunity to use masonry that complements the patio and the home—and this approach positions the fire pit as an important focal point rather than a temporary addition. A fire pit does not have to match vertical surfaces around it. In fact, you can create a stunning contrast by using different materials on the fire pit and the surrounding seat walls. Whether your backyard vibe is rustic or sophisticated, a fire pit could be a hit with everyone. With choices in materials, shapes, sizes, and fuel type, you can choose a fire pit that’s perfect for your uses and your aesthetics. Related: 4 Aesthetic Themes to Consider for Your Landscaping in Naperville, IL Brick is not only reliable but is also classic. It has adorned homes and public spaces for centuries and, over time, has shown fantastic versatility when incorporated into modern designs. It’s no wonder that a brick patio remains a favorite among contemporary homeowners undertaking landscape renovations. Here are a few ways to enhance the look of your brick patio in the context of the aesthetic theme you are using, so that it looks more anchored within the landscape. Click here to read more.   Your old brick patio has a charm of its own, but if it’s starting to feel dated, there are some relatively simple updates to consider to give your patio a fresh new look. Here are some tips for modernizing your old brick patio in Naperville, IL.
Related: 4 Aesthetic Themes to Consider for Your Landscaping in Naperville, IL Deciding What Needs to Change Modernizing a brick patio is an opportunity to rethink what gives a space personality and decide what you love about your outdoor space—and what you want to change. First, brick pairs exceptionally well with any style of home including traditional, rustic, cottage, contemporary, or ultramodern. You may find that the secret to creating a modern space using relatively dated materials is to embrace contrast. Do you love the color, or are you tired of it? Modern brick patios tend to favor neutral patio colors that do not detract from the home while still making the patio an interesting space in its own right. If you want a lighter and brighter color, you can look into replacing the main patio pavers and repurposing the existing pavers as beautiful borders, accents, or inlays for a stunning personalized look. Color Changes Staining is one option for homeowners who want to change the color of their existing patio. Stain can be used to bring a darker hue to brick—anything from a subtle tint to bold and dramatic. It can be very difficult to lighten brick using stain, but going dark will create an exciting modern look. For added drama and a modern touch without changing the color of the brick, look into adding darker accent colors such as charcoal in the form of privacy walls or furniture. If you love the color but want to bring the look into the 21st century, consider changing out the patio furniture to something sleek and minimalist. Whether you go light or dark, the contrast could completely transform the space into a chic and inviting backyard retreat. Paying Attention to Patterns Are you tired of the laying pattern in your brick patio? Very precise laying patterns such as herringbone or basket weave are visually interesting, but they’re also prone to being busy. Some homeowners find that they tire of busy patterns quicker than simpler arrangements. Manage the busy look by contrasting it with minimalist furnishings and simple decor. Again, the contrast is beautiful, and the balance of simple and busy works together to create a pleasing space. While your brick pavers may not have a lot of tactile texture, the look itself is highly textured due to the small sizes of brick pavers and the many joint lines. Minimize visual texture by replacing the jointing compound with a color that blends better into the dominant color of the patio material. Contrast Through Masonry Use lighter masonry to create seating walls or outdoor fire features to lighten the look of a brick patio. Alternatively, blue- or gray-tinted stones such as bluestone, granite, slate, or limestone are a way to tone down the color of a dated-looking patio. Use these materials on retaining walls, benches, outdoor kitchen walls, your new outdoor fireplace or fire pit, and any water features. Related: 4 Questions to Ask When Deciding If a Brick Patio Is Right for Your Naperville, IL Home  When making landscaping upgrades to your Wheaton, IL, home, one of your priorities may be the safety and needs of your pets. If you have a four-legged friend or two (or more) that like to spend lots of time outdoors, you want to ensure that they will enjoy any changes you decide to make and that they will be safe when they frolic in your newly remodeled landscape.
Related: Modern Landscaping Design Ideas to Try in 2020 in Naperville, IL Safety First As you go over your many options with your landscape contractor, you may want to first focus on the safety of any animals that live with you and can go outside. When considering different ideas, first ask yourself, “Is this safe for my dog?” Anything after that may be secondary. For instance, some plants and flowers are toxic to dogs, so to be extra cautious, you could check with your vet to ensure any new greenery being planted is safe if your pet sniffed or ingested any of its leaves or needles. You can also let your landscaper know this is a concern for you and that pet-friendly plantings must be prioritized. Fencing or walls may also be part of your safety considerations, depending on how wild and freely you want your pets to roam while out of doors. Shade and Shelter Shelter may be another consideration if your pets will be spending considerable amounts of time outside when it’s sunny or raining. Like humans, dogs enjoy basking in the sun but after a bit, that sun gets hot and a break is needed. A canine-friendly shady space might include a pergola or even a large shade tree that offers cooling comfort on a hot day. If you will be adding a dog house to your landscaping upgrades, give thought to how your pet likes to retreat to and rest. The dog house could be near the action—consider placing it near your patio—and easily accessible. Water Dogs love water. It’s a fact of life. Not just water that they can drink, but water to play in too. So when you are choosing landscape elements and want to include pet-friendly options, consider how to include water elements for hydration and fun. Water feature ideas could include water fountains that constantly have a flow of fresh water or even a small backyard pond with sloped sides for safety. Lookout Platform Dogs are watchful by nature, so a lookout platform, such as a raised boulder, would make for a happy pup. Consider placing this platform in a place that your pet can see most of the yard. Dog-Friendly Walkways For the most part, dogs are creatures of habit and will take the same territory each time they walk through the yard. This can quickly create an unsightly trail if the path they choose is through the grass. Mulch and small bark chips are both dog-friendly options for a good walkway that won’t get too hot, but they will need to be replaced periodically. A better option could be natural stone or concrete pavers. These can provide a beautiful effect for your landscaping and require very little upkeep—much less than mulch. When having a safe and enjoyable place for your animals to roam and explore is the end goal, landscaping experts can help you guide toward fun and safe options for your pets. Related: 4 Aesthetic Themes to Consider for Your Landscaping in Naperville, IL |
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