homeowner Archives

7 Ways to Make Your Grass Greener

Posted on February 19, 2021October 27, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

There is nothing better than looking out the window of your home and seeing a lush lawn with bright and healthy green grass. The good news is that you don’t have to be an expert gardener to have the best-looking lawn on the block!

The truth is that all you need is the proper mover and some pro tips that will help you make your grass greener. Regular maintenance is always the key. One of our expert landscapers can guide you through the steps needed to make sure your lawn is always in top-notch shape.

What are some things I can do to make my grass greener?

First and foremost, know that a perfect, green lawn takes dedication, consistency, and a ton of work. You’ll need to make sure the grass is mowed at the right height, properly fertilized, and water to exact specifications.

The right plan will help you know how to spray, fertilize, and properly cut your grass. Below are some great ways to get started on the right track.

1. Use composite waste to create a greener lawn

Composite waste is simply the biodegradable kitchen scraps you probably just throw in the trash. Put it to better use! Process it and add it to the soil to act as a fertilizer, encouraging healthy growth of your grass.

You can add the composite all over your yard for an even look, or as patches to take care of specific areas. Make sure that you water your lawn thoroughly after putting down the composite.

2. Treat your soil right!

Understanding the makeup of your soil will ensure that you give it the right nutrients to get the right you want. One example of a soil treatment that is highly effective is cornmeal. Not only is cornmeal a natural herbicide, but it also provides needed fertilizer and controls pests.

Another great treatment is Mycorrhizal fungi, which helps the roots of your grass attach properly to the ground and attract the right organic nutrients straight into the root.

3. Give your grass the right cut

One of the easiest mistakes to make when it comes to lawn care is incorrectly cutting your grass. Learning how to properly mow is critical in making your grass greener. A trim lawn that is kept at a steady height is key to giving your lawn the perfect look.

Proper trimming creates healthy growth and roots. The right way to cut is dependent on the kind of grass you have since different types have different optimal heights. Knowing what you’re working with is the first step to take in making your plan.

4. Recycling works!

Everyone knows that recycling is a good thing, but have you ever heard of grass-cycling? It turns out that one of the best fertilizers for grass is the grass itself. By leaving the clippings in the grass they feed the roots.

Not only does it help improve the soil ph levels and textures, but it also provides essential nutrients for the healthy growth of grass. It will both benefit your lawn and save you time that would be spent cleaning it up.

5. Keep the watering regular

It’s commonsense that grass needs the appropriate amount of water to thrive, but to make it truly shine you’ll want to make sure that it is watered regularly. But not too much! By having a smaller, regular watering cycle, you allow the water to more thoroughly seep into the soil instead of running off.

When you over-water, you fill the lawn with water, causing the good nutrients to run away and drive off helpers like worms, who work hard behind the scenes to keep your grass healthy!

6. Give it some air. Aeration, that is!

A healthy lawn loves free air circulation. When the soil is compacted, it creates a firm obstacle to fertilizer and proper water absorption. Depending on the type of soil and age of the lawn, it may need to be manually opened up.

An aerating machine or handheld tool does the job perfectly, opening up small holes that allow insects and air to pass through. Annual aeration is a great way to keep your grass healthy year after year.

7. Treat your lawn right!

Weeds not only make your lawn look unsightly, but they also make it unhealthy! You’ll want to put a weed control system in place so that the grass isn’t competing with weeds for water and nutrients.

A good feed and weed system gets rid of the unwanted plants while providing the fertilizer to make your grass look great.

What’s the best way to get started making my grass greener?

The best way to start is to consult with the pros! Give us a call at Hidden Creek Landscaping to see how our lawn maintenance specialists can get you on the right track to a better-looking lawn.

The Best Landscapers in Central Ohio

Posted on September 21, 2018April 23, 2019 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

When you decide to take on a new landscaping project, one of the most important things is to find a company that you trust. Attention-to-detail, high-quality materials and thoughtful design are all essential components for the success of your project.

At Hidden Creek Landscaping, we strive to be your top choice for exceptional service and impressive results for all aspects of landscaping and patio design projects.

Residential and Commercial Services

Regardless of whether you are eager to transform your backyard and patio or you are looking forward to updating a business property’s curb appeal, rest assured that our skilled and experienced design and installation team will work hard to exceed all of your expectations.

