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 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.
The path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple
The path to outdoor living bliss is fraught with noise and dust!
Customers always ask us how much interference the construction of their project will cause. This covers all aspects of disruption from personally and in respect to their lawn. My answer to this question is with any type of construction, home improvement or remodeling project interference is inevitable. Depending on the type of project and the specifics involved in excavation will determine how much damage to your turf will occur. The amount of time a project takes to complete and the weather conditions also play a huge role in damage to the turf. In regards to personal disruptions during your project: noise is something that is hard to avoid and will be a factor in having your project completed in a timely fashion. The type of equipment we have to use such as drills, power saws and hammers don’t have a quiet mode, we quite often wish they came with a volume control feature as well!
We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules.
One of the most important assets of working with a good company is that we recognize the disruption projects cause. We go the extra mile to try to make the disruption minimal and we work around our client’s schedules. We are also more conscious of homeowners that work from their homes. We realize that your home is your castle, and our crews exercise the utmost respect and are dedicated to taking care of every aspect of your home to make the construction process as minimall invasive as possible.
Our goal is to deliver a breathtaking outdoor space with minimal interference during construction.
Archadeck of Columbus’ project standards make the construction process a kinder experience:
When loading and unloading materials we strive to establish a traffic flow that will create the least amount of impact and disturbance on your property. This includes using a one-way route around your house during the course of a job to minimize disruption of turf. We understand the need for heavy equipment and materials on your project and may even use wagons or wheel barrels to move materials to the area they need to be. We try to avoid the use of heavier excavation machinery and will only use smaller scale versions if the project absolutely depends on it, such as a mini Bobcat or skid steer.
Our climate can lend itself to some really wet seasons, but there is nothing that will keep us from building your project within a wet year. Don’t let the weather be a deterrent because the sales process will take some time and we do everything within our power to avoid disruptions caused by weather conditions. If the ground is thawing from freezing conditions or is very wet we have a heightened conscience about the conditions of our customer’s lawns and will put down plywood between the material and jobsite to minimize turf damage and avoid rutting. In summary, during the time we have been in business we have only had to repair two (2) lawns due to damage incurred by inclement weather conditions during the construction process. By taking a proactive approach with these actions, 99% of yards will quickly recover in a month or so.
Daily cleanup is protocol on all our outdoor living space projects.
Our project standards are also visible on the inside of our projects. Daily cleanup is protocol. We carry 50 gallon trash cans so when there is waste we remove it daily to avoid an unsafe or unkempt looking jobsite. In addition, we also use caution tape during construction when it is unsafe to traverse an area under construction. Obviously, dust is an issue with many of our outdoor living structure additions. This is especially the case when we use a partner saw to cut concrete pavers during patio installations. In these “dusty” situations we often post a “pardon our dust” sign to help warn (and apologize) to neighbors that are adjacent to your project.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Keep in mind, the path to creating your outdoor living dream is not just the sticks and stones that go into creating the space and how it is going to look — it is also about the process. Our goal at Archadeck of Columbus is for you to be happy with your project before, during and after, it’s that simple. Our team members believe in treating you, your family and your home & landscape with respect and care from start to finish! Contact us today to learn more (740) 879 – 3730 westcolumbus@archadeck.net
Learn how our softscapes are designed with environmental sustainability in mind.
In our last story about promoting global sustainability through softscape design, you may have realized the tremendous impact the choices we make in our own backyards can affect the environment on a global level. To many, this may seem like a miniscule start to improving the world around us, but in truth, it is so much more. Change has to have a starting point, when it comes to improving the environment, the seeds of change can begin in your own backyard! The choices you make in the way you design and maintain your outdoor living spaces, including softscapes, can have a direct impact on all of us. In order to make a difference it is important to plan accordingly with sustainability in mind. There are many ways to go about doing this, you can spend countless hours researching the best plants for your specific area and best site conditions for your specific landscape or you can hire an outdoor living professional who caters to providing softscapes while promoting environmental sustainability — like Archadeck of Columbus.
Day lilies thrive in the Columbus landscape and come in a myriad of colors!
