Landscaping Design on the Main Line

March 19, 2015
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on The Philadelphia Flower Show Exceeds Expectations in 2015!

The Philadelphia Flower Show Exceeds Expectations in 2015!

The 186^th annual Philadelphia Flower Show exceeded expectations by delivering a truly one-of-a-kind retreat from the harsh realities of winter, and visitors experienced the relief of stepping out of the cold and into a balmy, floral wonder land of fairy tales and movies. This year, the show demonstrated its incredible capacity and taste for design by transforming the 33 acre Philadelphia Convention Center into a breathtaking landscape design intended to correspond to its chosen theme, “Celebrate the Movies,” which was a one-of-a-kind tribute to the flowers in movies from decades past.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” Walt Disney would have certainly felt the impact of his own oft-inspiring quote at this year’s show. The main entrance boasted a huge display that mimicked a 1920s theater portal, complete with red carpet, flashing bold colors, elaborate lighting, fountains and gorgeously-hued flowers, generating at once an imposing first impression for the awed more than quarter-of-a-million guests in attendance.

As the guests passed the entryway, they were ushered into an expansive room where a huge, 36-foot television screen, set amid masses of flowers, regaled guests with beloved films of the past century of movies.

Nor did the show fail to hold guests in intrigue and wonder. Everywhere were creatively designed displays of well-known Disney and other movie characters and scenes, captured in imaginative floral arrangement, including:

Of noteworthy mention was Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a replication of the lush, tropical scenery of the movie, complete with an ornate, draped litter, fit to transport a royal princess.
A display of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe captured some of the chilling landscape of Narnia under the reign of the evil queen.
A whimsical log cabin, surrounded by golden flowers and purple rhododendrons, including a campfire ready for trout and marshmallows, brought a stunning representation of The Parent Trap before spectators’ eyes.
An utterly charming display of John Ford’s classic, The Quiet Man, revealed a little Irish cottage, set about with lovely rock-walled gardens, cascades of vibrantly-colored flowers and a sweet wooden gated fence.
The Best Winner in the landscape category went to a mesmerizing display, inspired by the movie, Maleficent. It’s use of dreamy shapes, contrasting colors and transparent floral arrangements was truly outstanding.

Besides all these delightfully designed displays, the show also offered such interesting activities as special theme nights, cooking demonstrations, beer gardens, early morning and photography tours, a butterfly exhibit, DIY workshops and acres upon acres of flowers. What was not to enjoy?

While the northeastern United States was still enduring the icy grip of winter, Philadelphia had its own method of escape. This year’s privileged guests at the 186^th annual Philadelphia Flower Show thronged to enjoy the world’s oldest flower show while celebrating the movies, thus experiencing spectacular scenery designed to inspire garden imaginations and hopes for the return of spring.

Main Line landscape design, installation and maintenance company Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA was recently recognized with the “Best Of Houzz” 2015 award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz. As a full-service landscape company, Aardweg Landscaping has the design expertise, plant knowledge, and quality workmanship necessary to establish and maintain a reputation for superior customer service. To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website Contact form.

March 14, 2015
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Best Landscape Design Tips for a Formal Courtyard

Best Landscape Design Tips for a Formal Courtyard

Without a doubt, a formal courtyard presents an attractive and welcome space at the front of a home or in a side or backyard garden area, reminiscent of courtyards enjoyed by the finest European aristocracy. The formal courtyard entry provides instant impact, as if the first impression of your home heightens anticipation for further surprises yet to be discovered.

In possessing a beautifully gardened courtyard, one’s thoughts might resonate with the words of Robert Brault, who said, “I sit in my garden, gazing upon a beauty that cannot gaze upon itself. And I find sufficient purpose for my day.”

How does one accomplish this gardening masterpiece, creating the perfect blend of architectural features, hardscaping and landscaping? Structure is absolutely essential, as the sight line, or the immediate channel of vision one has when entering the courtyard, needs to be geometrically and architecturally well defined.

Plants and materials may vary according to taste and style, but the structural features must render a sense of stability, formality and uniformity. The following landscape design tips are offered as suggestions to whet the appetite of the Philadelphia homeowner interested in formal courtyard design by a Main Line landscape designer:

perennialgardensaardweglandscapingmainlinephiladelphiamalvernpaoliedgement

Enclosed courtyard graces the entrance area of this Philadelphia area home.

Enclosing the Courtyard
Enclosure is the most critical characteristic or design feature of the courtyard. Whether the landscape designer or architect selects walls, fencing or landscaping, the shape, height and material of the enclosure each contributes to the success of the final design. Courtyard boundaries may vary in height and be solid or transparent. The courtyard may be enclosed on all four sides, while even three sides are able to create a sense of enclosure.

In possessing a beautifully gardened courtyard, one might resonate with the words of Robert Brault, who said, “I sit in my garden, gazing upon a beauty that cannot gaze upon itself. And I find sufficient purpose for my day.”

