Creating the best views into and out, and within your property is extremely important.
· Identify / Evaluate best areas of viewing from outside looking in and inside looking out. Views into your property may include a sense of curb appeal. Views out may include scenery, i.e. water views, preserves or historic points of interest.
· Screen objectionable views.
· Create focal points of interest
· Views from living areas inside your home
· Tie in landscape areas to create points of interest as you move from space to space
POOL LIVING / COZY SPACE
· Create a natural or resort style living.
· Add a water feature of fire feature.
· Blend indoor and outdoor living areas.
· Add a dining area. Outdoor kitchen / bar-b-que areas help make outdoor food preparation more convenient and enhance the outdoor experience.
· Add / Stylize furniture. Pillows and throw rugs make a space appear more cozy. Covers can add color and can be easily changed.
· Use mild colors / textures or create a theme or style.
· Create / design based on the size of the space and the number of people planned to use the space.
· Reduce clutter. “Less is more”. Keep it simple. Use only what is needed in the space and be consistent.
· Mirrors can help make a small space appear larger.
LIGHTING YOUR HOME
Adding light to your home and landscape can create a dramatic effect to night time that may be completely different than in the daytime. This can be achieved in several ways including Overall (Ambient) Area Lighting, Task Lighting, Accent Lighting and Mood Lighting.
· Overall (Ambient) Area Lighting – lighting a whole space creates an atmosphere by gently lighting an entire area.
· Task Lighting – lighting specific areas, i.e. pathways, steps, deck/patio, gazebo, pergola or trellises.
· Accent Lighting – Spotlighting or floodlighting a specimen planting or garden feature.
· Mood Lighting – up lighting or down lighting reducing reflection or glare, creates drama by casting shadows. Cross lighting eliminates shadows.
· Wall Wash – Flooding a wall with light can accentuate or create drama to architecture. It can even cast a shadow of a specimen planting or garden feature on a wall.
MULCH
Mulching is the practice of spreading material around the base of plants to act as a protective covering.
· Retains moisture in soil.
· Reduces the need for irrigation.
· Suppresses weed growth. Reduces the need for herbicides.
· Moderates soil temperatures. Protects the root zone from excessive heat or cold.
· Can make garden beds more attractive.
Organic mulches improve soil fertility as they decompose. Examples may include Nugget or shredded bark, pine needles/leaves, straw or clean compost.
Synthetic mulches may include colored palletized wood, recycled rubber or plastic, landscape fabric, stone or gravel.
Suggested amount to use – no more than 3”-4”, not touching base of plants or trees. Thicker amounts or too close to plants reduces aeration of the soil and restricts plant growth.