One of the main ways we factor in criteria for creating a softscape that promotes sustainability is looking at inputs versus outputs. We try to maximize the output of the landscape with minimal input with consideration as to how much care and maintenance is needed to sustain the area over a long period of time. For many, the hard part of landscape design is knowing which plants will thrive in certain areas, or soil conditions, with minimal maintenance. Choosing plants that are foreign to your native landscape will force you to intercede with fertilizers which over time, could harm the environment. It may also promote over watering to keep the plant alive, which can lead to run-off issues.
Auguste Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Thinker” looks as if he is pondering environmental sustainability.
In regards to water runoff, if you’re softscape design doesn’t encompass plants that are drought tolerant, than you are contributing to the problem of water runoff. Keep in mind, sustainability is not just about making it easier for yourself. It is looking at the “whole pie” of whether you are doing your part to contribute on a grander scale. Sustainability in itself, is an ecological and sociological term but simply defined means a way of living that involves thinking beyond yourself. This “pay-it-forward ” way of thinking.
We are passing on our knowledge of sustainable plants for your landscape in a way that will help our customers choose plants for their installation with beauty and their individual surroundings in mind. For example, everyone loves Magnolia trees and Rhododendron because of their heavy blooms and lush foliage. However, these plants will only thrive in certain specialized environments and will require extra maintenance in order to survive in less adaptable conditions. In addition, Azaleas serve as the perfect specimens for Ohio landscapes, right? The answer depends on where in Ohio you live. Azaleas perform well in Eastern Ohio, but in Central and Western Ohio the soil contains too much clay for Azaleas to thrive. In these cases, the majority of your Central and Western planted Azaleas are going to require more maintenance and more feeding in order to survive.
Many trees and shrubs make great additions to your Columbus softscape border, such as the Japanese Maple pictured here.
As you can see, knowing where to plant what is half the battle towards gaining a more sustainable landscape. Archadeck of Columbus is well-versed in which plants require minimal input to deliver maximum output over time. For our region, depending on your site conditions, foundation plants such as Boxwood, Japanese Maples, Golden Mops, River and Paper Bark Birch do really well. When designing a softscape we also layer perennials into the border for color and substance. Perennials such as Coral Bells, Day lilies, Iris, Astilbe, Hosta, Japanese Fern and Maiden Bells are really hardy in the Columbus area. In many cases, as part of “greener” landscaping we combine both perennials and annuals in our designs to promote splashes of seasonal color.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Archadeck of Columbus realizes that knowledgeable and thoughtful plant selection, soil criteria and averting water runoff are key factors in creating an environmentally friendly softscape. We can help you plan and design the outdoor oasis you have always imagined with a keen eye on how your little slice of heaven can impact the world as a whole — we firmly believe a greener tomorrow begins in your own backyard! (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!
As the first portion in part 3 of our series on softscapes, Archadeck of Columbus discusses the importance of environmental sustainability within the landscape.
Have you ever heard the old saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” When it comes to creating beauty within your landscape, what is beautiful to the naked eye can also be planned in such a way that is beautiful for our environment. The importance of creating environmentally sustaining landscapes in our own backyards can contribute to sustainability on a global level. A little extra effort, and thinking beyond the here and now when planning your softscape design is doing our part to support our environment.
According to the EPA “traditional landscaping and current landscape maintenance practices, while frequently meeting human needs and aesthetics, often have harmful impacts. The clearing of native woodlands and other natural habitats for urban/suburban growth and subsequent planting of grounds with vast lawns and manicured arrangements of exotic ornamental plants place a heavy toll on environmental and human health. This type of landscape requires extensive use of mechanical equipment, unnecessary consumption of our limited natural resources (water and fossil fuels), frequent application of fertilizers and pesticides, and the generation of significant quantities of solid waste. As a result, our surface and ground waters are being polluted; destructive flooding is more commonplace; our neighborhood’s tranquility and air quality are compromised by noisy, polluting landscape equipment; and our landfills are being consumed by yard waste. Furthermore, the biodiversity of our ecosystems is suffering from the introduction of invasive exotic landscape plants.”
This paver sidewalk, landing and softscape surround is carved out into the landscape with site conditions in mind to reduce water runoff.
