Landscaping Design on the Main Line

June 29, 2013
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on 3 Tips for Philadelphia Landscaping Retaining Wall Design

3 Tips for Philadelphia Landscaping Retaining Wall Design

Are you considering outdoor living options that may involve a Philadelphia landscaping retaining wall design? Retaining walls are often needed in order to hold the earth back at strategic locations around your landscaped gardens. Or, the retaining wall may be needed to create adequate space for a patio or outdoor living space. Landscaping retaining wall design should encompass a number of factors if you are to ensure it is both functional and attractive, such as:

Design: Structural Integrity and Materials
The two primary design features for the landscaping retaining wall design are the structural integrity, and the material selection. For a low sloping grade, a small retaining wall will be self supported under its own weight. Any time a retaining wall higher than three feet is constructed, the services of a professional landscape designer should be used to prevent structural problems, or drainage and erosion issues from storm water flow.

Lovely trellis with roses mounted on a brick wall

Natural stone such as Pennsylvania Blue Flagstone works well with the architecture of many Main Line homes. Brick is also a good choice; however, it can be difficult to find brick that matches an existing structure. Concrete is durable but less attractive, so many homeowners choose interlocking concrete blocks that resemble natural stone, instead.

Applications
Retaining walls may be placed against hills for grading purposes, or strategically employed to create raised garden beds or a sunken garden room. They can also be used to level out sloped surfaces to make them better for recreational activities.

Beautification
In order to enhance their appearance, the right landscaping features must be designed around the retaining wall. The type of plants used to enhance this structure will depend on its size, appearance and whether it is located in the sun or shade. It’s not uncommon for multi-tiered walls to have plants of varying heights along with lots of ground cover and perennial flowers.

Small trees, hostas and evergreen shrubs all work nicely on or near retaining walls, as well. You might think you need more than just three tips for Philadelphia landscaping retaining wall design, but these three will actually cover the basic design, details and aesthetic considerations you need to get started on planning.

At Aardweg Landscaping, we have been building retaining walls along the Main Line for more than 35 years. Aardweg Landscaping serves customers throughout the Philadelphia and Tri-State region, the Eastern and Western Main Line, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware. We would love to help you with your landscaping and retaining wall design needs, and invite you to contact Aardweg Landscaping today. (Image via stock.xchng)

Be sure to check out Aardweg Landscaping on YouTube and on Houzz.

June 24, 2013
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Hot! Philadelphia Residential Landscape Design Ideas for Summer

Hot! Philadelphia Residential Landscape Design Ideas for Summer

No matter what size or shape your Main Line property is, there’s a Philadelphia residential landscape design that will suit your needs precisely. Odd shapes, changes in elevation or small spaces are no problem, for the creative and experienced designer. What is the garden of your dreams? Here are a few ideas to get your creative ideas flowing.

Focal Point Design
If you have a circular driveway or sidewalk, consider placing a few plants right in the center of it. This creates a focal point for your entryway and makes your front yard look more inviting. Use small plants so that your line of sight won’t be obstructed from either side. Consider adding a fountain, small statue or gazing ball in the center to help add even more visual appeal.

Philadelphia Residential Landscape Design Ideas for Summer

Boost the Curb Appeal
Transforming the front yard driveway, sidewalk and entry area into an interesting and attractive approach to your home may include adding flaming maple, ferns, and peonies to insert color to your front yard approach. A few curb appeal ideas for your Philadelphia residential landscape design may be to:

Add year-round color to the gardens
Clean walkway and entry areas
Declutter the yard, and conceal unsightly items
Seed dead grass spots, pull weeds, and add plants
Paint or replace the mailbox, house numbers, entrance hardware and porch furniture

Changes in Grade or Elevation
Changes in elevation allow you to easily plant specimens of varying heights. At the top of your incline, consider adding some taller foundation plants or some dwarf fruit trees. In the middle, choose some smaller shrubs or ornamental grasses, and then follow them with attractive perennials or ground cover along the lowest level.(Image via Wikimedia)

At Aardweg Landscaping, we have been creating breathtaking Main Line gardens for more than 35 years. We are not put off by the challenges presented by unusual spaces or elevation changes, as we welcome the opportunity to create a Philadelphia residential landscape design in any location on your property. To find out more about the services we offer, contact us today.

Be sure to check out Aardweg Landscaping on YouTube and on Houzz.

