Space Planning to Make a Beautiful Vienna Virginia Backyard Better

I’m often called in to make an existing landscape function better. The client doesn’t to rip it all out and start from scratch, but they need to fix… something. Usually it’s my job to figure out what that something is. This project is a great … Continue readingSpace Planning to Make a Beautiful Vienna Virginia Backyard Better

Virginia Deck Design Explained, Part 3: Decking and Railings

Ok, your framing is up and you have the solid foundation for a deck. Now you have choices – what decking to use, and what type of railings? Decking I break decking up into four categories: pressure treated, composite, exotic hardwood, and other. Here’s a … Continue readingVirginia Deck Design Explained, Part 3: Decking and Railings

Virginia Deck Design Explained, Part 2: Posts, Beams and Joists

Last week I talked about the ledger board and the footers, the first steps in building your deck. Today I’ll cover the next steps. Posts The standard spec for a deck is for it to be supported by 6″x6″ pressure-treated posts. Not only are these … Continue readingVirginia Deck Design Explained, Part 2: Posts, Beams and Joists

Virginia Deck Design Explained, Part 1: Footers and Ledger Attachment

My name is Dave Marciniak, landscape designer and owner of Revolutionary Gardens, and I use jargon. I’m deeply sorry. However, the fact is that when it comes to building everything has a name. It’s easier to use the technical term than a long-winded explanation. A … Continue readingVirginia Deck Design Explained, Part 1: Footers and Ledger Attachment

Pros and Cons of a Fiberglass or Wood Pergola

“I want zero maintenance.” If you wanted to know how many times I’ve heard these words in my career as a designer, I’d say to take the number of presents under a spoiled kid’s Christmas tree and multiply by five hundred. Sadly, zero maintenance doesn’t … Continue readingPros and Cons of a Fiberglass or Wood Pergola

What Landscape Work Can Be Done in Fall and Winter?

I get this question a lot this time of year. I get my fall rush once the kids are back in school, it takes a few weeks to get through the design process, and suddenly we’re just past Halloween. Is it too late? It depends … Continue readingWhat Landscape Work Can Be Done in Fall and Winter?