Softscape
"Softscape" refers to the lawns, groundcover and planting areas, D.G. (decomposed granite) and gravel patios & paths, benches, furniture and garden art. Generally, softscape is that which is not permanently fixed in place.
SOIL PREPARATION
When rough grading has been completed, the soil in all planter areas are scarified and organic amendments & fertilizers are added according to the soil's condition. A lab analysis can determine the agricultural suitablility of the sampled soil. Often we can determine the required conditioning based on our experience and knowledge of the soils in your area. Once soil amendments are added, they are blended with the soil using a roto-tiller and then raked out to a finish grade.
The finish grading process will remove any large clods & stones from the surface of the soil. Soil is graded to allow slope to drain inlets and left sub-graded sufficiently along hardscape edges to allow for a layer of bark mulch.
PLANTING
From small container plants to large specimen trees, we provide and install the plants to complete your garden. Whether you have an architect provide a plant list or utilize our design services, we work with you to customize the final plant selections to finish your dream garden.
With "in-house" designs, we often build the hardscape prior to determining final plant selection. With the hardscape in place, clients can better envision their finished garden and make final plant selections based on their individual tastes.
LAWNS
Lawns are typically installed using sod (turf grass grown on farms) which is cut into even strips and rolled for transportation. The sod is rolled out end to end, side to side. The joints are staggered much like bricks in a running bond pattern. The result is a beautiful and instant lawn which will be ready for use in 4 to 6 weeks.
POTS & PLANTER BOXES
Pots & planter boxes lend an artistic touch to the garden. Sometimes the pots are installed as barriers to direct how you move through the garden or simply as a color spot on a patio.
D.G. AND GRAVEL PATIOS & PATHS
D.G. (Decomposed Granite) and gravel patios and pathways are an inexpensive alternative to hardscape which may be appropriate in your garden. The advantage of D.G. or gravel is that the areas can be shaped and changed without looking like they've been patched. Maintenance is usually limited to periodic raking and re-compacting of material.
BARKS & MULCHES
Mulches are beneficial to the garden plantings as they keep the soil surface cool and moist in the summer and warm in the winter. Mulches hinder weed growth and organic materials benefit the soil as they decompose. Often tree barks and forest products are used as mulch. Barks are also sometimes used as an informal path through planter areas in a garden.
BENCHES & PATIO FURNITURE
Whether it is a bench along a garden path or furniture for your patio or pool deck, we can help you with your selection of garden furniture.
GARDEN ART
Garden art is as individual as you are. We sometimes suggest a theme and can create art pieces to display in your garden. More often though, garden art is supplied by the owner and we help to create the means to display the piece. From a large sculpture to a small birdbath, we work to incorporate your art into the garden to create an atmosphere that is uniquely yours. |
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