Hardscapes – Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus

Archadeck of Columbus wants to know: Have you joined the hardscape revolution?

At Archadeck of Columbus, we have observed three types of homeowners:

Those who have a paver patio and enjoy it to the max, practically living outdoors
Those who have an old slab concrete patio and are considering a change to pavers
Those whose yard contains no pavers or slab; they are desperately in need of a paver patio

Which group are you in? Over the past several years we have seen homeowners spending more and more time outdoors on their patios. That trend is not going to wind down any time soon. The kind of custom-designed hardscape outdoor living environment we build will never go out of style. People just enjoy them too much!

Group One: You own a paver patio

If you have one, you know: the paver patio is a thing of beauty. The artful arrangement of smooth, cool stones beckons you outdoors. The effect is almost hypnotic. There is nowhere else you would rather relax — or entertain — than there. The patio is an extension of your home, and it may be your favorite part of the home.

Is your hardscape environment complete? Perhaps as you enjoy entertaining outdoors, you notice there is never enough seating. Have you thought about adding a seating wall? Archadeck of Columbus can rim the patio with a low wall and top it with round-edged stones comfortable for seating. Supplementing your chairs with a seating wall keeps the patio from looking cluttered with too much furniture. You won’t need to bring additional chairs outside; the seating wall is always there.

If you enjoy dining outdoors, it may be time to expand the paver patio to accommodate an outdoor kitchen. The chef and bartender in the family can enjoy more time with the guests without having to run back and forth into the house for food and beverages. Or, what about a fire pit or free-standing fireplace to take the chill off of cooler evenings? It may be time to elevate your outdoor living game, and it’s definitely time to begin planning for fall.

Would your patio look better with built-in stone planters, decorative pillars or lighting for safety or ambiance? We can easily add amenities to an existing patio to enhance your enjoyment of time spent outdoors.

Group Two: Your old concrete slab patio is (past) due for an upgrade

While a basic concrete slab patio is functional, it is uninspiring and usually too small. Are you still entertaining guests on the builder-grade patio that came with your home? If so, you are more than ready for a custom-designed hardscape to replace that slab. We can meet with you to nurture your vision of how a bigger and better patio would suit your family’s lifestyle. We can help you to stop seeing only what is there now and start seeing what could be there.

Take a look at the before and after. They are different angles but we promise, this is the same house!

We have designed a variety of hardscapes in the Columbus area and can work with you to select the materials and design elements that will work with your budget. Maybe you want to go “all out” with a stone fireplace and a full outdoor kitchen, or perhaps you would prefer to start small and add more space and amenities later (see above). With our phased building program, we can create a design for your long-term plan and then build it in stages as your budget permits.

Group Three: Your home has not experienced a patio

If your home is patio free, you don’t know what you’re missing! Or, if you’ve enjoyed socializing at a friend’s home with a hardscape outdoor living space, maybe you do know! Either way, you need to call us and get started as soon as you can. Don’t let another summer or fall pass without being able to enjoy relaxing, gardening or entertaining on your own paver patio.

Time spent outdoors with friends and family is precious, and an attractive and comfortable patio can help you enjoy it to the fullest. The stone or concrete pavers available today are amazingly beautiful and durable. It’s no surprise that pavers are the most popular choice for homeowners in the Columbus area who are considering a new patio or hardscape.

What’s more, Archadeck of Columbus can design a hardscape environment around the size and shape of your outdoor furnishings so all elements are coordinated and the end result exudes harmony. If you are having trouble picturing a hardscape design that would best complement your outdoor furniture, we can create an architectural rendering including the furniture to help you achieve your vision.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more about creating the right hardscape outdoor living space for your family. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Our Newest Project in Galena, OH, Gives New Meaning to the Term “Dog Day Afternoon”

Archadeck of Columbus just completed a backyard transformation in Vinmar Farms, a neighborhood located in Galena, Ohio. When we originally met with the homeowners they had recently purchased the home and their existing outdoor living space consisted of only an 8x 10 builder grade deck. Not only was the deck small it created a boxed in feeling of not being able to turn around in the space, and it offered no access to the backyard from the deck itself. In order to enter the backyard you had to do so from the main level of the home. Since the home included a walkout basement, not having access to the backyard from the deck was an issue they wanted to rectify.