A thoughtful landscaping design improves aesthetics for a boost in curb appeal and for your overall enjoyment. An appealing landscape can have a bold impact on property value and conditions.

Creating a Gorgeous Custom Design

Your property’s landscaping design should be unique to you and your family’s wants and needs. One of the first steps in our design process is to craft a design plan specific to your property. When you contact our design team, we will take the time to learn more about what your goals are for your space. We create a custom design that is truly unique and perfectly tailored for your needs and your specific property.

High-Quality Design Materials

As part of the landscaping design process, we will work to select the most high-quality materials possible. We can use a variety of stones and other materials in your project. Beautiful wood species, such as teak, cedar, and others, may also be great additions to your space. These can be stained and sealed to perfection. Together, we can make a plan of action to incorporate these elements into your design.

Additionally, will also decide what vegetation will be ideal for your space. We go to great lengths to choose species that have the ideal overall aesthetic appeal and that are appropriate for your ongoing maintenance preferences. Our team can also make thoughtful recommendations for outdoor appliances, fire pit or fireplace features, electronics, ceiling fans and all other products that may be essential for creating a space that is truly appealing to you in every way.

Completing Flawless Installation

Creating a beautiful design and selecting high-quality materials are an essential part of initiating your landscaping project. We cannot emphasize the importance of quality workmanship enough. Our entire team has been selected based on their strong work ethic and their desire to produce incredible results.

Ensuring Your Satisfaction

With landscaping firms serving central Ohio business and residential customers, you may be wondering what makes Hidden Creek Landscaping the best choice. Designing and installing a beautiful landscape on your property requires considerable attention-to-detail. It is also important to have a strong mastery of various natural elements throughout the design.

The design plan and installation work will be tailored to your needs. We go to great lengths to ensure that your new space lives up to and even exceeds your expectations. We will work diligently to bring your beautiful new space to life with efficiency.

At Hidden Creek Landscaping, we go above and beyond to exceed all of your expectation and to build you a space that will make you happy for years to come. If you are looking for a trustworthy, innovative landscaping team, give us a call today.

Summer Outdoor Patio Events

Posted on July 20, 2018July 8, 2020 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Patios are the perfect summertime hang out spot. With the warmer weather and longer days, it’s a great time to get ready for patio gatherings and events.

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, so it should be comfortable and cozy. You want to be sure that it is spacious enough to entertain guests. Most of all, your patio should meet all of your family’s needs and fit in with your personal style.

Patio Ideas for the Summer

If you are looking for ways to spend more time outside, consider renovating and refurbishing your outdoor space. Before you get started, think about your desired style and theme. The style can be casual, modern, traditional, colorful, rustic, simple, or any combination of the above. A few possible decorating themes are seaside, tropical, floral, or old world charm.

Whether you are redecorating or building it from scratch, be sure to plan ahead and think about how to best use your space. Consider how much seating you need, where the entry point will be, and how to make it accessible. Think about the primary uses of your patio, such as whether it will it be for lounging, dining, or entertaining.

There are many ways to add structure to your patio. To make it cooler and more private, you can build a pergola or a privacy wall or fence. A pergola, a type of gazebo made from cross beams and lattice supported by tall pillars, is a perfect way to protect you from the glare of the sun and can serve as a good place to hang lights, plants, and decorations. Umbrellas can also be used to keep you cool on hot summer days.

Decorating Ideas

Once you have a basic plan in mind, you can begin to think about the design details and colors. For summertime, consider using bold colors like teal, red, orange, and yellow. A colorful design will keep your space fun and vibrant. If you are looking for something more relaxing you might stick with natural materials such as wood, stones, and bricks.

As you select your furniture, look for items that are comfortable, waterproof, and sun resistant. Durable and weatherproof, outdoor furniture can be left out and enjoyed for months. The fabrics won’t fade in the sun. They feel soft and comfortable and are filled with quick dry foam so you don’t have to worry about bringing them in when it rains. There are many beautiful pieces of outdoor furniture available in just about any color and style.

Lighting is an important consideration if you plan to use your space at night. String lights, lanterns, bistro lighting, a metal chandelier, torches, candles, outdoor fireplaces, and fire pits are some clever ways to incorporate lighting in your outdoor living space.

