Landscape Water Features

Landscape water features give you a natural sanctuary providing a respite from the stresses of the day right inside your own backyard. There is a richness and diversity that water features produce as both people and nature respond to the refreshing and soothing qualities of moving water.

Whether it is a water fountain nestled among your flowers, a pool waterfall with underwater lighting as a focal point, a pond stocked with exotic fish, a stone waterfall, or spillways that feed into a meandering stream, we have ideas and tips for creating, planning and installing water features that cater to your specific desires.

 

Water has a Healing Effect

Landscape Water Features

Why install a water feature? Well, listening to the sounds of flowing or trickling water, studies have shown, ranks among the same beneficial effects we glean from sleep or massage for their restorative, stress-relieving powers. Water features help relax mind, body and spirit. There are all manners of stone and pool waterfalls, stream designs, koi ponds, fountains and more from which to select your own personal landscape water features.

 

Our Recommendations

The options for backyard water features in Ohio are endless whether you are dealing with limited space or have a large spread of land. We specialize in scaling landscaping projects to add beautiful tranquility to your outdoor living space. Not sure what type of water feature you are looking for to enhance your lawn and garden? Here is our comparison of a few common types to give you a better understanding of will work for you in your garden:

Pools

For one of the most classic water features, it is hard to beat the allure of a pool. This will take a substantial initial investment, but will be a great source of entertainment and beauty for years to come. You can even spice them up with fountains or waterfalls for a natural, relaxing feature. 

Pros:

  • Great source of entertainment for all ages
  • Flexibility – the pool can be whatever size/shape/style you need it to be
  • Increases the value of your home
  • Able to be heated to use for longer time period during the year
  • Great way to exercise

Cons:

  • Requires maintenance to keep the water clean and free of the accumulation of sticks, dirt, algae, etc.
  • Initial excavation may require substantial digging and investment
  • Not able to use all throughout the year
  • May increase your insurance costs

 

Container Ponds

If your available space is limited, a container pond is an impermanent and convenient alternative to an in-ground pool. You can convert just about any container into a container pond from glazed pots to a half-cut wine barrel to concrete bowls, all of which can be of any size. Whether the diameter is the same from top to bottom or the bowl is tapered, they typically have a wide opening, but even a 3-foot diameter allows enough space inside to add fish, aquatic grass, water lilies or other suitable plants for the perfect aesthetic touch. You can use a convenient plant support ring, which is a simple wire rack with openings that hold the plants in their containers just beneath the water’s surface. Now you are dealing with the equivalent of a fish tank to which you can add pumps and filters to keep the water clean and circulating.

Pros:

Landscape Water Features

  • No need for digging or excavation
  • Excellent choice for small spaces
  • Container ponds are available as kits
  • An inexpensive way to “get your feet wet” in the world of landscaping water features. Start with something small and graduate to bigger projects

Cons:

  • You may need to seal your container to prevent leakage
  • The deeper the container, the more difficult it can be to keep clean
  • You need to be cautious of the drowning risk posed when small children present

 

Wall Fountain

Wall fountains provide another alternative when space is an issue. These vertical water features offer the unexpected treat of a water aesthetic within the confines of compact spaces. They typically have a basin to catch and circulate the water with some wall fountains spilling directly into a container pond. Wall fountains use a pump requiring tubing or pipes that are invisibly set behind the fountain.

Pros:

  • Prime for small spaces
  • Can be uniquely designed and installed
  • Available as easy-to-assemble kits that are simple plug-in units
  • Different sizes and shapes available

Cons:

  • Fountain flow is not adjustable without an adjustable valve
  • Cost comparison between a kit and designing your own wall fountain is negligible
  • Can increase humidity in the air

 

Streams

For your larger property, man-made streams present a way to incorporate natural pools and waterfalls while offering a feature that may sidle up to a walkway, providing a tranquil path for all who traverse the landscape.