When we met with the homeowners to discuss upgrading their outdoor living space there was another prerequisite we needed to address. Aside from all the reasons associated with the size, flow and functionality of the existing space. The homeowners, being caring dog owners, wanted a space that would give their beloved canines, and themselves, an open space to spend time outdoors together and separate.

The final design we came up with speaks to all their concerns through a new (much larger) low-maintenance deck, spacious Unilock patio and under-deck space that could provide a shady spot on those dog day afternoons. The entire space flows from one into another and offers access to the backyard AND walkout basement.

The deck is built in durable TimberTech Terrain in brown oak, this color is not only easy on the eyes, it also helps mask any dirt brought onto the deck by muddy paws. The deck also includes a white vinyl rail with a TimberTech rail cap which unifies the design. We used a three-board tread step approach to the stairs to make travel up and down into and from the deck into the yard easier for the homeowner’s aging dogs.

Just a gentle walk below the deck is the stunning curvilinear paver patio which opens up the outdoor living space possibilities for man, and man’s best friend. The patio is built with Unilock Beacon Hill Flagstone pavers in platinum with a sailor course edge in Unilock Basalt Courtstone. The patio is finished off with a cropped rotary wall of Ledgestone which compliments the edge of the patio and adds a custom touch to the entrance into the walk-out basement.

As you can see, the patio floor extends the length of the under-deck area to provide a shady spot for the homeowner’s dogs to relax on warm days. The homeowner’s plan to add low-profile outdoor furnishings to help make the under-deck area easily accessible for the dogs too.

The entire space is built with pet-friendliness and extended outdoor living capabilities in mind. The homeowners are elated with their new backyard, as are their dogs. We look forward to revisiting this project in the months ahead and capture images of our four-legged clients enjoying the space too!

If you are ready to extend your outdoor living possibilities, for all members of your family to enjoy, Archadeck of Columbus can help! We can address any special circumstances and expertly refine an outdoor living space to address those needs. Contact us today to learn more at (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Why wait for the Columbus outdoor living space you are yearning for?

The prospect of adding a custom outdoor living structure, or combination of structures, to your home and property just naturally sparks excitement. That is why I am often stumped when a customer has their preliminary plan in place and decides to “wait until spring” to begin their project. It is from my experience within the world of outdoor living that a common misconception among many homeowners is we don’t build in the fall and winter. In actuality, nothing could be farther from the truth.

When is the best time of year to embark on an outdoor living addition you may ask? The answer may be more surprising than you may think. Many homeowners are under the impression that outdoor structures such as decks, porches or patios are best to build during the warm weather months. The truth is that Archadeck of Columbus builds year-round and anytime that best suits your circumstances and budget is the right time to build. However, there are certain advantages to moving ahead with your project during the cooler months…

Enjoy your space sooner and be “sitting pretty” in time for spring

There are many advantages to building in the cooler months. Along with shorter lead times you will also get a space that is up and running in time to enjoy for the upcoming holidays, spring and the beginning of the outdoor living season.

Wood loves cooler weather

Since the humidity level is much lower during the fall and winter, any wood used during construction of your project will season quicker. Seasoning involves the drying out of wood making it ready to accept stain or paint better. When a project is built during the warmer, humid months the usual wait time to stain or paint is a few months.

Increased productivity

Another plus to cooler weather construction is productivity. A crew that is working in the humid 95 degree weather, even in the shade, is less productive than one that is working outside during milder weather. Less heat means more stamina and less time lost to hydration breaks for the crew. This translates to the likelihood that a job that is completed sooner.

Save more in the long run

Prices for building materials generally increase during the early part of the 1st quarter. Moving ahead with your outdoor living project now instead of waiting will ensure you are locked into this year’s pricing modules. In addition, outdoor furnishings and accessories sometimes reflect deep discounts as retailers make way for holiday merchandise. Outfitting your new space may also mean a savings!

