The most important factor in having a great yard is healthy landscaping. The right plants, kept in the right condition, will give your home or business a beautiful look. However, plants are not the only thing involved in landscape design. While good plantings will always add beauty to your yard, there are other factors you can consider for a unique curb appeal and “wow” factor, such as water features, fire features, and hardscape options.
One of the best ways to add instant oomph to your landscape is to incorporate a water feature. There is something about flowing water that is naturally soothing to visitors, so a fountain, pond, or waterfall will often attract admiration, even in a very small space. As an added bonus, you get to enjoy the calming, soothing water presence whenever you like, as well! Water features have been improved upon so that today’s ponds, waterfalls, fountains, and other items are water-friendly, using very little actual feed and recycling most of the water necessary to keep them going. For a more ambitious plan, you can incorporate your water feature with a larger area such as your swimming pool.
Fire pits have become immensely popular in southern California for very good reasons. They combat the frequent evening chill and add a fantastic visual note to your nighttime landscape. Fire pits can often extend the hours you can use your yard and are a great focal point for your landscape design. When incorporated with other hardscape features such as a patio, they provide an excellent way to enjoy your outdoors with friends and family well into the evening hours. Further, new designs allow you to incorporate your water features together with your fire features—a waterfall behind a fire pit, for example, makes a stunning addition to any backyard. Fire pits can be operated from a variety of eco-friendly fuels, making them a good investment for those who care about reducing carbon use and emissions.
Underpinning your visual pops is the reality of hardscape. While it may not be considered the beauty queen of your yard, a good patio, sidewalk, wall, or other hardscape feature earns its keep in utility. Safe walkways, generous patio space, and privacy walls can transform even a small yard into an oasis that you and your family will enjoy for many years. Be sure to consider how you will contain and define your yard zones when you are working with your landscape designer; hardscape can solve many of your problems and increase your enjoyment of your outdoor spaces.
At Juniper Landscape Company, we have worked with home and business owners for many years to define their needs and meet them with plantings, hardscape, water, and fire features to create truly unique and lovely yards. We are here to help you plan your yard renovation and carry out the steps professionally. Give us a call today to see how we can help you transform your outdoor space!