June 22, 2013
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Essential Design Features of Top Front and Backyard Designs by Philadelphia Landscapers

Essential Design Features of Top Front and Backyard Designs by Philadelphia Landscapers

Essential design features of the best front and backyard designs by Philadelphia landscapers, such as Aardweg Landscaping, include many things. Three things are especially important: a cohesive design style, forms that reflect the architectural style of the home, and a clear and well-defined circulation pattern through the grounds. There are many other important features and design ideas, we mention a few here for your enjoyment.

Intimate and Private Areas for the Family to Enjoy
Develop a woodsy retreat or private garden area to ensure privacy for outdoor enjoyment. Using different sizes and shapes of evergreens, you can pair a tall spruce tree with some round cypress bushes and you have plenty of cover for birds, rabbit and squirrel. A privacy hedge can also be added to block views from the street while giving the illusion that you are deep in the country.

Landscape Designs Complement the Residential Architecture
When it comes to professional-looking landscaping, the design should reflect your home’s architecture and your own personality. For this reason, front and backyard designs by Philadelphia landscapers can include a number of elements when creating precisely the right style.

Fruit Trees and Much More!
You don’t need an orchard in order to enjoy a fruit garden. One can easily be designed using blueberry and strawberry bushes along with some dwarf apple or pear trees. It can be created on a patio or balcony, making it ideal even for city dwellers. The sky’s the limit when you consider your options–a fairy-tale garden can work well with a cottage style home. A few window boxes bursting with color can help accentuate your structure, while some smaller shrubs and potted plants will show off your porch or sidewalk nicely.

Front and backyard designs by Philadelphia landscapers can incorporate a wide range of garden styles, whether you are planning a formal or informal garden. Feel free to browse through our Main Line landscaped gardens portfolio to get ideas, and then mesh them together into a design that is as interesting and unique as you are.

If you’d like professional advice as you plan, contact Steve Aardweg of Aardweg Landscaping. In the Main Line area, people turn to Aardweg Landscaping to help them plan their garden designs. We have over 35 years in the business, and look forward to working with you to develop your backyard landscape. Contact us today by telephone at 610-355-0703.

Aardweg Landscaping serves customers throughout the Philadelphia and Tri-State region, the Eastern and Western Main Line, Southern New Jersey and Northern Delaware.

Be sure to check out Aardweg Landscaping on YouTube and on Houzz.

May 29, 2013
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Gorgeous Gardens and Summer Fun at Longwood Gardens

Gorgeous Gardens and Summer Fun at Longwood Gardens

Do you take pleasure in traveling around town during the spring and summer enjoying Main Line landscaping design styles? If you do, you would benefit from visiting the lush gardens at Longwood Gardens, located southeast of Philadelphia in Kennett Square, PA.

Longwood Gardens East Conservatory (Image via Wikimedia)

Gardens, Fountains and Conservatory
On any day of the week this summer, you can walk through the Outdoor Gardens and Conservatory; visit the Festival of Fountains, or enjoy special exhibits. At the Secrets of Victoria: Waterlily Queen, you can travel to untamed South American flood plains, or the great gardens of the world to discover Victoria, The Waterlily Queen.

What’s in bloom at the Longwood Gardens Outdoor Gardens and Conservatory? Click here to see this week’s indoor and outdoor garden highlights.

Exciting Evening Activities
The Longwood Gardens website reports, “All summer long, the arts come alive. Our Summer Performance Series includes more than 40 free and ticketed concerts in the most beautiful outdoor settings.” A selection of evening performances free with your Gardens admissions include the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds on May 31, Nation Beat on June 8, Diego Garcia on June 21 and Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks on August 9.

Popular musicians performing this summer include Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey on June 7, Amy Grant on June 27, Lyle Lovett and His Acoustic Group on July 11, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on August 15, Creedence Clearwater Revisited on August 22, and Tony Bennett on August 27.

Continuing Education Classes & Workshops
Longwood Gardens is also well known for its wide range of interesting continuing education classes and workshops. Subject matter is vast, ranging from garden and landscape design, to learning about Longwood’s Chrysanthemums. Classes are designed for everyone, including homeowners who enjoy Main Line landscaping design, hobby gardeners, horticulturalists, and landscape professionals, alike.

So, when you’re traveling around town this spring and summer enjoying Main Line landscaping design styles, Aardweg Landscaping hopes you’ll remember that you heard it here first – check out the gorgeous gardens and summer fun at Longwood Gardens.

Are you seeking an experienced and talented landscape design professional in the Main Line Philadelphia area? Look no further!

