Landscaping Design on the Main Line

September 20, 2016
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Landscaping Ideas for Beautiful Philadelphia Garden Walkways

Landscaping Ideas for Beautiful Philadelphia Garden Walkways

“A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in…” said Victor Hugo, expressing the common view that there are few delights in life to exceed that of meandering through a lovely landscaped garden and admiring with every sense all the colors and textures and fragrances the lush surroundings have to offer. Aardweg-Landscaping-Perennials-Philadelphia-Garden-1

Have you ever thought what the garden would be like without a walkway from which to enjoy it? How would one move so seamlessly throughout the design if thought were not given to this rudimentary perhaps, but intrinsically crucial part of the scheme?

Let’s consider a few ideas for incredibly beautiful garden walkways for your Main Line landscape design.

Straight lines – Classically formal and possessing ability to bring strong lines and character into the garden, geometric pathways feel clean, elegant, royal. The hardscaping materials determine how much of a role the path plays in the overall design, as muted, earthy materials scale the walkway down and let it work as a wonderful accent to the plants themselves whereas bolder definition in the materials can make it much more of a focal
Garden path walkway landscaping ideas for your Main Line Philadelphia garden

point in its own right.
Curving lines – For a gentler, softer, more subtle atmosphere in your Main Line landscape design, undulating curves at once create a dreamy informal style. Stone, pebbles and wood mulch are perfect companions to such a cottage look and provide a perfect frame for billowing, smiling, charming plants and flowers.
Complementary accents – Garden pathway features that can take a pathway from good to stunning might include adding a lovely trellis covered with clambering vines, creating a tasteful garden gate at one end of the path, using the walkway to lead toward an intimate seating nook or guiding the eye toward a prominent focal point.

The possibilities are really amazingly endless for your Main Line landscape design. With some imagination, and perhaps some professional landscaping advice, you are bound to love not only your garden, but also the path which ties it all together.

Gorgeous gardens invite visitors to this attractive Main Line residence

In 2014, 2015, and 2016 Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA received the “Best Of Houzz” award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz. Aardweg Landscaping also received the exclusive “Recommended” badge for top rated professionals on Houzz in 2015.

Schedule a complimentary on-site consultation to discuss arrangements for landscape design, installation and maintenance with Philadelphia area Aardweg Landscaping by calling 610.355.0703, or sending us an email.

September 16, 2016
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Landscaping for Storm Water and Erosion Control in Eastern PA

Landscaping for Storm Water and Erosion Control in Eastern PA

There are so many wonderful advantages homeowners enjoy during the summer season – the bright sunshine and blue skies, gorgeously colorful gardens, outdoor picnic meals and activities, and more.

One of the more unpleasant aspects of the summer season comes in the form of torrential downpours which can occur during summer thunderstorms, often revealing less-than-ideal storm water damage and drainage problems. These can create storm water and erosion control issues that leave quite a blemish on your Main Line landscape design and even potentially the foundation of your house.

Never fear, though — help is within reach! Experienced landscape design, installation and maintenance companies such as Aardweg Landscaping can make quick work of your storm water drainage woes. Here are a few strategies to consider:

Typical Cross-section of a French Drain

French drain system – This is a brilliant system where a gravel trench (often developed in combination with a perforated pipe) is used to redirect unwanted surface water to a more suitable area. Such a technique is particularly ideal for channeling water away from the house foundation in an attractive and effective manner.
Light grading – If there are sink holes, decaying stumps or other problems under the grass in your lawn, they will become manifest more and more over time, especially when there is a great deal of rain. Aardweg will grade the areas in question to remove these storm water runoff issues and will create terraces or berms both to naturally prevent irrigation problems associated with these hidden challenges as well as to enhance the beauty of your Main Line landscape design.
Retaining walls – This is another attractive erosion control solution. Retaining walls are utilized to direct storm water to appropriate drainage areas and can be used in conjunction with attractive landscaping trees, shrubs and flowers to create a beautiful and functional part of your overall design.

Whatever your residential drainage needs, the company’s 35 plus years of expertise will definitely get your Main Line landscape design all shipshape and ready to handle any summer or fall rainstorm!

Reach out to Main Line / Philadelphia Aardweg Landscaping to discuss storm water and erosion control for your residential property. In 2014, 2015, and 2016 Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA received the “Best Of Houzz” award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz. Aardweg Landscaping also received the exclusive “Recommended” badge for top rated professionals on Houzz in 2015.

