There are many options when it comes to adding hardscape features to your landscape. This blog series focuses on a different landscape feature each time and will help you determine the best materials to use for each type of project. In this second blog of the series, we will explore two of the most popular options for retaining walls. This article should help you make a more informed choice when you are ready to pick your materials.
Blocks When it comes to building a retaining wall, the most common 'go to' material used is pre-formed blocks. Blocks offer several advantages including lower cost, uniform sizing making planning easy, a variety of colors and finishes, and quicker installation. Maintenance of a retaining wall made from blocks is fairly minimal — you can choose to add a sealant if you'd like and you also add capstones to create seating for lower walls. The only drawback is that while a block wall provides that 'clean' look, it can also be a bit boring if you're into walls with character. Blocks are readily available and can help you get your retaining wall finished and checked off the 'to do' list in short order. Natural Stone Natural stone is another common material for building retaining walls. While natural stone can be a tad more expensive, it's durability and character are second to none. Natural stone, when used for retaining walls, allows for interesting spaces between pieces where you can add moss, succulents, or other crevice-loving plants. Like blocks, you can choose stone in a variety of colors and textures, and you can also arrange them in ways possible to allow for seating. Working with natural stone can be more involved, requiring more planning, but the result is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind wall sure to be a gem in your landscape. Of course, there are other materials you can consider for your retaining wall, and we're happy to explore those options with you. Our team of experts can help weight the pros and cons of each option and help you choose the material that's right for your application. For more information about retaining walls, please give us a call. The professionals at Graham Landscape & Design are here to make sure you have the tools to make the best decision for your home. 541-729-8029
4 Comments
Now that it has started getting darker earlier in the evenings, it's time to talk about landscape lighting, especially if you don't have any. Don't worry; you're not alone. Lighting tends to be one of those items that gets overlooked, especially since most landscaping projects are completed in the spring and summer months when there is plenty of natural light.
Here are a few tips for how and where to incorporate lighting into your landscape design. Where will you spend your time in the evening? First and foremost, you will want to consider how and where you will enjoy your landscape in the evening hours. If you like to entertain, consider overhead lighting around your hardscape areas. If you can put the lighting on a dimmer, you can also control the amount of brightness depending on the time of night. Overhead lighting can be as simple as stringed holiday lights to elaborate hanging lanterns. The options for overhead lighting are almost limitless, and our design team can help you find a solution that is right for your design and home architecture. Where will people walk? Next, it is important to plan for the path by which people will need to walk in your landscape. Making sure there is adequate ground lighting is critical to ensure safety for you and your guests. You can use low voltage lighting in a variety of ways, from small lanterns tucked into the foliage to light up pavers embedded into your hardscape edges. What do you want to highlight? Last, but not least, take a look at your landscape design and take note of the key features of your design? Is it an ornamental or signature tree? Is it a fountain or pond? Adding low-voltage lighting to the perimeter, as well as uplighting, is an excellent way to draw attention to these beauties, even in the dark. How is the electrical installed? When you work with your landscape designer, he or she will map out the lines for where the irrigation and the electrical will run. Most electrical wiring is laid such that it blends with your plantings and so that it is protected from the elements. And, as for how much electrical draw you will need, your designer will work with an electrician to make sure the proper adjustments are made to your household electrical system. If your landscape doesn't include any lighting and you would like to explore your options, please give us a call at 541-729-8029. Our design team can work with you to find a solution to bring nighttime enjoyment to your landscape. |
OUR BLOG
Check here to see what we've been up to! Categories
All
|