When people think “landscaping” they usually only consider plants, trees and bushes. But one important part of landscaping that often gets overlooked is hardscaping. Most people think hardscaping refers to big things like fire pits, paved surfaces, retaining walls, etc. While it definitely does include those things, hardscaping is really just any design element that isn’t living. Benches, walkways, and strategically placed rocks are all considered hardscaping. Incorporating hardscaping and landscaping into your design can add both functionality and beauty. Check out some of the specific benefits below. Correct grade problems and improve drainage An uneven lawn can create a lot of problems, from soil erosion to poor drainage and areas that are completely inaccessible. Adding a retaining wall can help prevent soil erosion and create a flat space for plants to grow. Incorporating a pathway or stairs can make the top or…
Often when we visit our clients’ homes, we notice they are underutilizing their backyard. More specifically, many homeowners are only using the space directly surrounding their home. Whether they have a front porch, rear patio or outside kitchen, the space being occupied is generally the area under the home’s roof. While this is a nice way to spend time outdoors protected from the elements, the desire to get into the yard is shared by many. Defining the home’s style and considering the flow is of upmost importance when enhancing to your landscape. That’s where Exterior Designs comes in! We want to see our clients using every square inch of their yard, but doing so in style and with purpose. Checkout some of our latest pergola designs and the inspiration behind them. Pergolas Come in Many Styles No wonder the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) listed pergolas as…
Guest article by Ali Sanderson. Photo by Luke Schobert on Unsplash. Planning and developing a beautiful garden is a very rewarding pastime. However, there is one aspect of a successful garden that many people overlook. That is the availability of pollinators. For those who hope to grow fruits or vegetables in their garden, having nearby pollinators, such as domesticated bees, is necessary for flowers to set fruit on plants. Thankfully, beekeeping has become an increasingly popular activity for people with gardens and yards of all sizes. You do not need to have several acres of apple orchard to keep bees. You just need a little planning to ensure you have adequate food resources available for your hive. Creating the Perfect Landscape New Orleans agriculture, plants, and wildflowers depend on pollination from bees. Thus, the fall season is the perfect time to plant and make your…
Beverly Katz Adds a Touch of French Quarter Style to Metairie Home Old world custom fireplace, brick paved courtyard and black wrought-iron details reflect influences of Spanish and French architecture. Upon entering Cathy Green Rosenstein’s garden in Metairie, you cannot help but notice the vibrant colors that greet you. The eye is drawn to a large multi-trunk Savannah Holly tree and an elegant fountain used to anchor the space while setting the stage for a colorful garden that flanks the kitchen window. Intended to be enjoyed from inside the home as well as outside, the garden incorporates varying textures and heights, creating visual interest from both perspectives. Dwarf mondo grass provides a lush filler of dark green blades and is the perfect backdrop for the surrounding pink geraniums, blue salvias and sun-loving impatiens. Beverly Katz left nothing to chance when…
As winter’s shorter days and cooler temperatures force us indoors to stay warm, the house can feel ‘stuffy’ and there is nothing worse than being forced to spend countless hours inside a house with stale air. More importantly are the adverse effects poor quality air indoors can have on you and your family’s health. With little or no fresh air coming in and running heaters all winter, it is no wonder that we suffer breathing problems, congestion and headaches during these colder months. By definition, indoor air pollution is chemical, biological and physical contamination of indoor air and may result in adverse health effects. This contamination can include pollutants from tobacco smoke, mold, allergens, bacteria, viruses, radon, formaldehyde, asbestos, mercury and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). How do we clean up the air in our homes? Some of these pollutants can be…