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...]
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...]
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...]
Landscape Inspiration: Brick Details
I grew up in New England which means that the most commonly used landscape material was stone. Oh, did we have stone! I maintained a love affair with stone throughout my career, … [Read more...]
Wildlife and Water Features
One of the benefits of having a water feature is that it will become the cool watering hole for the neighborhood critters. I'm working with a landscape design client in northern … [Read more...]
Why Is This Retaining Wall Failing?
I walk by this wall whenever I walk to the post office in downtown Culpeper. Walls like this are pretty common in older neighborhoods like mine. Leaning and generally unhappy walls … [Read more...]
6 Screening Plants That Aren’t Leyland Cypress
UPDATE! There's a new post up on planting for privacy - be sure you check it out! My name is Dave Marciniak and I hate Leyland Cypress. It's unattractive before it fills out, … [Read more...]