It seems odd to write something about outdoor enjoyment on a day when temps have been in the single digits, but let's go with it! Obviously there's no end to the major changes that … [Read more...]
Who cares for your landscape? That’s the last step in the design!
If I had a penny for every client who included "I want a low/no maintenance design" as part of their wish list, well... 170 pennies are in a pound, so I'd have a stack that weighs … [Read more...]
Does great landscape design make us happier?
Ever since starting my landscape design firm I've had an opportunity to meet with a lot of people, look at a lot of yards, and have a lot of conversations about how they want to … [Read more...]
Building a timber wall – will it last?
I like to play a game I call underrated/overrated. You can play it with bands, actors, foods, anything you want. Example: underrated/overrated = Hudson Hawk is a brilliant and … [Read more...]
Should I Build a Fire Pit or a Fireplace?
I meet with a fair number of homeowners who say "I either want a firepit or a fireplace." This uncertainty is actually a great place to start discussing how they're going to use … [Read more...]
Travertine Paver Patio Installers in Virginia – What to Know
When I was designing landscapes in Arizona, one option we had available to us was travertine marble tile. These were actual tiles - typically 12"x12" and less than a half inch … [Read more...]
Accessibility and Universal Design in the Landscape
When I was studying interior design I was fascinated by universal design. While I don't trust Wikipedia for everything, their definition nails it: Universal design refers to … [Read more...]
Understanding Flagstone: Sawcut, Thermaled, and Chiseled Edges
You've decided to use flagstone in the landscape. Good call! You may not be done making decisions, however. If the stone will be used in an application where you see the edge of … [Read more...]
Why I Don’t Use Sweetgum Trees
Every once in a while I'll look over a drawing from another designer and see sweetgum trees in the plant legend. If they're near the house or in a commercial setting, I usually … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]