Pros:

  • Lends to a more natural, informal design
  • Adapts well to existing water features or to expand upon what you may already have in place
  • Conducive to decorative plants, grasses and river rocks for a natural aesthetic

Cons:

  • Streams require a pump system and plumbing to route the flow of water from the pond or pool destination back to the start of the stream
  • Longer streams just look better, which can involve a significant amount of digging
  • The initial build can be costly
  • Requires significant maintenance for the size and organic matter that can accumulate

 

Whatever landscape water features that you select, you should always install a pump to keep the water circulating. This helps detract still-water insects such as mosquitoes and wasps. If you do add fish and plants, make sure your pumps, filters and cleaners are up to the task. Anytime you install an outdoor landscape water feature that includes fish, expect to see other interested creatures appear on the scene such as frogs, raccoons and herons.

The pleasurable effects of landscape water features enhance the overall experience of your garden, whether enjoying a backyard party, a barbecue get-together or simply a private break all by yourself. You can make your yard a sanctuary, and the investment not only offers a calming presence at home, but it contributes to your property value as well.

If you are interested in learning more about custom landscape water features or how to winterize your existing features, our expert team of creative landscaping professionals can provide insight and in-depth knowledge of the many types of feature designs as well as the local Ohio terrain and trends. Contact us today to discuss your dream landscape and how we can bring your plans to fruition!

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Pet-Friendly 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!

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Origins of the Term “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. what is a landscape?

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. cottage garden

• 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!

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Popular Fall Landscaping Designs For Patio Owners

screen-shot-2016-10-18-at-5-27-03-pmLounging around or entertaining guests in the backyard might still be possible where you live. Patio lovers know that this space can be ideal for lounging or entertaining during the fall. These fall landscaping design tips can be used to transform your patio into a warm and cozy retreat well into the season:

Bring on the Heat: A fireplace is a great feature for any patio that will be used during the fall. To make it even more functional, the fireplace border can be extended to create a back for built-in benches on either side of the fireplace. With some comfy seats and cushion, this will be a great spot to spend precious time with loved ones. Additionally, if your patio backs up to the border of your yard, enough space could be included to plant some dense, tall-growing shrubs or trees.

Create Warmth with Your Design Choices: If your patio is large, you can transform it into smaller, more intimate spaces. You can use a combination on freestanding and built-in furniture pieces to define spaces. For example, you can have a bench built around a fire pit to enjoy the company of loved ones in a more intimate setting. A single flooring material can also be used to give the different spaces a cohesive feel.

To add to the flair of the space, a touch of whimsy can be added with cushions and pillows in beautiful fall colors. In addition to dressing up chairs and benches, they will add to the coziness of the seating areas.

These are just a few tips on how patio lovers can continue to enjoy the space during the fall season. In essence, fall colors, comfy seating and a fire feature are the main necessities of enjoying patio time during the season. Everything else is just an added bonus.

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Tips For Creating The Ultimate Space For Backyard Summer Activities

girl-996635_1920Now is the perfect time to start creating the ultimate outdoor space for summer fun. Summer provides many opportunities to entertain family and friends. There are only a few things more pleasurable than gathering with loved ones, enjoying food, fellowship and fun. Below are some landscape backyard tips that can help to create the ultimate space for backyard summer activities:

Water Wonderland. Any backyard can benefit from a wonderful water feature like a fountain, waterfall or pond. Whether understated or flamboyant, water features can add beauty and fluidity to the space. They are also great for drowning out traffic and other unpleasant noises. Relaxing in the backyard at the end of a challenging day, alone or with your loved ones, you will be able to enjoy the pleasant spectacle of sound the water feature provides.

Have Fun with Pavers. Adding over-sized pavers is a great way to prepare the yard for summer fun. Large islands of flagstone can be used to transform an ordinary garden path into a series of mini patios. Separating the flagstones with ribbons of lush turf will add aesthetic value to the space. The pavers will create a stunning and stable garden walkway. They are also large enough to accommodate outdoor seating when friends and family come over.

Illuminate the Space. Outdoor lighting provides a great way to create ambiance on your deck and patio. Lighting also plays a significant role in giving the exterior of your home an attractive and dynamic look from the curb. Lighting the backyard also delivers an additional tough of elegance. Furthermore, lighting adds an element of safety when using the backyard at night. Your guests will be able to find their footing at your next summer event. Outdoor lighting also improves the security of the backyard. Illuminating dark walkways, entryways and garages can assist in deterring potential intruders.

