If the front yard of a residential landscape is the invitation, then the backyard is the party. True, the backyard is where all the social gatherings happen.  We swim in our pools, tumble on the grass, lay out and catch some rays, sip on a cool drink.  However, the backyard also encompasses areas where we typically keep our garbage and recycling bins, garden tools and other things that we don’t consider part of the “party.”  How do we create an environment that incorporates necessary work areas into a functional backyard? A little planning.

Placing circulation routes for service areas on the perimeter of the outdoor living room and kitchen allows for continuous maintenance, such as trash clearing and emptying to occur efficiently and discreetly during entertainment activities. Planning ahead also provides better traffic flow.  For example, nobody wants to walk through sunbathers to get to the food area. A well-designed backyard will allow guests to navigate freely, within and around the focal points of the backyard.

If the backyard is small and service areas must be shared with entertainment areas, then consider using landscaping to screen areas such as the recycling bins or the pool pump. Plants, like Texas Ranger, Feathery Cassia or Xylosma make great screens that are also aesthetically appealing.  Trellises are also smart choices, as they provide a good backdrop for climbing vines such as Cape Honeysuckle or Trump Vines during the day, and can support stringed lighting for instant evening ambiance.

In addition to promoting smooth traffic flow in the backyard, pay special attention the actual service area, such as the corner where garbage bins are stored.  Lay down a few pavers or a solid base of crushed gravel in this area. This makes it easier to maintain and use each time garbage pick-up day rolls around.

No doubt,it is more difficult to fully consider the service areas when designing a fantastic outdoor entertainment area, but knowing that you and your guests can benefit from the convenience and functionality will make backyard living (and partying) even more successful.

We at D&K Landscape are so proud to receive Houzz’s Best of 2012 – Remodeling Award.  We were one of five companies in Las Vegas to receive this award, and of the five, we were the only landscape design company. This prestigious designation was given because D&K Landscape’s projects were among the most popular selections made by the 1.2 million members of Houzz who saved our images to their personal “idea books.”   You can click to see D&K Landscape’s Houzz profile here.

Winners were based on homeowner members who rated their experience working with companies like us.  Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling, providing inspiration, information, advice and support for homeowners and home improvement professionals. Through Houzz, homeowners can identify not only the top-rated professionals, like D&K Landscape, but also those whose work visually aligns with their own design goals. Houzz has rapidly become the largest community of active remodelers, with 3.5 million monthly unique user and 80 million monthly page views.

If you’re ready to start talking about your own project, contact us at 702-361-5855 to meet our award-winning staff for a free consultation.  For more inspiration, visit dklandscape.com.

simplysmartgardening™

Transport yourself to another place.

Las Vegas has the highest concentration of resorts in the United States. People from all over the world are attracted to the city where entertainment is 24/7, dining is unparalleled and relaxation is bliss.  But in actuality, the resort lifestyle is not too difficult to achieve – at home.  Resort living in your place of home is the way to enjoy a vacation without having to go anywhere, and a great place for inspiration is right here in Las Vegas.A tour through the resorts on the Strip gives you a flavor of every type of theme imaginable for a new landscape.  Take for example, the old-world charm of Paris Las Vegas, the balmy mediterranean landscape at Monte Carlo, the ultra chic sustainability of Aria, or the Italian Renaissance gardens of Bellagio, or the lush tropical escape of Mirage.

The landscape of your home has the potential to provide the ultimate getaway.  What’s more, a desirable and functional landscape can dramatically increase your home lifestyle footprint and property value.  A blazing fire pit, a cool, trickling fountain, a canvas of shade trees, a complete detail of the yard with a few new lively additions – these are just a few ways to to take your outdoor area to the next level.

Next time you’re at a resort, take cues from all the things that inspire you, and incorporate them into your everyday life.  Then, begin to enjoy resort-style living everyday.

Economic Benefits – Return on Investment

Additions to you home, like this fountain adds beauty and increases value.

One study presented by a the American Nursery and Landscape Association showed that landscaping can increase the resale value of a property by as much as 14%.  Furthermore, the sale of a property can increase by as much as six weeks (in most markets).  A landscaped patio can raise property value by 12.4%.  A landscaped curb can increase property value by 4.4% and hedges can add 3.6%.

But there’s more. Plants that are properly selected and placed can lower heating and cooling costs by as much as 20%.

Environmental Benefits – Breathe Deep

Trees offer a huge benefit to our environment.

We all know that plants improve our air quality.  But, did you know that one tree can remove 26 pounds of carbon dioxide from our air each year?

Additionally, when the proper tree is selected, planted and well maintained it can significantly reduce noise pollution, “absorbing” unwanted sounds, like traffic.

Plants also help prevent erosion and the flow of pollutants and sediment.

Health Benefits – Happier on the Job

Office building at Arroyo Corporate Center in Las Vegas is surrounded by nature.

