The allure of the modern daybackyard fire pit

Image courtesy of Gardendesign.com

Today’s outdoor spaces here in the Hudson Valley have evolved to become true extensions of the homes we live in. And why not, right? We are fortunate enough to enjoy the beautiful changes of the seasons here in NY,  with spring and fall being awesome times for backyard fire pit fun! But along with the evolution of our overall outdoor spaces, the design options for fire pits have grown up as well. 

Here’s some inspiration for everything from a simple steel fire bowl to amazing linear fire features that will become the center of the party. Check out more from the original slideshow here.

4 Types of Water Features for yourOrange County, NY Landscape

Including water features in your outdoor living design adds movement and sound to the environment, providing a more natural feel to the space. Not only beautiful to look at, water features help to create ideal spots for relaxation, rejuvenation, rest, and stress reduction. Here’s a quick look at 4 types of beautiful water features for your Hudson Valley, NY landscaping.

Pondless Waterfall

Ideal if you are looking for an attractive waterfall with an amazing sound aspect, pondless waterfalls provide a relaxing atmosphere with reduced maintenance. Worked into a bigger landscape design, pondless waterfalls and streams can flow along side patios, into pools, and under bridges, creating a serene backyard retreat fit for your Orange County, NY home.

Pond or Water Garden

Koi ponds are perfect for homeowners who love being outside and enjoying wildlife. Literally creating an ecosystem for fish is a somewhat maintenance heavy endeavor, but the results can be truly breathtaking and calming. Many Koi and water gardening hobbyists form close relationships with their fish over many years and claim great health benefits and reduced stress. 

Fountains

Water fountains can be a great focal point for gardens and landscapes as they draw visitors attention to the soothing sounds and visuals created by the moving water. There are many options in the fountain world including standalone concrete statuary fountains, pool fountains, stunning wall fountains that spill into larger pools, and spray fountains in the middle of water gardens that help with water clarity.

Reflecting Pools

A decorative feature that is generally seen in classic garden designs, reflecting pools are not as common in the landscapes of Orange County, NY.  However, in historical regions like Warwick, Chester, Goshen, and Florida, NY, the geometric and formal shapes of these water features could be a great fit. Plantings can add to the reflective nature of the still water with lotus varieties and water lilies being popular choices. 

Happy Water Gardening!

Preparing for your landscaping project

With the outdoor living season upon us here in the Hudson Valley, it’s time to start finalizing those design ideas and begin moving toward landscape design + installation. Exciting!

Here are some things to check off the list...

Image via Orange County Archives

Interview and hire a professional landscaper

If you haven’t already, research and choose a well respected, professional landscape professional who shows the experience and understanding necessary for your project. Competence and capacity to deliver within your budget and completion time frame is a very critical criterion. The landscaper should hold any appropriate licenses and insurances and should have references available for you to contact if you wish. He or she should also be able to give you information about subcontractors and other partners that will help to complete the project if this is applicable. 

Provide helpful documents

Determine what documents will be necessary to make it easy for a landscape professional to assess your property and create a detailed design. Although the landscaping firm will certainly visit your property and take a walk through the area, a copy of your property’s plot plan and will make the designer’s job faster and more efficient – as well as helping to avoid any obstacles later on in the project. Such documents are especially important with structures like retaining walls, pergolas, swimming pools, and decks for which building permits are often required in the Orange County, NY region of the Hudson Valley.

Decide on your project's DESIGN and confirm your budget

Have a clear picture of your completed project. If you don’t, allow a reputable landscape design/build firm help with the design and planning as soon as possible. Work with the landscape professionals to choose the type of concrete pavers or natural stone for patios and paths, the plant material for garden beds, and the necessary features such as fire pits and swimming pools to suit your family's needs. During this phase, be sure to start thinking about your budget by determining what you are willing to pay based on the benefits the outdoor living space provides for you and your family.

Confirm drawings and designs

Take time to go through all design drawings carefully with your hired landscape professional. Make sure you ask questions about any aspect of the design that you don’t understand. Due to the nature of landscape construction projects, making sudden changes during execution of the project will be costly and will also impact the completion timeline. Take the necessary time before construction begins to make sure you are 100% happy with the landscape design plans!