It’s not good to fool with Mother Nature

Since our average temperatures remain above freezing in Columbus for most of the winter, chances of inclement or freezing weather impacting your project are minimal. The advantages of fall and winter construction outweigh any deficiencies brought on by Mother Nature. As with any construction project there will be damage to the turf caused by foot traffic. In a fall/winter project the turf is more apt to recover quicker because it has the time to overwinter in time for spring taking in valuable nutrients present in precipitation. Some turfs are dormant during the winter and this will aid in quicker recovery as well.

If you are on the fence about deciding when your outdoor structure project, keep in mind that lead times during the outdoor living season can be in excess of 8-12 weeks. In the winter it may be 4-6 weeks at the most. This quick turn-around will ensure you get the full benefits of your outdoor space when you are ready, and with less impact on your lifestyle. Contact Archadeck of Columbus to schedule your free consultation today and get the ball rolling on your outdoor dreams. (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

This Outdoor Living Combination in New Albany, OH, Gives New Meaning to Backyard Bliss!

One of our most recent completed projects took us to beautiful New Albany, OH, where we total transformed the backyard and outdoor living potential for these amazing homeowners. Their journey to fulfilling their wish for a new and improved outdoor space began by contacting Archadeck of Columbus.

When we initially met with these New Albany, OH, homeowners for their consultation, their existing outdoor living space consisted of a painted wooden deck. The deck, in itself, was not complimentary or scaled to accentuate to their home or their landscape. The main concern expressed by the homeowner’s was their desire to have more outdoor space to entertain, and a space to provide shade on those hot summer days. With this in mind, our talented design team went to work on coming up with a multi-faceted design that would address the clients needs and deliver a new & improved look and feel to the backyard!

New Albany OH Before and After — Amazing before & after images of this project.

The new outdoor living space combines all the function, beauty and versatility the homeowner’s had in mind, and much more. This outdoor living combination includes a new deck, paver patio surround with a shade pergola, custom fire pit and a seating/retaining wall. Archadeck of Columbus also designed and installed the landscaping as the perfect finishing touch to the outdoor structure additions.

Here’s an in-depth look at each of these outdoor living structures which together, comprise a total package delivering enjoyment and fluidity:

The Paver Patio encompasses and blends the entire space from the moment you enter from the rear of the home, or step off the deck. The patio was built using Unilock Beacon Hill pavers in Sierra with a Holland Stone soldier course border in Charcoal.

The Deck was built using a low-to-grade design providing a seamless transition from one space to another in low-maintenance TimberTech in Pacific Rosewood. This beautiful color was recently discontinued from the TimberTech line, so Archadeck of Columbus diligently searched to ensure the needed materials were within our reach as we began the project. The railings used on the deck were powder-coated aluminum and we also integrated deck lighting into the design to enhance evening functionality and ambiance.

The Fire Pit delivers extended enjoyment for the homeowner’s to gather with family and friends for conversation, or even s’mores! The retaining wall helps define the area and adds additional seating when entertaining a crowd. The fire pit and wall were built using Brussels Dimensional pavers with a ledgestone cap and accent banding within the seating wall to unify the color used along the patio’s edge and for added visual interest.

The Pergola adds the shade qualities these homeowner’s wanted while adding beauty to the entire project. The pergola is made of low-maintenance vinyl and is constructed with angled lathing to deliver additional sun-blocking benefits.

The Landcaping/Softscaping is last but certainly not least, as it serves as the perfect finishing touch to the entire outdoor living space. Archadeck of Columbus carefully hand-picked select perennials that would work best in this backyard and to compliment the design elements of the new outdoor space, and the homeowner’s personal tastes. Softscaping is the pièce de résistance to many of our projects and it adds a signature flair and seasonal color.