Landscapes help people on the job, too.  When workers get to catch a view of natural surroundings, like trees and flowering shrubs they suffered less job stress and experienced more job satisfaction. Makes good sense, because don’t we all feel good when we’re surrounded by natural beauty?  They also reported fewer headaches than workers with no outside view or limited from the office windows.  So it only makes sense to keep the building’s surroundings landscaped and maintained properly.

Overall, positive feelings increased and fear and anger were reduced when workers saw nature in their workplace.  Perhaps landscaping can be linked to increased office productivity?

Social Benefits – Connecting via Outdoor Spaces

Parks provide a place for people to escape to.

In neighborhoods where common areas featured more trees and grass the residents used the spaces, people experience more opportunities for informal conversation and social interaction.

All these benefits can be accomplished when landscape professionals are involved in all aspects of the design, site prep, plant selection, installation and maintenance. Each phase is equally important to realize the full potential of any landscape project or design plan. Are you ready to increase the value of your property with landscaping?

Ladybugs are naturals at garden pest control.

Going green goes much further than having a lush landscape and thriving flower garden.   It’s really about beautifying your outdoor living space while keeping an eye on sustainability.   This Earth Day, consider using water efficiently, protecting the quality of air and water supplies, and replacing harsh chemicals with natural alternatives.

To realize the benefits of going green, it helps to understand how our planet works. Nearly every item we use each day is manufactured and transported using energy produced by fossil fuels. As these fuels are burned, they release carbon dioxide and other pollutants that form a thick blanket across our atmosphere and traps heat.

In addition to global warming, green proponents are concerned with preserving natural resources, such as the world’s water supply. According to the United Nations, at least two-thirds of the world’s population is expected to experience water shortages by 2025 if current consumption patterns continue. By relying on more efficient methods of watering your landscape, you can help improve access to water in the future.  Adhering to watering restrictions is just one way to save water.  Also, consider the “microclimates” in the landscape and adjust watering frequency, as each area has different requirements based on conditions, such as location, sun exposure and soil drainage.

We like to think of green gardening as not only a way to protect our resources globally, but how it impacts you and your family. The best part about greening your garden is how easy it is. Consider switching to composting and make your fertilizer at home for free. Also, start incorporating native plants into your landscape.   The arid Southwest region offers an array of desert-friendly plants that are also lush and colorful. Another big step toward greening your garden is by growing your very own vegetable garden. This is a perfect way to get the kids involved and spark their interest in nature.  Truly sustainable gardening is about finding simple, natural solutions.

Feel free to share your ideas on greening your garden.

The New Year has brought parts of Las Vegas Valley with a fresh dusting of snow.  Some parts of the region that are higher than 2,500 feet elevation are enjoying a winter wonderland.  Do take the time to snap some photos of your landscape, which has now taken on a completely new look.  But, then go ahead and give your plants the care they need to prevent damage from the snow.

Brush off the snow with a broom.  Avoid brushing them downwards, as branches may snap.  Palm leaves tend to accumulate snow faster than dormant trees because of the wide fronds.  Give them a good shake periodically, especially if the snow persists.  This will reduce damage from the cold.  If it’s evident that the branches are frozen, refrain from disturbing them.  Wait for a warmer day when it starts to thaw.

On the other hand, snow can actually be a good insulator.   Tender plants covered in snow are protected from the chilling temperatures, as snow on the ground may prevents injury to roots. Many landscape plants can be injured, however,  when soil temperatures fall below 10 degrees F. More sensitive perennials can sustain root injury when soils are just below freezing, which is why mulching is so important.

Pardon us for posing such a boastful question, but in the business of creating landscapes, we have encountered numerous folks who have actually taken this notion seriously.  Why? The answer is really no different than asking if your wardrobe or car is a reflection of who you are.  Well, is it?  You bet it is.  Each of us have taste.  We don’t always agree with each other’s tastes, but we have a preference for certain things in life.  This makes us unique.  So, it makes sense that your landscape – the place that takes up much of your residential footprint – should be a reflection of you and your lifestyle.

Let’s say you have a bare yard.  A great house, but a bare yard.  Realizing that you can actually play designer to a blank canvas is actually exciting, isn’t it? When you think of a bare yard, what should come to mind is potentially an extension of your living space.  And, what would you do in this space? Think about the things your enjoy doing.   Swimming in streams, sitting in a cabana by a resort pool, enjoying campfires with the family, picnics at the park, lounging in your robe on Sunday mornings.

Being in touch with your lifestyle is a great advantage to designing your landscape.  With careful planning, a budget set aside, and a partner to make it all happen, you, too, can be enjoying a landscape that lends itself to some of your favorite activities -  a place you can all your own.

Conversely, plants not receiving enough sun will  grow poorly when given too much shade.  You might see pale and weak-looking plants, which can eventually lead to plant loss.

Relocating the plant is the best solution, but it is not recommended in the summer.   But, here are two ways to care for them through summer’s harsh elements:

1.  Mulch the area around plant to cool roots and prevent moisture loss.  If the plant is in a rock bed, create a ring of mulch around the plant.

2. Protect the plant with nylon screening to prevent scorching.  This will provide temporary shade through the summer.

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