Cooking in Nature. Outdoor kitchens expand the living space and allow for cooking, eating and entertaining. Summer sets the atmosphere for frequent grilling and backyard BBQs. However, a well-designed outdoor kitchen should enable you to benefit from cooking beyond the months of summer. You can incorporate interior kitchen ideas to make your outdoor kitchen more versatile and fun. They are also a great way to boost your property value.

These are just some of the landscaping design ideas that can be used to create the ultimate space for fun backyard summer activities.

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4 Unique Spring Landscaping Ideas

hiddenUnique Spring Landscaping Ideas – Reinvent your landscaping this spring, with decorating ideas, simple DIY projects, and creative outdoor ideas that will increase your curb appeal and beautify your outdoor living space.

Dreamy Decks & Private Patios. Create a stunning outdoor space ideal for entertaining. Hidden Creek Landscaping will work closely with your land to create an outdoor environment that enhances your lifestyle and home value. From creating a plan for your home to maximize views and limit grading disturbance to minimizing future landscape maintenance, we have the expertise to solve problems on paper.

  1. Create a Destination. Decks don’t have to be attached to the house; they can lead to new vistas, private retreats and little nooks in the garden.
  2. Emphasizing the Design. Using our design center, we will help you create a plan and bring your dream alive. Taking time to put a thoughtful design together will make a big difference in your final project.
  3. Naturally Pretty. A color palette of earthy browns and vibrant greens plus invisible doors connect interior spaces to, creating an expanded outdoor living space.
  4. Cozy Lighting. Outdoor rooms used for relaxation and entertaining can be lit in a similar way to indoors with low-level lamps and mini spots to highlight decorative elements.

Call us today to create a your dream space that you can use this spring or all year around!

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Tips To Creating A Landscape Design For Family and Friends

Tips To Creating A Landscape DesignWhen homeowners are working on a landscape design, it’s important to consider family and friends. Not only should the design be suitable for everyone who lives in the home, but it should also provide a welcoming atmosphere for guests who visit frequently. Here are some simple landscape tips that will allow you to create a design that accommodates everyone:

Designate an area for entertaining.

Outdoor lovers who enjoy hosting gatherings with loved ones will want to make sure that they create a comfortable entertaining area. Make the entertaining space an extension of the home’s interior by using furniture to make areas for dining and relaxing. Add outdoor sofas, tables, chairs, and perhaps even an outdoor bar where guests can gather for drinks.

To achieve a comfortable spot for dining and entertaining, it’s necessary to have a paved patio or a deck. You can use concrete or patio pavers to designate a flat surface area. If you opt for a deck, you can use wood or composite materials. Consider the benefits of each, and decide which one will be more suitable and budget-friendly for your home.

Make a place for play.

Families with young kids should leave some open space in the landscape plan. There should be a place for play, whether it’s used for tossing a ball, playing soccer, or even adding a play set for kids to enjoy. Even adults can benefit from open space, where outdoor games like horseshoes can be enjoyed.

If you are working with a smaller yard, consider keeping the plants restricted to the periphery, leaving the rest of the lawn open. This will allow you to add decorative landscaping that will beautify and enhance the curb appeal of the home, but will still leave space for kids to run around freely. Keep flower beds confined to out of the way areas so that there’s less of a chance that flowers will get trampled.

When planning the landscape design for your home, don’t forget to consider the needs and desired of family members. If you enjoy entertaining, make comfortable areas that are accommodating to friends and relatives of all ages. Your home can be a place where everyone enjoys getting together.

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How To: Save For Your Dream Backyard In 2016

Screen Shot 2015-11-09 at 2.12.31 PMIf you are ready to transform your backyard, but don’t have the funds to do so, then it’s time to start following some smart saving tips. By starting now, you can budget and plan for the yard of your dreams. Here’s how to save for your dream backyard in 2016:

Plan the Design. Begin by planning the design for your dream backyard. Create a sketch so that you can lay out the placement of each area, such as a vegetable garden, flower beds, seating areas, open space, etc. Take measurements of your yard so that you know just how much space you have to work with.