To make your outdoor space into a beautiful garden getaway, include plants, flowers, and landscaping. You can incorporate water by adding a fishpond, a mini waterfall, a sunken spa, or a pool. To make it into a relaxing paradise, include a hammock, lounge chairs, loveseats, a wrap around deck, a rock wall, or stone arches.

If you plan to entertain a lot, you will want to incorporate a few additional items, such as extra seating, countertops, tables, outdoor appliances, and a bar. Bringing out linens, table runners, and benches will make your guests feel comfortable and at home.

Finally, add some finishing touches to make it feel cozy, such as colorful outdoor area rugs, pillows, cushions, and decorations. Have fun and be creative with the décor. Keep it casual and relaxing or add some exciting patterns and bold colors. And don’t forget to install an outdoor sound system so you can listen to music.

Summertime Events

Once your space is ready to go, there are many summertime events you can plan. Use it in the mornings for your morning coffee and breakfast. Use it for meetings with friends or colleagues, for family barbecues, picnics, and small get-togethers.

Have some friends over for outdoor cocktails and serve fun refreshments such as fruit punch, wine chilled on ice, and a charcuterie board. For a larger gathering, consider having people over a fourth of July backyard barbecue, drinks, and desserts, or a sit-down meal.

It’s possible to use it for even larger celebrations, such as graduation parties, engagement parties, or outdoor weddings if you have enough space. To keep things simple, prepare food in advance and set up a self-serve and bar and small seating areas. This will help make your guests feel comfortable and relaxed. Get creative with themes and centerpieces and decorate the surroundings with plants and flowers.

Kids love to be outside, so patios are excellent places for kids’ birthday parties. Include a burger bar, and for dessert try a s’mores bar or make your own ice cream sundae station. Decorate the trees with lights, set up water balloons, a bubble station, a tree swing, and some games to play. They are guaranteed to have a blast.

Consider something out of the box like a potluck dinner or barbecue, an outdoor movie night with popcorn, a theme party, or an impromptu game night. Most of all, have fun and be creative. The possibilities are practically endless.

Remember, summer is short so make the most of it. Using your patio is a great way to spend more time outside enjoying the sunshine before the cold of winter returns. To help add to the ambiance of your outdoor space, call 614-777-4254. Most of all, have fun and be creative today. Together, we can build your dream backyard!

Ways to Make Landscaping Pop at Night

Posted on June 8, 2018May 30, 2018 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

How can you make your landscaping stand out while you’re hosting night-time gatherings this summer? The installation of landscape lighting accents some of the most important features and can help to create your perfect yard. Follow these design tips and tricks to get the most out of your landscaping on these upcoming summer nights.

Take the Whole Property into Consideration

The entire property should be seen as a cohesive unit, and you have to consider all the landscaping components to achieve the best results. Everything from the bushes to the trees and flowers must be considered. Also, you should look at the paths that guests will walk along. This will create a pleasing environment as well ensure safety as they walk at night. Another thing to consider is your home’s architecture and any other features such as decks, patios, and gazebos to get the best idea of how you should follow through.

The Differences between Down, Up and Cross Lighting

You have three different types of landscaping lighting. First, there’s what is referred to as down lighting which literally means the light is pointed downward. Downward lighting has become a popular choice for lighting on trees and architecture. This style of lighting brings a certain feel of class with it. Next, you have uplighting, which is where the light is angled upward. This is a popular addition for buildings-you can place the lighting on the ground to focus them upward, which adds depth to an otherwise boring wall or pillar. Finally, you have cross lighting. This lights a focal point from all sides, and it achieves a unique look that can play well with specific styles and features.

Accent, Task, and Overall

Along with lighting options, other considerations must be made. For example, overall lighting does exactly as it says. It lights up the whole space, which is good for those gathering areas with your guests. You also have task lighting, which gets used for specific intentions and purposes. For example, you might use it as a way to illuminate a walkway. Finally, you have accent lighting. This lighting comes with the specific purpose of accenting certain areas of the yard during the night time. Ultimately, it depends on your design goals for the property.

Security

Landscape design might also take security into consideration for the night design. For example, you might install lighting above the garage door or close to the back door to make it more difficult for people to sneak onto the property. Much of this lighting will be motion activated, and it has the potential to scare away unwanted burglars. At the least, this lighting serves the purpose of alerting you inside of the home. Additional lighting can also protect from the risks of tripping or falling at night. For example, pool areas, pathways and steep drop-offs could all have hidden obstacles in the night that could be dangerous. The addition of a few simple lighting elements can make your home overall much safer.

