Luxveria Summer 2009 : Page 60
Luxurious Living The Art of Landscaping: The Charm and Value of Exterior Design By Kerri Mabee You have meticulously attended to every last detail of your home with a few well-earned indulgences—plush interior décor, intricately-styled woodwork, and a sound system that hums and rumbles from room to room. It’s a devotion to comfort that is perfectly understandable for anyone who considers their home a gift—a haven of peace—that they furnish to friends and family. But, too often the “wrapping” or exterior finishes are a forgotten aspect of this picture-perfect life. This Page: Beautiful landscaping can create an outdoor oasis. Opposite Page: When working with a Landscape Architect, a Master Landscape Plan is developed with planting, lighting and hardscape options. 60 www.luxvería.com
Luxurious Living
Kerri Mabee
The Art Of Landscaping
You have meticulously attended to every last detail of your home with a few well-earned indulgences—plush interior décor, intricately-styled woodwork, and a sound system that hums and rumbles from room to room.
It’s a devotion to comfort that is perfectly understandable for anyone who considers their home a gift—a haven of peace—that they furnish to friends and family. But, too often the “wrapping” or exterior finishes are a forgotten aspect of this picture-perfect life.
Most landscape professionals agree that it’s important for homeowners to think of the land that surrounds the home as an extension of its unique and polished interiors. And by creating a structurally-enhanced landscape that is both beautiful and functional, the home’s exterior not only welcomes its visitors, but it also speaks volumes for its residents.
And with a little lighting, a lush lawn and pool, and the guidance of a licensed professional, there is practically no limit to the luxury and value an expertly-landscaped home will yield.
If You Build It, They Will Come
Many families in Southern California are here for the beautiful weather and the unrivaled natural landscape that surrounds them. A landscape architect provides an invaluable service to homeowners looking to expand their living to the great outdoors.
Tim Smith, landscape architect with Wynn-Smith Landscape Architecture, Inc. (www.wynn-smith.com), shares that a qualified landscape architect does more than simply design a pleasing display of foliage. He is a professional who has been trained to manage the creative landscape process, has worked with a variety of materials, and has mastered dimensions of space and function. He also makes recommendations on how to place plants and trees for shade and water conservation, which plants are toxic and high-maintenance, and how to arrange your outdoor project for efficiency and safety.
“Landscape architecture is really an incredibly broad profession,” says Smith. His projects include everything from equestrian centers and reptilian habitats to the private, local residences where Tim works closely with families of every size and taste towards their landscape goals. According to Smith, there are very few restrictions to what a landscape architect can accomplish for his client. It’s simply a matter of creativity, conversation and collaboration.
“Dialogue is a very important component in the design process,” says Smith. “I would advise anyone wishing to hire an outside source to help them achieve their landscape dreams to find someone who is an active listener. It’s a landscape architect’s job to educate and guide the client with his expertise, but also to listen to and observe the family’s needs and wishes.”
Just Dive Right In
Pools and spas are a great way to add fun and flair to an outdoor landscape. They not only help to relax the body, they can also revitalize the soul. There are many exciting new pool-building trends now that can create a recreational paradise in your own backyard; builders are reporting that these leaner times have inspired a much more efficient building process.
Greg Gray of Pool 1 Pools (www.pool1pools.com) notes, “Right now is a great time to finally put that pool in that you’ve been dreaming of. The poolbuilding industry has dramatically cut costs and now offers better pricing and more efficient project packaging. People save even more money when they use just one contractor for the whole process. And the result is years’ worth of fun and enjoyment.”
In addition to the potential for entertainment with family and friends, Gray adds that a pool and spa can add immeasurably to the quality of one’s life, no matter the cost. “There’s something about stepping outside your home and seeing something beautiful that just can’t be measured. Being surrounded by beautiful things in your home and feeling comfortable and at peace is what it’s all about,” Greg shares.
And for anyone who already has a pool that is in need of an updated look, Gray urges readers to consider a possible restoration project. “You’d be surprised at some of the amazing things that can be done when it comes to renovating a poolscape,” says Gray. A pool can be reshaped or redefined so that it becomes a completely modern and updated version of itself.”
Let There Be Light
You’ve added tropical greens, towering palms and a lush array of flowering bougainvillea to complement the front of your home and have sunk thousands into the new pool, waterfall and stamped concrete in the back.
What More Could You Possibly Ask For?
Dramatic lighting not only adds value and elegance to a home, it can work as a deterrent to night prowlers who are not as likely to bother with a residence that is well-lit and occupied. Illuminating pathways, garages and doorways provide an element of safety and sure-footedness on dark nights.
First, determine what features of your home’s exterior that you’d like to showcase. Ponds, fountains and trees are a good place to start. A qualified lighting technician will be able to help you create a well-executed plan that is not only beautiful, but mindful of function and practicality.
And, if you’re worried about your monthly electric bill, don’t be. The wattage for outdoor lighting is mostly minimal and the entire system can be placed on a rotating timer for convenience and energy conservation.
Solar lights are an alternative for homeowners looking to keep costs low. However, give careful consideration to the brand and quality of the fixtures. And if not placed in spots where they receive the same amount of sun during the day, then solar lights will shine unevenly and with less power at night.
This Grass Is Always Greener
Not everyone is blessed with a green thumb. Just tour a few local neighborhoods and you’ll see evidence of it.
Creeping, brown patches, pesky weeds and perpetual dead spots are frequent problems for Southern California homeowners trying to grow a healthy lawn.
But, there is a way to get the kind of lawn only master gardeners can achieve. Synthetic turf is a patented blend of polyethylene blades that promises the look and feel of real grass without all the hassles and pitfalls of growing your own.
Synthetic grass, like Easy Turf (www.easyturf.com), has built-in UV protection so it will not fade, wither or decompose. Nor can it be stained or even bleached.
Innovative drainage systems strategically placed during installation allow for rain and moisture to simply drain off. And a unique blend of colors and blades creates a very real, very beautiful look of lush, green grass that has a life expectancy of 20 years and counting.
Of course, the size of your project will determine the cost. However, the savings you reap over the years with a no-maintenance lawn can quickly cover the cost of the initial installation. When you think about it, there are no monthly gardener fees, no watering, no trimming, no fertilizing, and no replacement patches of sod or seed.
The synthetic lawns are so durable that dogs can’t dig in them and won’t be able to track in mud. Droppings can simply be scooped up and washed off with a hose.
Liquids will “drain right through.”
If you have an area of concern as to whether or not synthetic grass is the best answer, many dealers are available for free, in-home consultations and are happy to have trained professionals answer all your questions.
Show Me The Money
Most real estate agents heartily agree that landscaping can have a dramatic impact on a home’s curb appeal and adds tremendous value when it comes time to sell. Norm Venturi, of RE/MAX By-The-Sea in Carlsbad, even provides his clients with detailed landscaping tips. According to Venturi, by creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape, homeowners are doing more than just enjoying the outdoors.
They are adding immense value to their home. He offers that the Council of Tree and Landscaping Appraisers reports that just one mature tree on the property can add up to $10,000 to the value of the home.
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