September 12, 2016
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Curb Appeal Ideas for Beautiful Eastern PA Landscapes

Curb Appeal Ideas for Beautiful Eastern PA Landscapes

Gorgeous gardens invite visitors to this attractive Main Line residence. (Aardweg Landscaping, Newtown Square, PA)

Curb appeal is commonly known as, “The visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street.” We experience it every time we pass a beautifully landscaped property and respond with an admiring “Wow!” Or, conversely, we sense the lack thereof when we pass a home whose lawn or garden needs something to elevate it from mediocrity.

What are some ways to improve your home’s curb appeal and get your Main Line landscape design all “dressed to impress”? As rudimentary as it might sound, freshening up the building exterior is a simple step that can make a dramatic difference in the curb appeal for your Main Line landscape design. Getting a power wash to remove dirt, grime, dinginess and mildew gives everything a wonderfully clean feeling, while a new coat of paint can brighten up worn out surfaces. Here are additional ideas:

Use brightly colored plants – Vibrant colors draw the eye, so placing these skillfully throughout your landscape means that people will notice your lawn and garden. A thoughtful arrangement of bold colors along the front of the house and bordering the driveway and paths can make even the smallest lawn pack a powerful curb appeal punch.

Main Line Landscape design company Aardweg Landscaping Earns Best of Houzz for Customer Satisfaction 2015

Lovely entry area by Main Line Landscape design company Aardweg Landscaping

Emphasize the entryway – By enhancing the features around your home’s main entry, you gently guide your guests’ eyes in the direction you want them to go. Ornate wrought iron benches, lovely planters spilling over with warm hues, decorative accents, special lighting – all these convey an aura of welcoming hospitality and decidedly good taste.

Add a fence for function or aesthetics – Whether your new fence is primarily functional to add privacy or security, or actually added for aesthetic purposes to build character and charm – it is an excellent strategy for adding curb appeal. House Logic says, “A picket fence with a garden gate to frame the yard is an asset. Not only does it add visual punch to your property, appraisers will give extra value to a fence in good condition, although it has more impact in a family-oriented neighborhood than an upscale retirement community.”

Colorful garden fence creates a border and adds character in this Main Line, PA garden. (By Aardweg Landscaping, Newtown Square, PA)

Take a look at your house through the eyes of visitors and passersby to discover areas in your Main Line landscape design that could use a bit of sprucing up. A little attention to these details can take your home’s curb appeal from ordinary to spectacular in no time.

Consult with your landscape design professional when adding landscaping color, fences and entry area emphasis requesting that he or she provide details and plans to help you make the most of your property.

Attention Philadelphia and Tri-State region in the Main Line, PA; suburban Philadelphia, southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey or northern Delaware area homeowners — schedule a complimentary on-site consultation to discuss ideas to improve curb appeal with the Philadelphia / Main Line company, Aardweg Landscaping by calling 610.355.0703, or by sending us an email.

August 29, 2016
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on A Gorgeous Philadelphia or Main Line Landscape Design for You

A Gorgeous Philadelphia or Main Line Landscape Design for You

In our high-tech society, it’s easy to get glimpses of gorgeous landscaped gardens on television or in magazines or online. The sight of them can almost take one’s breath away. Do you think those lovely landscape designs are only for the super “rich and famous”?

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had your own “secret garden”, your own little haven of beautiful natural surroundings, for your personal year round enjoyment? Yes, it can happen — and more easily than you might think.

Regardless of what your lawn and garden situation is at present, Aardweg Landscaping can make your wish for a splendid Main Line landscape design a reality. How will Aardweg accomplish this?

By listening – The first step is for your Aardweg landscape designer to sit down with you and actually listen to what you envision in your new design. This includes finding out what you like – from the plants, to special features, to the hardscape details and materials.

By applying expertise and experience – Aardweg Landscaping will assess your existing design do determine unique assets and potential obstacles and make recommendations on a potential course of action, so as to avoid any unwanted “surprises” in the installation phase. Designer Steve Aardweg of Aardweg Landscaping is certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

By drawing a detailed landscape plan – Next in this process, everything that was discussed in step one will be transferred to a drawing so that you can actually see your design. This is the ideal time to tweak your Main Line landscape design, so that when you give your approval, you know exactly what you are going to get. You may also consider 3D photographic images at this phase of the planning.