Use Different Color Lighting

Changing the color of the lighting elements you choose is a good way to mix things up and spruce up your home. In fact, to make your yard pop at night, you might employ blue lighting, purple lighting, and even red lighting as a way to switch up the landscape and give it a refreshing look. You might even design an awesome night garden with a well-lit path. These fun and different uses of light will allow you to express yourself through your home design and really make it your own.

Creating a Night Garden

Ever wished you could add some mystery and romance to the landscape? Night gardens tend to solve all these problems. You might use the following low-maintenance plants that still achieve the perfect effect under the moonlight:

Meadow rue
Lamb’s ear
Star jasmine
Brachycome
Flowering tobacco

Plants that bloom or release fragrances during the night time can be called “noctiflora,” and it will spice up almost any occasion. Light flowers and foliage will show up the best in a night garden. While having the moonlight hit the garden just right can light it up, it isn’t always required. You might even add your own lighting to the location with torches, candles or even regular landscape lights. It depends on the mood you want to achieve, which is what you should always consider most.

Define the Purpose

Before you ever decide to invest in landscape lighting for night time, you should ask yourself what you want to achieve through the illumination of the backyard. Maybe you want the mood to have a soft and romantic feel, or maybe for security reason, you want to illuminate your garden. You might also choose this method because you want to highlight the best features in the yard. For example, maybe you have this elegant water fountain or this Japanese Koi fish pond, which is one of the popular trends of the industry today. You might, for example, illuminate the bridge walk that span over the pond, or you could illuminate the pond waters so that your guests can watch the fish even at night. It all depends on what you want overall for your home.

These are some of the ways that you can build a brilliant space at night on your property. When choosing a company, you want to pick one that has an established reputation for quality. For all of your garden questions, concerns, or needs, don’t forget to contact the experts at Hidden Creek. Together, we can work together to create the dream landscaping that you’re envisioning.

Pet-Friendly Landscaping

Posted on May 11, 2018May 21, 2018 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Yard

You love your pets and even consider them as members of your family! But, unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to maintain a perfect yard with pets roaming around it.

Across central Ohio, you can see countless yards that have all of the familiar signs: big holes in the ground, dead spots in the grass, dog poop everywhere and flowers that have been trampled on. These yards have all of the bare essentials to be a beautiful space, but the owners have seemingly let their animals take them over.

The following are some ideas you may consider if you are looking to create a pet-friendly landscape.

Consider Hardscaping

Hardscaping may be something you want to consider if you have a puppy who likes to get his paws dirty. This will create a barrier between your dog and your garden. By designing your yard with hardscaping, you will be able to remove some or all of the spaces where your dog can dig. Whether it is stone structures, retaining walls, or paved paths, Hidden Creek can help you design and install these features to protect your space.

Pick up the Poo

This isn’t so much a design idea as it is a simple suggestion. Many yards and lawns are ruined because there has been so much pet waste accumulated in them over the years. You would be surprised how many families and children don’t like to enjoy their yards simply for this reason. And, guests don’t feel comfortable walking through your yard and enjoying the space unless it’s clean.

You may want to consider regularly cleaning up after your pet in your yard. It will make your yard both more enjoyable and healthier for everyone. Make “pooper scooper the yard” a weekly chore for you or your kids, and protect your beautiful yard!

Keep your Herb Garden Safe

Pet-Friendly Landscape

Many homeowners like to grow little herb gardens in their yards. This is a great way to provide your own additions to healthy meals to enhance the flavor.

Unfortunately, though, dogs and cats also seem to love herb gardens. Our little friends like to chew on and eat soft and small plants. Avoid this by creating a barrier around your herb garden. You could consider protecting your herb garden with chicken wire, a stone wall or another hardscaping feature.

Steer Clear of Poisonous Plants

A well-designed garden will usually feature a number of different plant species. When planning your garden, though, you need to keep your animals in mind when choosing plant species. There are some commonly-used landscape plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats when consumed.

Some of these common species include lilies, azaleas, and tulips. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruetly to Animals (ASPCA) has an extensive list of these plants which you may consult. Take care when choosing plants for your yard, and make sure your landscape professional is aware of this concern.