Plant and Pathway Materials and Design
Pathways may be brick, stone, or other natural selections, and should be in balance with the rest of the courtyard. Focal points, such as urns filled with flowers, decorative birdbaths, and graceful statues, complement the paving or other materials in order to achieve a consistent sense of harmony. Formal hedging plants emphasize the overall shape and bring year round structure to the display, while plantings of annuals provide fresh and vibrant color. Flowering shrubs, roses and perennials are carefully selected to splash changing color through out the entire season. The expert landscape design plans incorporate drainage and erosion control strategies and materials as well.

Traditional Landscape by Newtown Square Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Aardweg Landscaping

Water Features in the Courtyard
Water features are a splendid addition to any courtyard, and are often the central feature around which the garden comes alive. The sound of splashing water is restorative and soothing, so providing a seating nook will allow passersby to enjoy the therapeutic effects in comfortable style.

According to HGTV.com, the hardscaping, walls and pathways in a formal garden create the structure. The designer comments about the sense of precision in a classical garden layout, “I think of hard materials as the bone structure of the garden, which the planting can soften and enhance.”

In business for over 35-years, full-service landscape design company Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA was recently recognized with the “Best Of Houzz” 2015 Award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Are you interested in learning more about formal courtyard design at your Main Line or Philadelphia home? To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website contact form.

March 9, 2015
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Gardening Inspiration at the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show

Gardening Inspiration at the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show

Since the opening of the first Philadelphia Flower Show in 1829, when the poinsettia made its debut to the United States, the world has repeatedly been philadelphia-flower-show-2015-poinsettia awed by the annual exhibition of colorful displays, blooming new cultivars, rare and exotic plants, beautiful works of art, and a myriad of other breathtaking venues. This year, the show’s theme was “Celebrate the Movies,” and landscaping artists outdid themselves in creating stunning floral representations of some of the world’s most beloved movie scenes and characters. Young and old alike were captivated by the complex flower garden designs and elaborate fairy tale transformation of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

The goal of this year’s show was to give all guests a taste of the red-carpet treatment, replicating interior designs of posh movie premieres from years gone by, and seeking to overwhelm every sense with rich garden tapestries and luxurious surroundings enjoyed by the talented, the rich and the famous.

But for those who wanted to escape the limelight and retreat for a little while into dreams of creating their own splendid gardens and enchanting yard projects, the Gardener’s Studio was the place to be! Both informative and interactive, the Gardener’s Studio provided the perfect opportunity to glean valuable nuggets of information from prestigious gardening, landscaping and green living artists. The presentations were fun and educational, and numerous spectators were recipients of plant cuttings and exciting giveaway prizes. The green thumb enthusiast would have found the schedule of diverse gardening and do-it-yourself projects a quite a resource. Topics covered in these workshops included organic and restricted-space gardening tips, gardening on a budget, butterfly and wildlife gardens, new flower garden designs, water conservation and recycling advice, beneficial insects, medicinal herbs and healthful plants, miniature gardens, as well as many other amazing related subjects – all designed to inspire and entice both novice and experienced gardeners alike to even greater levels of growing achievement.

At noon every day was the popular “Container Garden Challenge,” hosted by professional designer, Sam Harris. This good-natured contest highlighted three different designers, who had to compete in the creation of an original container design from a restricted plant repertoire. Upon completion, the audience would then vote for their favorite container arrangement. Lots of cheering and good, clean fun accompanied this daily challenge, and observers went away with some great ideas to implement in their own yards and gardens.

Whether it was for an astounding experience of the magnificent displays that are the hallmark of the Philadelphia Flower Show, merely an escape from the clutches of winter in anticipation of a soon-coming spring season, or gleaning flower garden designs or other information to improve one’s own gardening expertise, the show was sure to impress and inspire! What delights of nature would you love to see taking up residence in your garden?

February 28, 2015
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on A Williamsburg Style Garden for Your Main Line Home

A Williamsburg Style Garden for Your Main Line Home

In the late 1700s, one would think American colonists had more urgent matters to attend to than creating and maintaining elaborate gardens. Yet, as these gardens were seen as a status symbol and representative of how the young country was flourishing, Williamsburg style gardens, strongly influenced by European designs, were born. This classic plan is still duplicated today in many places around the country.

Williamsburg style garden design Main Line Philadelphia PA

As in traditional formal gardens, the design relies heavily on geometric precision, particularly the “quincunx”, which involves four square or rectangular sections balanced around a central area. This provides a pleasing panoramic view from a second story window or balcony, where the symmetry can be seen to maximum impact. Mirroring is an integral feature; whatever happens on one side must be balanced on the other side, to maintain a predictable and peaceful harmony. A series of crosswalks break off the main pathway to provide access throughout the whole garden.

Traditional Landscape by Main Line PA Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Aardweg Landscaping

Many Williamsburg style gardens have a central focal point. According to the article ‘Adding focal points to create memorable landscapes’, “The style of a garden helps dictate an appropriate focal point. A trio of stone pillars or a bamboo waterspout would complement a Japanese garden. A bee skep or sundial would be a natural in a Williamsburg-style garden or as the centerpiece of a four square vegetable garden.”

The entirety of the design is enclosed in shrubberies, brick walls or fences, to strongly define the space and lend that feeling of privacy, and entry into the garden is typically through a opulent gate.

