Tag Archives: Colorado Landscape Architecture

Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Q&A with Phase One Landscape’s Dave Graham

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Phase One Landscape’s principal and co-founder Dave Graham sat down with the folks over at Colorado Homes & Lifestyles magazine for their Expert Advice feature.  To find out more about what makes this pillar of Denver Landscape Architecture tick, head on over to Colorado Homes & Lifestyles’ website.

Dave Graham Denver Landscape Architect

Phase One Landscape's Principal Landscape Architect Dave Graham

 

What questions would you ask an expert in Landscape Design & Construction?

4 Brick Patterns to Consider for Your Patio

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Are you considering adding a patio to your home for your friends and family to enjoy? If so and you are interested in a look that will never go out of style and blend with nearly every setting, we suggest you consider brick. Brick is a great material choice because not only is it extremely durable, but it will also supply your outdoor with a classic look. If you do happen to choose to create your patio from brick, the next big decision you will make will be choosing the pattern to lay it in. Four of the most popular patterns to consider include:

  1. Basket weave- pairs of bricks laid horizontally and verticallybasket weave brick pattern
  2. Herringbone- diagonal rows of bricks  in alternating directionsherringbone brick pattern
  3. Running bond-  multiple rows or bricks where the ends of the bricks in one row align with the centers of the bricks above and below themrunning bond brick pattern
  4. Stacked bond or Jack-on-Jack- bricks are placed in even rows and columns to create a symmetrical grid pattern stacked bond or jack on jack brick pattern

If you think a brick patio design is right choice for your landscape call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

Images: houzz

Garden Chores to Complete in August

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Does Colorado’s unbearable heat have you running for shade every chance you get? We know you want to stay cool, but there are a few chores your need to take care of in your yard garden this August, such as:

  • Composting: As you may have noticed summer’s heat breaks compost down fast, so start building a new pile for fall now. Set any compost that is currently cooking to the side to continue composting since it’s too hot to place around plants.
  • Lawn care: Allow your grass to grow higher to provide share to your plants’ roots and to cool the soil. Also remember to raise your mower height so the sun doesn’t scorch your grass soon after cutting.
  • Tend to houseplants: If you moved any indoor plants outside for the summer remember that they will need fertilizer every 10 to 14 days.

If you would prefer to leave your garden chores in the hands of landscape professionals call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

Image: idealhomegarden

8 Easy Ways to Add Beauty to Your Yard

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phase-one-landscapesIf you are looking for ways to spruce up your landscape, you may be surprised at the number of ways you can add beauty to your yard. Here’s a list of eight different things you can do to easily add beauty to your yard.

  1.  Re-mulch your garden bed. It makes a big difference when done right.
  2. Add new types of flowerbeds. Flowers are the eye-candy of landscape. The right fit can set the entire theme.
  3. Coordinate your shrubs and bushes to mesh well with the rest of your landscape.
  4. Consider adding hedges. They can vary in style depending on your preferences.
  5. Add landscape architecture. The right architecture in the right place can transform your landscape.
  6. Eliminate eyesores caused by weeds by effectively removing them.
  7. Incorporate hardscapes to add texture.
  8. Illuminate and highlight areas of your landscape by including outdoor lighting.
Would you prefer that a professional do it? If so, call Phase One Landscapes today at 303-750-6060.

 

Common Gardening Mistakes to Avoid in Your Landscape

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If you’ve ever taken on a do-it-yourself project that turned out horribly then you know how costly and time consuming mistakes can be. So before you head out into your yard to begin digging and planting take a look at a few of the common gardening mistakes you should avoid at all costs to save yourself time and money in the long run.woman gardening

  • Making too many changes too soon. If you’ve recently moved live with your landscape for a year and observe how many hours of sunlight each part receives, test the pH of your soil, and note when your lawn greens up in spring and becomes dormant in late summer.
  • Planting with no plan. Hire a landscape designer to create a complete plan for your landscape that includes what you want now and things you may want later.
  • Neglecting the roots. Water new bushes, trees, and plants at the base for 20-30 minutes two times a week.
  • Not considering the sun. Don’t pick plants solely based on looks; observe where you want to place the plant to ensure that it features the right amount of sunlight.
  • Over-watering. Only water two to three times a week for 30-40 minutes to discourage disease, root rot, and premature plant death.
  • Forgetting to budget. If you are building a new home allocate 10% to 20% of your construction budget to the landscape and if you can’t, make plans to design your landscape in stages.

To avoid making any of these garden mistakes allow our team at Phase One Landscapes to maintain garden and landscape by calling 303-750-6060.