Pick a Hearty Grass Species

A beautiful, lush, green lawn is what most homeowners desire. However, dogs can be problematic when considering your lawn maintenance. As mentioned before, dogs can frequently burrow into lawns, which causes damage. Pet waste can also cause dead and yellowing spots in the grass. It can be difficult to balance the needs of your lawn and the needs of your pet.

Despite all of these concerns, if you still want a green lawn, then consider carefully which species of grass you choose. Some species of grass are heartier, and they can take the beating of a dog’s usage a little better. For a species recommendation, schedule a consultation with one of our landscape professionals.

Fence in your Dog Yard

Pet-Friendly Landscape

Oftentimes, the best solution to having animals and a beautiful landscape is allocating one part of your yard for them and another part for more intricate gardening or entertaining space. This separation can often best be done with fencing.

One solution would be to have a smaller backyard area where you allow your dogs and cats to roam that’s fenced in, and a separate space for entertaining and gardening. Or, if you don’t have that much space in your backyard, you can have a fenced in area in the back and then place more beautiful and delicate plants that could potentially be harmed by animals in your front yard.

Place Delicate Plants Away from your Pets

Features like flower beds, herb gardens, and succulent plants need to be placed away from where your pets go. As these features tend to be more easily harmed, they should be positioned in an area that will not be frequented by your animals. As mentioned before, this could be accomplished with fencing, or with a water feature or hardscaping.

In areas where your animals will be, you can place sturdier plants and landscaping features. In these spaces, hardscaping or ground covers would be great options, as well as larger shrubs or small trees.

Time your Irrigation Appropriately

In many cases, irrigation is necessary to maintain a beautiful garden. Plants have different moisture requirements to grow and be healthy. Irrigation allows you to control and create the ideal environment to keep your garden beautiful.

However, many times irrigation systems are set on timers, which can actually be problematic if you have pets. Don’t set your irrigation to run immediately before or during the times your pet will be in that area of the yard. When soil and lawns are wet, they can be more easily damaged by your animals. Not to mention, this could set you up to have muddy paw prints tracked into your home!

Creating a pet-friendly landscape is definitely doable, but does require some extra planning beforehand. Usage by your pet is simply another factor to be taken into account during the landscape design process. Make sure to communicate this need to your landscaping professional when creating your ideal design.

Have questions? Contact Hidden Creek Landscaping and together we can build a yard that is great for you and your furry friends!

Elements to Consider When Planning Your Landscape Project

Posted on February 2, 2018October 27, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Beyond improving the aesthetic appeal of your yard, a proper landscaping design can help propagate local ecosystems, prevent soil erosion and flooding, as well as demarcate areas depending on your family needs or upcoming events. A well-executed landscaping project can add value to your home and provide you with a luxurious escape in your own backyard!

In order to achieve these benefits, you will need to put several elements into consideration. These elements are your city’s zoning and permit laws, your budget, and how you will use your new space.

Research Zoning and Permits

elements to consider when designing a landscape The first thing to consider is your city’s zoning and permit requirements and laws. Of course, it helps to work with a landscaping company that is familiar with these regulations, but you should familiarize yourself with before planning the project to determine what is possible.

The City of Columbus says, “The Zoning Code regulates the type of activity that may occur within specific geographic areas of the city.” You should check this code to figure out what you are allowed to build or change and where the zone of your property lies. This also includes finding out where your property line begins and ends, so you don’t go building into your neighbor’s yard.

You should also check your city’s permit regulations to make sure you have the proper paperwork needed for certain projects. This is determined by where you live and the type of project you are planning. For example, the City of Columbus requires a special permit if you hope to build a deck that exceeds a certain size. Permits also differ between commercial and residential properties.

In addition, make sure you are extra careful to check the regulations if you live in a historic area like German Village. These areas adhere to strict guidelines in order to preserve the historical value of the area. The German Village Guidelines say, “Whenever you consider making changes in your building site, carefully weigh whether these changes would follow established historic patterns.” It goes on to explain the types of fencing materials villagers would have used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These are the requirements for fencing materials today.

Keep all of these zoning and permit standards in mind when researching and planning your own landscaping project. Remember to check for specific regulations unique to your city, town, or village.