If you are ready to transform the way you live outdoors through the addition of a singular or combination outdoor living space, contact Archadeck of Columbus today to get started! We would love the opportunity to work with you on your anticipated outdoor structure project. You can reach us at (740) 879 – 3730, or via email at westcolumbus@archadeck.net.

Archadeck of Columbus breathes life into this new home in Westerville, OH, complete with all the trimmings

Picture this: A table full of mouth-watering appetizers, the smoker in high gear emanating a to-die-for aroma and your family and friends laughing around this beautiful custom-built fire pit. You may be surprised to know that when Archadeck of Columbus first consulted on this project, the lot only contained a beautiful new construction home surrounded with barren earth.

This project was a true test of building from the ground up. With not even a single blade of grass on the property, we enjoyed designing how the landscaping would complement the hardscape design and how the hardscape would complement the home.

This multi-function living this hardscape patio is chock full of design elements that are as functional as they are cohesive to the overall design. From the retaining wall that provides extra seating room to the extra wide fire pit cap for resting your beverage, this space was designed to deftly host larger groups as well as host intimate gatherings. All can enjoy the perfect countryside setting with this delightful outdoor space nestled within this woodsy yard.

Maximizing curb appeal was a must. The landscaping included a unique stone wall using chunky limestone of varying size. The landscaping includes terraced beds and select tree plantings creating a serene yet elegant feel in this space.

This Columbus hardscape patio and fire pit was designed and built using Unilock Beacon Hill flagstone pavers with a charcoal Holland stone border giving life to the true rustic nature. The hardscape includes two distinct outdoor living areas including the seating area and the versatile outdoor living area anchored with the custom built fire pit. The deep neutral tones of the hardscape create a rustic elegance for this space.

The design continues to the open porch on the back of the home. The porch provides a covered outdoor living area for those days where some sun protection is needed. A covered porch also provides a small amount of rain protection and keeps falling leaves out of sandwiches on the porch patio. Notice the complex roof attachment that was made to look easy through this design.

We truly enjoyed starting fresh on this blank canvas of an outdoor space. With the freedom to design the patio, landscaping and open porch we were able to keep a cohesive theme throughout. If you’re looking to maximize your outdoor spaces give Archadeck of Columbus a call (740) 879 – 3730, or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to connecting with you.

Archadeck of Columbus softscapes are the perfect finishing touch to your outdoor living addition!

Columbus OH softscapes — Our softscapes are the perfect finish to your Columbus outdoor living addition!

It probably comes as no surprise that April is National Garden Month in the U.S. April is not only known for its showers, but it’s also the time that most homeowners gaze at their yards with a critical eye, trying to decide what new plants to purchase and whether or not a new infusion of mulch is necessary. If you are considering a new Columbus porch, patio or other outdoor living area, this annual event is also a good reminder that no “hardscaping” project is truly complete without including some thought for the “softscape” or landscaping around it.

London OH hardscape and softscape project — London, OH, hardscape and softscape installation.

We build outside because we enjoy being outside and the bushes, trees, lawns, and flowers are a huge part of what makes spending time in the yard so relaxing. Some of our clients are diehard gardeners, a few of them professionals even, and they work closely with us during the design phase to help us determine where planting beds should be and to what depth they should be dug. Others don’t know what they want, but know that they would love to have something lush and green and that they would prefer that it be low maintenance. We are happy to accommodate both of those groups and all of the homeowners in between.

Our softscaping services include analysis of your soil and a professional assessment of what kinds of plants will do well in the different areas of your yard. We’ll consider how the plants will grow and complement one another over time so that you don’t have a festival of color in June, but nothing left in August. We’ll also design for the long haul; we want your yard to look even better 5 years from now.

Because we design and create new hardscapes and softscapes in tandem, we have the flexibility to deal with the unique challenges in your yard. We can address drainage issues that might arise through the changes to water movement associated with your project. Perhaps we will need to build fences or choose plants that will deter wild (or domestic) animals from visiting certain parts of your property. Archadeck will evaluate the sun, shade, and orientation of the different parts of your home and yard to create spaces that are both comfortable and beautiful. Visit this archived blog to learn more about key considerations for your Columbus softscape. Or check out some beautiful tips from the National Gardening Association.