The overall pattern and plant selections are the main features of the Williamsburg garden. Vertical interest is provided through gracefully shaped topiaries, espaliered fruit trees, and trellises and tripods on which the plants might clamber. The edibles and ornamental plants are all grown together in a comfortable, visually appealing way adding distinction to your Main Line garden. Seating is provided for the lover of nature to enjoy the peace and quite in the ordered and balanced Williamsburg garden setting.

Here’s the question — is there a colonial Williamsburg garden waiting to be discovered in your yard?

February 25, 2015
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Seasonal Color in Your Main Line Perennial Garden

Seasonal Color in Your Main Line Perennial Garden

British horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll once said, “There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, that cannot be tamed into such a state as may give an impression of beauty and delight.” What a joy it is, then, to take that dull and unimpressive spot in the yard and transform it into a season-long spectacle of vibrant colors!

Achieving such an effect is not an easy task, but rather requires careful planning. Its design must be orchestrated with great precision to ensure that fresh flushes of color appear just as earlier ones are fading, to create a seamlessly woven tapestry of vivid floral threads, a veritable masterpiece to please the senses, in your Main Line perennial garden.

Main Line Perennial Garden Design

“Great-looking landscapes don’t have to be a lot of hard work. If you pick the right plants, you can enjoy a yard that’s filled with color from spring to fall — without having to spend every weekend tending it.” — BHG.com.

Layering in the Perennial Garden
One of the most important design concepts for the Main Line perennial garden is layering. A planting bed for perennial flowers should be wide enough so that there is room for layers of plants, with a 3-foot wide minimum for perennial plant gardens. Design the garden so that larger perennial plants are located in the back of the garden bed, when up against a building, fence, etc. You can layer middle and lower level perennials in front of the back row. For an open bed, place the taller plants in the center with shorter plants at the bed edges.

Perennial Garden Plants and Features
So what are the features of a resplendent Main Line perennial garden? The heart and soul of the perennial garden is its color. While the majority of perennials flower for a brief period of time, they always blossom their hearts out and produce lavishly.

These pedal-pushing wonders include creeping phlox, once-blooming roses, Shasta daisies, lady’s mantle and others. When the peak bloom has passed, the plants turn to the production of seeds and the foliage tends to become pathetic, and others take up the display, thus continuing the color contest throughout the growing season.

There are some perennials, however, that work hard constantly, generously offering their cheerful hues when others are flagging. Such winners include repeating roses, lavender, day-lilies and various forms of dianthus, all of which offer lovely foliage to complement their sunny blooms. The drab and insipid no more! Let it be rather a beautiful Main Line perennial garden that takes up residence in your yard. Then sit back and enjoy the view!

In business for over 35-years, full-service landscape design company Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA was recently recognized with the “Best Of Houzz” 2015 award for Customer Satisfaction by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. Are you interested in adding seasonal color to your main line perennial garden? To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website Contact form.

February 20, 2015
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Lovely Traditional Landscape Design Perfect for Your Main Line Home

Lovely Traditional Landscape Design Perfect for Your Main Line Home

Beautiful gardens have long been the inspiration of poets and dreamers, the setting for sweet exchanges, and the haven for those who need a respite from the rigors of the hectic pace of life. So, for owners of new homes springing up in Wayne, Radnor and Villanova, why not choose a traditional landscape design?

Traditional landscape design for Wayne, Radnor and Villanova homes.

In contrast to the purely aesthetic and pretentious function they played in the past, traditional gardens of today bring beauty and purpose to the garden space. With a goal to to create a harmonious and soothing setting, signature features of the traditional garden are the:

Use of geometrical patterns
Importance of symmetry
Gentle repetition of themes
Native or indigenous plants

Harmony in the traditional garden is accomplished through the construction of pleasingly balanced pathways, paved in natural, stone or brick material, and lined tastefully with shrubs of the same height. Small areas of lawn interspersed with plantings of complementary floral and sometimes edible plots are employed as well. Areas for seating are well defined and tastefully designed to facilitate the full enjoyment of the surrounding scenery, often emphasizing a particular focal point.

Why settle for a garden that is merely mediocre, when some careful planning produces a landscape design for Wayne, Radnor and Villanova homes that is truly breathtaking and inspiring? Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Miserables describes a character who had “A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in – what more could he ask? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars.”

The professionally designed traditional landscape plan takes into account growth patterns; using indigenous plants carefully selected to maintain proportions, layering, seasonal color, and scaled to maintain shape over time. Aardweg Landscaping is just such a professional designer, with over 35 years of experience designing and installing beautiful gardens in the greater Philadelphia area, including the communities of Wayne, Radnor and Villanova.

Recently awarded the “Best Of Houzz” 2015 Customer Service Award, the 35-year old full-service landscape design company, A ardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, PA is widely admired by our Main Line Philadelphia residential clientele. Are you dreaming about having a Monetesque informal or cottage garden of your own as a front yard or backyard design? To schedule a complimentary on-site consultation, call Aardweg Landscaping at 610-355-0703, or send an email using the website Contact form.