Create a Budget

Budget is, of course, important to consider when you are planning a landscaping project. Make sure you set aside money for this project prior to planning it and keep this number in mind when fleshing out the details. It’s easy to get ahead of your budget when you’re looking at all of the beautiful and unique features available to you. Be sure to be selective and choose your must-haves before considering smaller details. It may also be a good idea to set aside supplemental funds for additional features you can’t live without.

How Will You Use Your Landscape?

A good way to determine what features you need is to think about how you will use your landscape. Are you known for your dinner parties? Do you have a birthday or graduation celebration to plan? Does your family have kids or pets? Looking at these factors will help you decide how much seating or open space you’ll need.

For example, outdoor cooking and dining are becoming a huge landscaping trend. If you have any upcoming parties and you’d like to entertain outside, a new kitchen and patio would be an excellent idea. If you do have kids, you can plan on putting in a pool for the summer. Think about what you will use your new landscape for most frequently and base critical features off of that.

Focus on Design

Color

Last, but certainly not least, spend some time deciding on the design features of your landscaping project.

Color is one of the most important elements of landscape design because it adds dimension and interest to a landscape, which brings it to life. More specifically, you can use color to draw attention to a focal point, provide seasonal variety, create a mood, and blend your outdoors colors with the colors of your house.

To introduce color into your landscape design, you can use planters, walls, paving, garden décor pieces and fences. At this point, it is important to note different colors typically create different effects. For instance, similar colors create harmony, whereas different colors create contrast. Additionally, warm colors such as yellow, orange and red create a different effect than cool colors such as purple, green, and blue. On the same note, you can combine warm and cool colors to create stunning effects. When designing your landscape, ensure you extend the presence of color across all seasons.

Texture

A landscape’s texture includes the surface characteristic of an object, meaning it is both a tactile and visual element. In general, you can describe the texture of an object as either coarse, medium or fine. Plants, wood, bricks, stones, and other landscaping materials all possess different textural attributes. You can use these elements to enrich the visual quality of your landscape design. When using texture, consider how your landscape will appear from multiple vantage points. A landscaping professional can, of course, help you with decisions like these.

If you don’t know where to start for inspiration, you can also check out existing projects on sites like Houzz. Create an account and save your favorite photos to give your landscapers an idea of what you want to accomplish.

When it comes to creating a new landscape for your home, there are many factors to consider. The professionals at Hidden Creek would be happy to discuss these elements with you and decide on the best features. Contact us today or fill out our Dream Builder to get started on your landscaping journey with Hidden Creek.

Origins of the Term “Landscaping”

Posted on January 25, 2018October 27, 2021 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

What is a Landscape?

A landscape is essentially the visible features of a land area, its landforms, and the manner in which they integrate with man-made or natural features. A landscape includes the physical elements of geophysical landforms like hills, mountains, and bodies of water like sea, lakes, rivers, and ponds. It also includes living elements of land such as indigenous vegetation. The human elements include different types of land use, structures, buildings, and transitory elements like weather conditions and lighting.

Combining the cultural overlap of human presence and their physical origins, landscapes are a reflection of a living synthesis of individuals and place that is instrumental to national and local identity. A landscape’s character assists in defining the self-image of the inhabitants and providing a sense of home. It is basically the vibrant backdrop to the lives of individuals.

A landscape is also viewed in terms of aesthetic appeal or as a pictorial depiction of an area of countryside, especially within the category of landscape painting. In addition, when the visual appearance of an area of land is deliberately enhanced by changing vegetation and contours, it is looked at as having been landscaped.

History of the Word “Landscaping”

The word “landscape” was initially printed in English in 1603. It has origins in Middle Dutch with the word “landscap,” which means region. The word also has origins in Old Norse (landskap) and German (landschaft). Landskip is the previous formation of the word in English. It should be noted that the suffix ‘ship’ has close ties to schaft, which means constitution, shape or condition.

The emergence of the term “landscape” came around the turn of the 16th Century to represent a painting with the primary subject matter being a natural scenery. Land, which has its origin in Germany, may be viewed in the sense of a place to which individuals belong. For example, Ireland is the land of the Irish. “Scape” as a suffix corresponds with “ship,” the more commonly used English suffix. The roots of “ship” are linked etymologically to sceppan or scyppan in Old English, which means to shape. ‘Schaft’ as a suffix is associated with the verb schaffen. Therefore, “shape” and “ship” are etymologically linked as well.