Agree on maintenance Program

All landscape projects and outdoor living spaces require some form of maintenance. So make sure you discuss and budget for this aspect of owning a beautiful landscape. It’s a great idea to request details on how to take care of all the plants and other parts of the landscape before the construction process is complete.

Amazing Alternatives to Mulch

Photo Courtesy of stonescape

Garden bed mulch helps plants retain moisture below the soil surface by acting as an insulator from the sun and stifles the growth of weeds. Mulch also adds to the aesthetic beauty of your landscape, making it a generally an attractive solution. Most categories of mulch are very difficult to maintain, so they may tire you out quite easily. Contrary to what many folks believe, there are many great alternatives to this type of ground cover.

1. Recycled rubber

This type of cover is a lot better than mulch as it offers a great degree of insulation. The best part of this recycled material is that it's environmentally friendly. One of the main advantages is that water doesn’t dissolve in rubber and hence flows uninhibited into the soil, reducing water loss through retention by mulching material. One of the best parts about recycled rubber – it lasts longer than mulch!

2. Rocks and pebbles

Pebbles and rocks (essentially decorative stones) are especially handy to use in flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. These products help to add to the beauty and consistency of your landscape, especially if other elements of your outdoor living areas have rock and stone in their architecture.

3. Pecan shells

Pecan shells are hardy and very durable. Water has little effect on the acceleration of their decomposition process so you do not have to worry about replacing them too soon. The shells present multiple benefits to the plants they cover. They conserve water, embellish the plant with nutrients, suppress the sprouting of many forms of weeds, and positively manipulate soil temperatures to a moderate level. Studies have shown that pecan shells are very acidic, making them perfect for application on alkaline soils.

4. Cocoa bean hulls

This alternative is very good at moisture retention. In addition, they are very tough and hence do not decompose easily. Always make sure that they do not have chemicals since that can be hazardous to your plants.

5. Combinations

Mixing different alternatives is always a good idea, since most materials may be available for different beds of your garden. Do some research to ensure that materials do not have components that react with each other to ensure that your landscape does not suffer any adverse effects.

Building an Outdoor Space for Entertaining

An outdoor entertaining paradise in Orange County, NY — designed and installed by Landworx of NY. 

When designing your Hudson Valley outdoor kitchen area, it’s important to understand that the space will not only be used to cook but also for entertaining your family and friends. It should be designed with comfort and function in mind so that people end up staying longer and making memorable moments they will remember for years to come.

Let’s face it—the kitchen often ends up being the favorite room in the house. And this is true for outdoor living spaces as well. That said, be sure to plan a space that flows nicely between the designated cooking areas and the more ‘living room’ style spaces. Here are a few key essentials to consider when designing a backyard landscape that is ideal for outdoor entertaining in NY.

Furniture

Create an outdoor space that allows individuals to enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors while basking in the comforts of interior features. Furniture is important when it comes to outdoor entertaining as it gives people a place to sit back, relax, and unwind as they catch up over food and drinks. Choose durable furniture that has very comfortable outdoor cushions. Consider getting chairs that stack in case you want to host many people as this helps to save space when they are not in use. Today, you can also find amazing hammocks, chaise lounges, and daybeds all designed for outdoor performance and style.

Shelter

To enjoy using the space all year long for outdoor entertaining in regions like Orange County, NY, some type of shelter has to be considered. There are numerous options available allowing you to choose the one best for your particular backyard. For instance, you can opt to have a pergola, shade umbrella, awning, or gazebo that will allow you and your guests to enjoy your home’s outdoor space more days throughout the season. A recent trend is a pergola fitted with a retractable sunshade manufactured with outdoor fabrics from companies like Sunbrella.  

Lighting

Lighting cannot be overlooked when you want to take advantage of space that will be utilized for outdoor entertaining. This is especially important if most of your entertaining is done after dark as it allows everything to move along without any interruptions. When you choose the proper type of lighting and have it placed correctly by outdoor lighting professionals, it can also offer a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your outdoor living areas.

If you can, add an outdoor TV and/or weatherproof sound system to complete the space. When done properly, the outdoor entertaining area will give you a practical way to extend your home beyond the backdoor. For years to come, family and friends will enjoy spending time outdoors with the all the comfort amenities of home.