Main Line landscape design professional Steve Aardweg of Aardweg Landscaping has provided landscaping and hardscaping design and installation, garden restoration, and flower garden design ideas to Main Line homeowners for more than 35 years. Regularly working in many local towns along the Main Line, such as Malvern, Exton, West Chester, Paoli, Phoenixville, East Goshen, and West Goshen; Steve has more than satisfied scores of happy homeowners on the Main Line over the years.

For more information about the Aardweg Landscaping process, visit the Aardweg Landscaping website, or contact us by phone at 610-355-0703.

Be sure to check out Aardweg Landscaping on YouTube and on Houzz.

May 27, 2013
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Main Line Landscaping With Japanese Maple Trees

Main Line Landscaping With Japanese Maple Trees

With their cold-hardy nature, Japanese maple trees are an excellent addition to any Main Line garden design. Landscaping ideas that incorporate Japanese maple trees are nearly endless, as these plants make an excellent focal point for formal and informal gardens alike.

There are basically two types of Japanese maple trees: upright and weeping. Among the most popular weeping variety is a red specimen known as Crimson Queen. Providing purplish-red foliage, it can be an excellent choice for along a fence row or as part of a wildlife habitat.

Crimson Queen Japanese maple

Viridis is another weeping variety that sports brilliant green leaves. It could be ideal near water features such as a garden pond. This Japanese maple could also be planted in rows to form a hedge or planted along with evergreen shrubs near the entrance to your home.

In areas of limited space, coral bark maple might be a better choice. This upright variety has pink and green leaves that turn a deep yellow in the fall. Surrounded by smaller shrubs or brilliant annuals, it could create an interesting garden area, especially if you’re into mixed border gardens.

At Aardweg Landscaping, we plant Japanese maple trees in homes located in Haverford, Radnor, Paoli, Malvern, Media, Merion, and Narberth. Visit our website or Houzz to get landscaping ideas and view some of the work we have performed in the past. With more than 35 years of experience, you can rely on us to meet all your garden design needs. Contact us for a consultation today by calling 610-355-0703.

Check out Aardweg Landscaping on YouTube and on Houzz.

Photo by TomWSulcer via Wikimedia Commons

May 20, 2013
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on A Garden in Time – What Time Brings to the Garden Experience

A Garden in Time – What Time Brings to the Garden Experience

One of the most important and least recognized aspects in designing a garden is time. Unlike materials used in construction (a 2″ x 4″ will always be 2″ x 4″), plant materials are going to grow. Obvious, yet amateurs and professionals alike make the same mistake again and again…they plant far too closely and/or don’t account for the future size of the plantings. The need for instant gratification and/or ignorance of the plants’ capabilities would seem to be the primary causes.

Over the course of the 35 + years I have been designing and installing gardens I have come to realize that few people understand what time will bring to the equation. Beginners especially have little or no idea of this….they’ve never experienced it, so how would they know? Hence this blog post.

Below is just one of our many jobs that we have done over the years, that will give an idea of the time component, using BEFORE, AFTER, and 1 YEAR LATER.

Before:

storm-drainage-aardweg-landscaping-wynnewood-merion-station-narberth-main-line-philadelphia

Main Line Garden Design – Before

After (just planted):

Main Line Garden Design – After

One year later:

Main Line Garden Design – 1 Year Later

A few months later than the above:

Main Line Garden Design – A Few Months Later

So the design becomes what I envisioned as it was planted, but does not reveal itself for some time.

There are other components to what I call the evolution of the garden.

Even though I have decades of experience, I still can get both good and bad surprises in a garden’s design. Some plants will thrive…others – not so much. And despite all the experience I have, I cannot be spot-on every time. And that’s a good thing.

Some of the best combinations in designing a garden have come to me through this “weeding out” process. When one plant refuses to live up to my expectations, either something else in back gives me the line, or I pop something else in to see how it will perform – not what I had initially planned, but it turns out looking great. And if not, I try something else.

This really is one of the fun things of design – the failure of certain plants to do what they should!

Another component of garden evolution takes place in both my and my client’s heads.

As the garden goes through the seasons, both my client and I form new opinions about the design. A new client may not like, say, ornamental grasses,or finds that they love a particular plant. Sometimes I will introduce one – OK, I’ll sneak it in and wait for a reaction. Many times I have clients tell me how much they love a new plant that I brought in for a reaction. Designing requires fluidity and experience to get the very best results.

And time.

To discuss your own garden project, call me at 610.355.0703, or send me an email using the web contact form.

Steve Aardweg APLD

Check out Aardweg Landscaping on YouTube and on Houzz.