The contemporary form of the word has connotations of scenery and, as was previously mentioned, it emerged late in the 16th Century. This was when the word ‘landschap’ was made known by Dutch painters who used it in reference to paintings of inland rural or natural scenery. In 1598, the word ‘landscape’ was first recorded.

The definition of landscape reflected in dictionaries conveys both a general and a particular meaning: being a part of the Earth’s surface.

Types of Landscaping Over the Years

Below are some of the common landscaping styles:

• Japanese Garden Style

The Eastern philosophy and way of designing gardens has become increasingly popular in the Western world. Therefore, to enjoy the elegance and order of this garden style, a lot of individuals devote their backyard to it.

• Mediterranean Style

Similar to other designs, this style gets much of its atmosphere from the plants with which it is created. As new varieties of Mediterranean plants like palm trees adapt to different climates, the Mediterranean style is among the most popular designs used in different parts of the world.

• Southwest Landscape Design

This is a tremendously popular design that is created through the type of plants and garden décor. This style is mainly used in arid regions like New Mexico and Arizona. However, it is becoming more and more popular in different parts of the world. Again, since much of the atmosphere can be fashioned with hardscapes and décor, it is becoming more popular in areas which are typically unable to sustain the kind of arid plants used for this style.

• Cottage Gardens

This style was originally created to raise crops for family sustenance. Today, many individuals who use this landscape style still make provisions for herbs and vegetables to be used in the kitchen. However, these gardens have taken on a slightly new use and appearance. Initially, there was a small number of flowers, but now we are seeing more and more cottage gardens overgrown with beautiful arrays of flowers.

• Tropical Landscape Design

Based on the type of plants and geographic location, this type of landscaping is typically grouped in the same category as the Mediterranean style. However, the plants usually have considerably larger flowering plants and leaves with intensely vibrant colors. Thick foliage is usually placed towards the back of flower beds to create the look of a dense tropical atmosphere in the garden.

• Formal Landscape Design

The formal landscape style is largely based on geometrical shapes and straight lines. Most of the time, this design is quite symmetrical. Plants are placed in order and pruned continually to preserve the formal effect.

It’s exciting to see how landscaping was conceived and how it has grown over time. At Hidden Creek Landscaping, we take great pride in keeping up with the trends, retaining knowledge of the tried and true landscaping styles, and perhaps most importantly, combining our creativity with customer visions to create new and exciting designs! If you are thinking of starting a landscaping project, contact us today. We can make your backyard dream a reality!

Benefits of Having a Green Roof

Posted on November 17, 2017 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

The environmentally friendly movement has been gaining momentum for several decades as people embrace “green” lifestyles. Numerous homeowners have discovered that the many benefits of a green roof make it possible to maintain an eco-friendly home, while simultaneously enjoying the luxury of functional fashion.

Benefits

Regardless of how environmentally conscious one is, he or she may still ponder the question “why have a green roof?” The multiple benefits speak for themselves, the most advantageous of which are outlined below:

Financial Return

Even though the initial expense of green roofs may be higher than their traditional counterparts, they usually pay for themselves within several years.

Extra Insulation

Green roofs create an extra layer of insulation for the dwelling. This means that the property owner can use less insulation, as well as less energy to cool and heat the home.

Sound Proofing

Another significant benefit of green roofs is the fact that they are essentially soundproof. This is highly advantageous for those who live in areas with a considerable amount of traffic or neighborhood noise.

Aesthetic Appeal

Green roofs almost always end up being the talk of the town. Because of their unusual appearance, they draw attention from neighbors and others in the community, and virtually everyone loves their beautiful and unique details.

Fewer Roof Drains Required

A green roof also enables homeowners to reduce the number of roof drains that are needed or even eliminate them entirely. Although this may not seem like a huge advantage, when drain cleaning time comes, most people find it a major benefit.

For the Environment:

Another advantage of green roofs is their impact on the “Urban Heat Island Effect.” In other words, the more green roofs that are found in an urban area, the lower the heat island effect. This leads to a decrease in costs for communities trying to meet greenhouse gas reductions and be more environmentally friendly.

Stormwater Effects

Green roofs also lower the costs necessary to handle stormwater effects. Green roofs have very little runoff, and therefore create additional space in local storm sewers.