One of the biggest problems in an urban environment is water runoff. Keep in mind that a lawn, or garden, has less than 10% the water absorption capacity of natural woodland. This is a main reason for suburban flooding. In addition, it is not just water that is “running off” into storm drains either. Yard wastes including grass clippings, and even landscaping materials such as mulch comprise 20% of municipal solid waste collected and most still ends up in landfills.
Keep in mind, from a global perspective, we cannot forever continue to abuse our surroundings and still expect a healthy, attractive community or planet for future generations to enjoy! In order for success we must learn to balance our needs with those of the environment. Beneficial landscaping attempts to do just that. And, in addition to protecting and conserving our natural resources, this method of landscaping can save considerable time and money for homeowners with reduced maintenance requirements. Archadeck of Columbus embraces the use of environmental guidelines for responsible landscaping in all of our softscape designs and installations. We also encourage the homeowner to continue “green” practices when maintaining and using their softscape.
Below is a list of tips and ideas that will help reduce the global impact your landscape has on the environment:
Learn about your site or yard – Knowing about your yard’s resources and problems is key to making good decisions about your plants, soil, water, and wildlife.
Choose plants native to your specific area in order to promote sustainability within your softscape.
Choose the right plant for the right spot – If a plant is in a location where it must struggle to survive, chances are the homeowner will respond with additional water, fertilizers, or pesticides to improve the situation. A properly acclimated plant will require less maintenance and pruning and avoid the cost and waste of replacing it.
Select regionally native plants -To form the backbone of the landscape. Select appropriate plants for each particular site (each plant has its unique requirements and most sites have a variety of conditions). While there isn’t usually a problem with occasional use of exotic plants, native plants have evolved to local conditions over millions of years and they form an integral part in the life cycles of the local wildlife. They also give an area its unique sense of place.
Use plantings to reduce heating/cooling needs – Deciduous trees planted appropriately along the south sides of buildings can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 20%. In winter they allow the sun’s rays to warm buildings. Coniferous trees planted to block prevailing NW winter winds can reduce heating costs.
Avoid choosing invasive exotics – These out compete native plants and result in declines in biodiversity. Examples include: Norway maples, kudzu, purple loosestrife, Japanese honeysuckle and multiflora rose. Here’s a great rule of thumb. If it’s going to take over, then steer clear from planting in within your landscape!
Healthy and fertile soil is necessary for good plant growth.
Build healthy soil and use fertilizer responsibly – Healthy and fertile soil is necessary for good plant growth, supports microorganisms, and results in plants that are more resistant to disease and pests.
Reduce waste and recycle nutrients – Reducing yard waste that otherwise could be sent to a landfill reduces the need to create more or larger landfill operations. Recycling nutrients through composting and recycling grass clippings reduces the need for fertilizers or other soil supplements.
Practice soil and water conservation – Stabilize slopes with natural plantings, mulch around plants, and install drought- tolerant species. Even hardscaped areas can be planned and built in such as way as to promote water-run off. Using pavers that water can soak through, such as Unilock and Belgard’s permeable pavers allow you to recharge groundwater on site. This means you don’t have to create extra ditches, and/or piping to move the water away into storm drains. Permeable pavers can also aid in helping landscapes with existing drainage issues too!
Many of these helpful hints come from The Lawns and the Environment Initiative as outlined by the Center for Resource Management and from the EPA outline for Greener communities through beneficial landscaping.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Archadeck of Columbus realizes that knowledgeable and thoughtful plant selection, soil criteria and averting water runoff are key factors in creating an environmentally friendly softscape. We can help you plan and design the outdoor oasis you have always imagined with a keen eye on how your little slice of heaven can impact the world as a whole — we firmly believe a greener tomorrow begins in your own backyard! (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!
In this 2nd installment in our 3-part series on softscapes, Archadeck of Columbus discusses site conditioning for your softscape design plan.
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.
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? 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~
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
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Please visit our extensive hardscape photo gallery on our website, including our patios and covered patio photo galleries, for more backyard ideas!