Select the Features You Desire. Choose the features that you really want to have, such as a dining table and seating, a grill, water features, or a patio for entertaining. Do research on the approximate cost of those features so that you have a better idea of what your total cost may look like. You may find that you have to let some ideas go in order to get the design elements that are a priority. Think about how the space can most benefit your entire family and suit all of your needs over the years.

Set the Budget. Before you buy anything for the yard, settle on a budget that you know you can realistically handle. Since you will have priced the features that you want, you’ll have a clear idea of how much you need to spend. Once you know how much you can spend, then you can start to save.

Put money aside from each paycheck into a savings account that you have dedicated for the dream backyard project. Over time, you should be able to save up enough to purchase the features that you want and cover any labor costs for the work to be done.

These backyard tips will help you to create the outdoor space of your dreams. Start planning, set a budget, and be realistic about the features you want and need for a functional, stylish space. It may take some time and some discipline to save the money, but once you do, you will be able to make enjoy an amazing backyard for many years to come.

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Cooking In The Outdoor Kitchen Of Your Dreams

An outdoor kitchen is one of the most desirable features for homeowners today. During the winter, begin planning the layout for the ultimate cook’s entertaining area. Once the warmer weather hits, you will be able to host family and friends in a unique, comfortable setting. Take full advantage of yard spaces by transforming a bland patio into a fully equipped kitchen that you’ll love using.

What to Include

When designing your outdoor kitchen, you have to select the appliances that you need and want. Options include a refrigerator, wine cooler, gas range top, grill, and even a dishwasher. If you love barbecue, then you’ll likely want a gas or charcoal grill, and perhaps even a smoker. Storage space below the counters will make it easy to store dishes and utensils. You can make your outdoor kitchen as luxurious or low key as you want.

Prep & Dining

Low counters are ideal for prepping up food before tossing it on the grill. Even if you are working with a small space, you will want to have at least one area of the counter that is installed at a lower height. If space allows, add bar height counters where guests can sit and relax. This makes it easy to chat and spend time together as you cook. The ability to entertain and prepare food at the same time is what makes an outdoor kitchen so great.

Having an outdoor entertaining area that you truly love to use will make parties and casual gatherings much more enjoyable. You can prepare all of your favorite dishes for friends and family, without feeling like you’re spending all of your time alone in the kitchen. There are no limits to the features that can be included, so get creative and design the kitchen of your dreams right in your back yard.

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Enhance Your Outdoor Space with a Fall Friendly Transformation

Enjoy the outdoors by transforming a plain patio into a chic outdoor kitchen. Cooking in a natural setting is a wonderful way to escape the doldrums of a normal daily routine. The openness brings a refreshing essence that adds a festive touch to any meal. Today, a modern outdoor kitchen is an extension of the house’s living space. It is wise to choose functional accessories and appliances that match the existing decor. Decorating in the correct manner makes the space conducive for entertaining as well.

Custom outdoor patios with kitchens can be highly personalized. Most contain a large barbecue grill, wet bar, and fire place.  Appliances are the most important investment. Quality is vital. Each piece must be specially crafted to withstand the elements. It is possible to go all out and install a pizza oven or wine fridge. Lighting is essential, especially for entertaining. It creates a welcoming ambiance and provides safety as well.

The perfect touch for Fall entertaining is a fire pit. This is less formal than a traditional fireplace and manages to take the chill out of the air. A lounge area with comfortable furniture and a television will complete the effect. Speakers can be used to infuse music into the air as well. Planning the perfect layout will make the patio functional and aesthetically pleasing. The space is sure to be the hub of neighborhood gatherings.

While Fall is already upon us, it isn’t too early to start thinking about Fall 2015.  If you find yourself attending parties and get-togethers at other people’s homes, and wish you had a great space of your own for entertaining, remember that Hidden Creek Landscaping can make that dream come true.  Contact us today to learn more about our Columbus, Ohio landscape design services.

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