Source: houselogic

5 Tips on Choosing a Garden Structure

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If you’ve been looking to do a little more with your landscape design we suggest you enhance it by adding a garden structure. Garden structures have the ability to add visual interest to your landscape, so when choosing a garden structure to enhance your landscape design with consider these tips.

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  1. Make sure your structure is equally functional and beautiful. Aside from its architecture you can enhance it with climbing vines or flowers.
  2. Allow your structure to complement and visually connect with your home by repeating some of the same style elements in its design.
  3. Choose substantial structures that reflect permanence and sustainability.
  4. When selecting a location for your garden structure take note of its purpose, size and scale in relation to the other features of your landscape.
  5. Add personality to your structure by embellishing it.

If you are ready to discuss how you can enhance your landscape design with a garden structure contact Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

Before Your Hire a Landscape Architect…

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After reading our post, Is it Time for You to Hire a Landscape Professional, did you decide that in fact it is time for you to hire a landscaper? If so then this post is also for you! Now that you realize you need a help from a professional there are a few things you need to do before you allow someone to start digging, planting and building things in your yard.  Before you hire a landscape architect…Phase One Landscapers working

  • Gather ideas and images on what you’d like your landscape to look like.
  • Consider how much time you want to devote to maintenance once the landscaper leaves, or if you want them to service your yard regularly.
  • Create a realistic budget. Well designed landscapes can add as much as 15 percent to the value of your home, so start your budget with 5 to 10 percent of your home’s worth.
  • Search for a landscape architect. Check to see if they have a degree in landscape architecture, are licensed and have a list of references you can speak to. Also inquire about their fees and services.

If you reside in the Denver area and would like to discuss ideas for your landscape call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

Conserve Water with a Smart Water Sprinkler System

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sprinkler with a timerFor those of you that are unaware, Governor Hickenlooper declared July as Smart Irrigation Month in Colorado and because July is the hottest month it’s extremely important to be smart when it comes to using water in your landscape so that you are able to conserve  as much as possible. One of the many ways to do so is by investing in a smart sprinkler system that features a timer. In order to make your sprinkler system smart, you should know that..

  1. “Smart” timers or controllers are the brains behind water conservation that use data and technology to apply water in landscapes only when it’s needed.
  2. The devices will pay for themselves over time and faster it will happen faster if there’s a rebate program in your municipality to reward you for your effort.
  3. If you are techno-savvy enough to use a smart phone or an iPad you can manage the devices, and if you aren’t you can have an expert monitor it for you via the Internet.
  4. The evapotranspiration (ET) variety of timers uses real weather data to manage water in your yard in deciding how much water your system puts out.
  5. Check out all the moving parts of your sprinkler system and replace them if they’re wasting water.  (ALCC)
If you are interested in learning more about smart sprinkler systems and ways to conserve water in your landscape call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060 if you reside in the Denver area.
Image: Business Wire

Design Inspiration for the Side of Your Yard

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Did you only have your front and back yard designed by a landscape professional? If so then chances are the side is pale in comparison, but it doesn’t have to be. There is a way for you to enjoy your trek from the front to the back and vice versa and that is by having it landscaped.

Think of it like a hallway inside your home; you didn’t skimp on its decor simply because it’s long and narrow, right? The key to making the side of your yard enjoyable to walk through is by incorporating some of the same elements you did in your larger outdoor spaces, but scaled down. Take a look at these side yard designs for inspiration on how yours can look with a little help…side yard landscape designside yard landscape designside yard landscape designside yard landscape design

 

To go over ideas on how to landscape along the side of your home contact Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060 and let us kelp you create another place for every moment!

Create a Salsa Garden in Your Landscape

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salsaCreating your own salsa garden in your back yard can be a fun and rewarding way to discover your green thumb. Can’t you already imagine serving your family and friends as you dine alfresco with fresh salsa straight from your very own garden?There are a few basic ingredients that comprise all good salsa that you need to grow, and there are a few extras that you can throw in to suit your tastes; such as:

  1. Tomato or Tomatillo – the absolute basic ingredient; Tomatoes or Tomatillos will create the base of your basic salsa.  Depending on your flavor preference, you’ll generally want a medium to small type for your salsa.
  2. Onions – If you have enough room in your back yard a nice red onion is a great choice, but if you’re growing in containers, green onions are a better way to save space.
  3. Peppers – the standard is of course, jalapenos, but do your research and choose a chili-style pepper that suits your heat tolerance.  They almost all grow well whether in the ground or in a container.
  4. Cilantro, Parsley, and Garlic – these also make great additions to your spice garden and only improve salsa; they can also be grown very easily.
For help incorporating an area to grow salsa ingredients into your current landscape design call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.