Clean Oxygen

Finally, green roofs aid in the production of clean oxygen. With an increasing number of forests and landscapes being destroyed, the need for plants to manufacture oxygen continues to escalate. Providing a roof that can boost oxygen production is an ideal way to ensure that our planet stays green and healthy for many future generations.

Commercial Green Roof Benefits

Green roofs are beneficial for commercial building owners who are looking for ways to be environmentally friendly. For example, they expand roof longevity two to three times. Additionally, they reduce heating and cooling costs and offer businesses up to 15 LEED credits. It is also possible for certain commercial building owners to receive municipality and government incentives for installing a green roof.

Ultimately, there is a vast array of benefits associated with eco-friendly roofs. Therefore, those whose goal is to maintain an environmentally friendly home or business have everything to gain and nothing to lose by contacting a qualified professional to obtain an estimate on a new, beautiful, green roof.

Tips For Planning Your Flower Beds Before Planting

Posted on April 28, 2017May 2, 2017 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Planting a garden -vegetable or otherwise- can be quite a challenge for the untrained hand. Not every one of us grew up on a farm or went to horticulture school. So the basics of preparing flower beds for planting may not always be on one’s fingertips, literally. However, practice makes perfect, as no man was born wise. Land preparation is a lot like planning ahead for an important event or gathering. Leave a stone unturned and you might just see guests leaving early, or complaining their lungs out simply because they’re not impressed. Same applies with flower bed preparation. Flowers grow better when they’re planted in well prepared soil than when they’re just thrust into the action and expected to perform wonders. Here are some landscaping tips to keep you busy this season.

Seedlings To Be Transplanted. Like they say, different strokes for different folks. Seedlings require a specific approach to land preparation that differs significantly from when you sow your seeds directly into the soil.

Till Your Soil. The first thing you need to do is ensure that the soil has been tilled to an average depth of at least 20 inches. You must remember that seedlings have tender, fledgling roots that will struggle to penetrate hard soil. Tilling ensures that roots can spread sufficiently enough to harness moisture and nutrients at various depths. In the same breath, tilling exposes underlying pests and frees latent air. Good aeration is important to a young plant’s life.

Digging Holes. The next step is to dig your holes. The secret here is to plant at a depth that is double the height of the seedling retainer pack. Once dug, fill a third of the holes with manure and then proceed to insert the seedlings. Manuring gives seedlings the nutrients they need before they’re big enough to harness nutrients at lower depths. Now, compress the edges of the planted surface as you press the soil downwards. This for a rigid and firm placement.

Then last but not least, water the seedlings regularly. Doing so gives them a smooth transition from youth to adulthood and improves their flower yield tremendously.

The Benefits of Luxury Lighting in Your Landscaping

Posted on February 24, 2017March 3, 2017 by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Landscape lighting is an excellent way of increasing the safety and security of your property. This type of luxury lighting heightens visibility and lowers the dangers of individuals falling. If your yard is not well lit, there is the ever present risk of someone falling and becoming injured when using the space at night.

Proper lighting will reveal uneven spaces or any other potentially dangerous flaws in the landscape. Therefore, to avoid liability for another person’s injury, you can use lights to strategically illuminate your property to make it safer.

Aesthetic Appeal. With the right landscaping tips, luxury lighting can be used to elevate the cool factor of your home. Essentially, well-placed lights can be used to accentuate the best parts of your outdoor space, making the surrounding landscape sparkle with beauty. Any intricate architectural detail of your property can be highlighted remarkably with strategically placed lights.

For example, luxury lighting can be used to illuminate the branches of your favorite tree. You can also use downlights on the tree to highlight its shape and special areas under it. At night, focal points like garden walls can be brought to life with bullet, well and flood lights. These lights will fill the space and accentuate texture and color.

Security Effects. Burglars are attracted to dark and poorly-lit homes. Luxury lighting is a remarkable deterrent to predators who thrive in darkness. Since lighting focuses attention on your property, the chances of a would-be burglar being spotted will increase exponentially. Additionally, landscape lighting enables household members and visitors to better view the area when they arrive at night. Having a brightened view of the perimeter of the property will assist in detecting anyone lurking on or around the yard.

These are just a few of the benefits of outfitting your property with luxury lighting.

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