If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Columbus backyard, give us a call to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. Call (740) 879 – 3730, email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net or visit our website at columbus.archadeck.com. We look forward to connecting with you.

All of the “elements” of an award-winning design…

Design Excellence Award Winning Columbus Hardscape — And the winner is…

One of the favorite cliches of Oscar season is a famous actor or director telling the audience how special it is to be chosen for such a prestigious award by his peers. Cliche or not, that’s the kind of pride that we felt when Archadeck of West Columbus won the award for Excellence in Hardscapes and Patios in a recent competition that included companies from across the U.S. and Canada.

I believe one of the things that makes this particular Columbus curvilinear patio design special is that it has all of the elements in it. The extensive stonework across multiple levels covers the earth category. We see fire both in the warming conversational-friendly fire pit and the built-in grill area with granite counters. The open air porch invites cooling breezes all summer long. Where is the water? There is no water per se, but take a look at the overall design and you will see the curving, bending nature of the lines and circles that is inspired by the winding paths of the rivers that are such treasures to us here in central Ohio.

This is a project that will continue to grow more beautiful over the next few years. There are a number of landscaped areas within the design that will fill in over the long term. Those are intermingled with beds and planters that are well-suited to the use of annuals to create pops of color and interest. I can’t wait to see what furnishings the homeowner adds now that all the pieces have come together.

Here are a few of the kind words we received with our award:

“We are proud to present this award to Rob Mitchell and the entire Archadeck of West Columbus team,” stated Mike Reeder, VP of the Archadeck Outdoor Living Brand. “His level of expertise and design carried him through many challenges that the landscape provided and in the end, he was able to deliver to the homeowner what he had envisioned… beautifully.”

Our Hardscape and Softscape Project in London, OH, Merges New and Old Seamlessly!

There is nothing more interesting than when Archadeck of Columbus gets the chance to work on a historic home in our local geography. It certainly does present some challenges in terms of keeping the integrity of the home while providing homeowners with all the practical elements and benefits that are all about today’s outdoor lifestyle. We recently worked on a project in London, OH, with a home built in 1865 on 7.5 acres that has steep history during the Civil War/Antebellum era.

The house has been restored numerous times throughout its lifespan, and luckily the previous owner did renovations to the home to code back in 2000 after investing almost $750K to restore it, including the home’s stunning original brick veneer. This home’s newest owners also wanted to do right to the structure to continue its legacy in the proper way and preserve its integrity, but also add plenty of energy that would enhance the exterior. They wanted a masterful intermingling of new and old.

On a project of this scope, the homeowner’s needed a highly skilled company with expertise in these areas for a large-scale outdoor additions complete with landscaping that would elegantly blend the new upgrades so they would complement the existing look and feel of the home. The homeowners didn’t necessarily want to have a historically accurate renovation, but rather have the improvements to the outdoor entertaining areas marry beautifully with what was already in place. This delicate balance was struck with the addition of a large paver patio, retaining/seating walls and fire pit along with extensive landscape installation to create a tasteful and practical outdoor living space that would complement this gracious home and property without overpowering its handsome simple lines.

The home originally had an existing deck off the back which was long overdue for an upgrade, so we tore it down to make way for a whole new look that was more in keeping with the historical nature of the brick building. Archadeck of Columbus added a hardscape outdoor living environment with stunning curved tiered steps lead from one area to the other in a dreamy way that tempers the hard lines and materials. The project also includes all the softscape foliage landscaping as well.

The hardscapes are built solely using Unilock and Belgard pavers due to their beauty and hard-wearing nature. The patio features Unilock pavers from the Camelot series in the Riverblend color with plenty of natural hues. All the vertical hardscapes were built using Belgard pavers from their Bel-air line in the Fossil Beige color. Both of these beautifully complement each other and have a seamless feel. The softscaping installation pairs well with all the stonework and adds plenty of color thanks to gorgeous specimens of Hydrangeas, Lavender, KnockOut Roses, new trees and evergreens for year round green.