Archadeck of Columbus realizes that knowledgeable and thoughtful plant selection, and soil criteria are key factors to creating a functional and attractive softscape to enhance your outdoor living space.
Lovely hardscape and softscape addition in Columbus, OH.
In outdoor living design, homeowners are often seeking a look that includes a total package.This total package includes not only a functional and aesthetically appealing outdoor structure, or combination of structures, it also includes Softscaping. Softscapes are the element of a landscape that comprise live horticultural elements. These can include flowers, plants, shrubs and trees. This area of expertise is not limited to only landscapers. We at Archadeck offer softscaping in addition to our list of services created to fulfill your dream of an outdoor oasis.
Notice how shrubs, trees and plants can convey the “total effect” in an outdoor living space.
Keep in mind there is more to softscaping than just throwing a bunch of plants into the ground and making them look good the first month or so – much more. It takes knowledge of how the plant reacts in certain soil conditions and knowledge of each plant’s behavior, size and characteristics. This will help create a softscape that will look great now and also 5 years down the road. Many times, landscapers tend to overload a planting area or bed in order to make it look full and completed in the moment. This leads to a bed that is disproportionate and overgrown in a short period of time. Plants that should have been placed in the back because of eventual height are often used in the front, and plants that are low-growing are often used in the back, just to make it look great right now. This scenario causes the homeowner to spend more money 5 years down the road to make it the way it should have been in the first place. Archadeck of Columbus takes your site conditions, budget and individual plant characteristics into consideration before designing your softscape. We are able to address all of the questions crucial to the success of your softscape area, which include:
Hydrangea thrive in acidic soil and grow best in partial shade.
Landscape design
Space – How much space will each plant need to properly grow?
Blooming Periods of plants – Which plants bloom during what intervals? Early spring, summer, or fall?
Width and height specifications – How tall will this bush get? How wide will this flower get? This is very important
Deciduous or Evergreen – Do you want shrubs that stay green and retain their foliage all year? Will a plant that loses it’s leaves during the winter bother you?
Do deer like to visit your backyard? We know which plants will deter deer when added to your softscape
Site Conditions – Certain plants will perform differently in each of these conditions. We can assist you in determining which plant materials are best for your individual location.
Soil type – Is you soil loamy? Sandy? Red clay? There is a wide array of various plants that perform best in your type of soil.
Draining and moisture content of the soil – Does your soil drain well, or does it retain moisture? This is important when choosing planting material.
Sun and shade orientation – How much morning sun vs. afternoon sun, if any, does your site location receive?
Maintenance requirements of plants– Just like outdoor structures, there are high-maintenance and low-maintenance plants. How much time are you willing to spend maintaining and caring for your new plants?
Animals that will frequent area of softscape – Is your site in close proximity to an area that deer frequent? Or close to the spot where the family dog likes to “visit” each day?
Other key considerations include your budget and time. Decide ahead of time what your budget is and how much time you want to spend outside caring for your plants. To many homeowners this is a labor of love. To others, a lower-maintenance area is more their style. Also, do you want a finished project with landscaping or how much work do you want to invest into the area to have a finished project? Since late March – early May is optimal time for planting, this is the period that is best to install landscaping (foundation) plants. Later we can come back and sculpt out the planting beds and then return in the fall. We make it a point to discuss which plants can be woven together in the landscape to provide hints of color during every season. This ensures a space that is ever-evolving and a constant focal point of beauty season to season. Our softscape designs include the use of year-round color. In preparing the space for planting, we work diligently on the soil area adding quality topsoil and finishing it off with mulch to prevent grass and weed growth.
Softscapes by Archadeck of Columbus.
Adding softscapes brings so many benefits to your outdoor living space. They provide shade to cool your outdoor living room, and buffer out noise. Plantings can also act as the “paint” on the walls of your outdoor room by providing many colors and textures through your plant selections. Certain perennials can also add a fragrant addition to your space, or offer color and contrast that is not limited to seasonal changes. The possibilities are endless.
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Archadeck of Columbus realizes that knowledgeable and thoughtful plant selection, and soil criteria are key factors to 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
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.
Columbus Decks, Porches and Patios by Archadeck of Columbus 