By delivering complete satisfaction – Once the go-ahead is granted, Aardweg completes the full installation as planned. With outstanding customer service and stunning performance, no longer will those images of resplendent gardens make you feel wistful. You will have your own one-of-a-kind Main Line landscape design to satisfy your thirst for beauty – for years to come!

August 25, 2016
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Upcycling & Recycling to Create a Unique Landscaped Garden Style

Upcycling & Recycling to Create a Unique Landscaped Garden Style

Regardless of how beautifully or professionally landscaped any garden design might be, everyone appreciates a splash of originality, nostalgia and whimsy to infuse the landscaped garden with a bit of the homeowner’s own personality and humor. How could you bring a touch of personalization to your Main Line landscaping design?

Upcycled materials fit perfectly in the outdoor living space. In fact, anything that holds beauty for you can be useful as a decorative objet d’art to add character, charm and interest. What better way could there be to create a relaxing and personalized atmosphere than by adding repurposed garden elements that encourage reminiscence, or reminders of children’s days gone by, or memories of gatherings with beloved friends and family of the past?

Cherished items that hold beauty for you can be used as a decorative objet d’art to add character, charm and interest in the garden.

You might consider “upcycling” old kitchen pots or colanders or old wooden crates for use as decorative planters spilling over with color and charm. Turning an old wagon or ramshackle wheelbarrow into a complete vibrant potted garden is positively wonderful in its simplicity and creativity. But re-purposing items for planters is not the only possibility for a flash of uniqueness in your landscaping design. Here are a few more creative ideas:

Eye-catching bird feeders or birdbaths can be constructed from antique light fixtures, pretty dishes and even simple pans perhaps spruced up with grapevine and copper wiring.

(Image via flickr–woolnwares)

Intriguing pieces of metalwork (perhaps an antique child’s toy, an old plow, a piece of fencing, or other interesting metal fragment) can provide delightful accents as lovely trellises for vines to climb on, or in flower beds carefully laid out by the professional.

Weather-beaten or purposely distressed furniture, far from appearing out of place in your overall design, can actually bring a touch of freshness and contrast to the scenery. The casual and well-used nature of the piece actually suggests that one could sit and relax without worrying about wearing off the newness.

These are simply a few of the many, many possibilities for upcycling to create a unique landscaped garden style. Basically, if you can dream it up, it can be done, and the only limitation is that of the imagination. So step outside of the box and bring a much-needed touch of personality and fun to your Main Line landscaping design.

August 23, 2016
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Planning Tips for Brilliant Autumn Philadelphia Landscapes

Planning Tips for Brilliant Autumn Philadelphia Landscapes

Spring and summer seem to get most of the attention in the landscaping realm. But why should that be, when autumn is such a rich and beautiful time of year for Main Line Philadelphia gardens?

The brilliance of the gardening season seems to pass by so quickly each year. So while not seeking to diminish one iota from the wondrous beauty of the more flamboyant seasons, consider saving a bit of space in your Philadelphia landscape design for some delightful fall landscape plant favorites – all intended to regale your garden with exquisite color and extend the growing season that much longer.

Sweet Autumn Clematis

For lively annuals that provide a fresh and continuous pop of color throughout the autumn months, check out pansies, snapdragons, sunflowers (if planted in late summer), violas and ornamental kale.
In the perennial realm, take a look at the splendid colors which sedum, autumn crocus, chrysanthemums, Michaelmas daisies, eupatorium, helianthus, goldenrod and sweet autumn clematis have to offer the fall garden.
If you are interested in exquisite shrubs for your Philadelphia landscape design, think about beautyberry, autumn-blooming azaleas, viburnum, oak-leaf hydrangeas, blue mist shrub and even blueberry plants, which provide not only beautiful flowers but also decorative berries and foliage for extra interest.
Some resplendent trees known for delivering fiery autumn color include deciduous maple trees, dogwoods, Japanese maples and stewartia.

Oak-leaf Hydrangea

Don’t limit yourself to the floriferous offerings of spring and summer alone, or allow any bit of extra glorious color available during the growing season slip through your fingers. The fall garden can be exquisite. In fact, highcountrygardens.com says “While the spring garden is full of smaller, compact flowering perennials and bulbs, the fall garden is the realm of big perennials and ornamental grasses that have been growing all summer before coming into flower.”

Before winter engulfs your home in its icy grips, get all the vibrant hues and splendor you can possibly squeeze out of your landscape and relish every last shred of enjoyment from your garden. Main Line Philadelphia fall landscape design planning for color and interest is an excellent way to achieve this very thing!