London OH hardscape outdoor living environment — Just look at the vantage point the family now has to enjoy the view!

The family is beyond overjoyed at their new outdoor living environment, and you can see it looks heavenly. These homeowner’s are now in the process of adding a tranquil backyard pool to further their enjoyment and are currently in discussions with Archadeck of Columbus to design and build a paver pool surround, pavilion and a pool house — they are so excited, and we are too!

Not only did we meet their challenge of merging old and new, but the property now boasts a multi-faceted and multi-functional outdoor living space that increases the livability of this stately 18th century home.

Got a challenging project for us? Give Archadeck of Columbus a call today for a free consultation at (740) 879 – 3730. We look forward to your call. Please also visit our website at http://columbus.archadeck.com.

Take a look at 2 beautiful new hardscapes in New Albany and Dublin OH by Archadeck of Columbus

We often profile some of our larger projects on the blog. The big projects are certainly not all that we do though. Some smaller projects are standalone projects, and other times they are additions or extensions to previous ones. We recently completed two of these in the Columbus area that we want to share with you.

The first one in New Albany OH included the removal of an existing brick patio and redoing the stairs from the back of the home. The brick patio was not quite level and there were some issues with moss growing between the bricks and corners coming up and creating tripping hazards.

The new patio is both wider and longer, now abutting the house, while leaving a lovely river birch in place, and extending to two corners of the home. We leveled the area and installed Unilock Beacon Hill pavers. The stair pavers are also Beacon Hill but have the bullnose edging. We created a bump out off the main area which can easily accommodate either a table and chairs or a free-standing fire pit by the half moon seating wall. The seating wall cap is Beacon Hill Sierra. The curve of the bump out is echoed on the semicircle landing creating harmony in the space. This new landing is much more welcoming and doesn’t block light to the French doors. You’ll also notice the soldier course in Unilock Copthorne in Basalt color – or perhaps you didn’t notice it at first blush. The basalt color is much darker and creates a perfect picture frame for the space.

The feature the homeowners will probably enjoy the most is the gas line extension that we plumbed beneath the patio. We took the gas line off the back of the house so that the grill can be a little farther away from the house and no one ever has to make a last-minute dash to the store to refill the propane tank again. The resulting patio is lighter, more open and easier to maintain. When people look at it, the adjective I hear repeatedly to describe it is “harmonious.”

Another job we want to show you is in Dublin OH. This project includes a deck expansion, hardscape expansion and an expanded flagstone walkway that creates a small patio with built-in fire pit. We worked with existing pavers for the patio and used Unilock Brussels for the retaining wall. In addition to pavers, capstones and edging, we added a Unilock fire pit to match.

The patio area has a nice canopy of trees over it which makes for great shade and protection from light rain, but it is a little dark, even at noon. We brightened it up by installing lighting on the pillars of the seating wall around the fire pit. It is a wonderful little oasis. The surrounding trees and landscaping give it a woodsy feel that make it seem like you are far from the city.

Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. (740) 879 – 3730 or

email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to your call.

Archadeck of Columbus discusses the importance of site conditioning for your softscape design

In this 2nd installment in our 3-part series on softscapes, Archadeck of Columbus discusses site conditioning for your softscape design plan.

Columbus OH front of home hardscape designs — Lovely hardscape and softscape addition in Columbus, OH.

In this 2nd installment in our 3-part series on softscapes, Archadeck of Columbus discusses site conditions for your softscape design plan.

There is an art and a science to installing a successful softscape design. This is driven by a host of factors which include a vast knowledge of the way plant material reacts within a border or bed, the growth characteristics of the plant, and the type of conditions best suited for an individual plant. Many less than professional contractors will just “throw” a plant in the ground not looking beyond the moment of installation. These practices forgo any site considerations to give the plant(s) their best start in order to thrive.

Archadeck of Columbus does not approach softscape design this way. We create a master plan with each of our clients that provides a detailed image and specifications of your softscaping plan. Our design team always takes into consideration what colors the homeowner prefers, or if you dislike a particular color when planning your softscape.

Pink hydrangea — Hydrangeas work well in Northern facing beds and borders, and come in many colors.

Factoring site conditions into your softscape design plan

1) Sun/shade orientation – When examining your individual site conditions, we first consider the orientation of your house and where the plantings will be located. For example, if the orientation of your site in on the North side of your home, it will receive a large amount of shade. For this site configuration we would choose shade loving plants to fill your border or bed, such as Euonymus, hydrangea and hostas, just to name a few.

The same rules apply (but in reverse) when planning for a softscape that will receive a great deal of sun. For a sunny border we would choose sun-loving plants that are more drought tolerant than those required for shade plants. The soil within a sunny border or bed will dry out quicker because of sun exposure and evaporation, whereas a shady border will retain moisture and vital nutrients in the soil longer. This is also important to keep in mind when considering maintenance requirements of your softscape.

Here are some other sun/shade conditions.

Light Shade—A few hours of direct sun
Medium Shade—little direct sunlight – Reflected sunlight comprises bulk of available light
Deep Shade—No direct sunlight – In very deep shade, it is often beneficial to include hardscaping, structures, water features, containers, and or sculpture for enhancement.

Lilac bushes are a great choice for Ohio landscapes because they thrive in alkaline soil.

2) Soil conditions – Much of Ohio lies on a limestone bed. This makes most of our soil here in the Columbus region very alkaline. The area that encompasses central Ohio works well with plant selections that are suitable for alkaline environments. A few specimens that perform well in alkaline soils include Lilac bushes and lilies, but the list goes on and on.

3) Outside interference – Any time we examine site conditions, we always factor in the amount of wildlife that may visit your property. The urban deer population has become a really big issue her in our area, and can decimate an entire border in one visit! We take all these factors into consideration when planning your softscape by adding deer deterring specimens to your design. We also consider the welcomed 4-legged friends that visit your site. We make sure your pet has a direct path that leads from the door to the area they use most often. We will do the same for the 2-legged friends that will be frequenting your proposed area around your softscape, perhaps we will even add stepping-stones through your border or bed for easier access to their favorite backyard retreat!

Do deer like to visit your backyard? Certain plants will deter deer when added to your softscape. — Do deer like to visit your backyard? We know which plants will deter deer when added to your softscape.

4) The highs and lows – Grade is an important consideration when preparing your site for a softscape installation. Archadeck of Columbus can use the grade of your site to gain the most benefit. We can create beds on a flatter surface and use hardscapes, such as retaining walls, to solve grade issues at your site. We also readily use spreading, ground covers on sloped areas for erosion control.

5) Site preparation and plant layout – When preparing your site for installation, we ask that you consider your privacy needs. Would you prefer a screening that delivers partial privacy or full privacy? We can provide either through the plant material itself, or through structural amendments or adding hardscapes — the choice is yours~

Unilock EnduraColor Il Campo — Hardscape paths integrated into a border or bed will alleviate plant damage by foot traffic, and they look beautiful!

What we use as resources for planning and design:

We instill the expertise and knowledge of a great nursery in Norton OH, called Dayton Nursery and Garden Center. They have a plethora of helpful information on their website. Their easy to use directory allows you to look up information many different ways and even add commentary. This valuable resource is even targeted to the central Ohio region specifically.
Another great resource we utilize is a computer program called “Horticopia“. It has everything you need to know about every plant imaginable, including pictures and specifications!

Archadeck of Columbus realizes that knowledgeable and thoughtful plant selection, soil criteria and site conditioning are key factors in creating a functional and attractive softscape. We can help you plan and design the outdoor oasis you have always imagined, including the lush landscape that comes along with it! (740) 879 – 3730
westcolumbus@archadeck.net

Please visit our extensive hardscape photo gallery on our website, including our patios and covered patio photo galleries, for more backyard ideas!