Often times we will face projects that cannot be completed in one season which causes carry over into the following year. Some reasons for this depend on when we start the project, what all is involved, the logistics, our client’s budget, and the weather.

The Brown Bungalow is a perfect example of a multi-seasonal project. In 2017 ground broke for our client’s dream home but when it came to the landscaping, they needed our help to make the exterior feel inviting and natural – not like a new construction. While the construction process was taking place, we were simultaneously working on the landscaping design. Any time we can overlap the planning processes we try to, because it keeps the project moving which makes for happy clients!

This project was distinct because it required a multi phase approach; meaning each step of the landscaping process built on one another. For instance, the home was built on a sloping lot. This mean that the front of the home looks to be only one story but, if you walk around back, the home reveals three stories. To ensure proper drainage and support of the foundation, our team had to create a landscape design that considered the variations of the property. All of this took some time, but we were definitely up for the challenge!

Step 1: Level the Front and Side Lawn

Because this project was a new construction, we were able to start from the ground up with our design, literally! We needed to consider the sloping of the front and side yards to ensure proper drainage of water away from the foundation of the house.

Step 2: Build Retaining Walls

This was a mighty task because we built a 15-foot-tall retaining wall that would support the driveway. We used heavy duty interlocking concrete blocks that were shaped like stones to give the appearance of a decorative retaining wall with the structural support of a concrete blockade.

Step 3: Trench the Irrigation System

This was the first step, of many, to complete the softscape elements of the project. Digging an irrigation system requires grid, water flow, and electrical planning. A good irrigation system aids the homeowner in easy watering at the touch of a button, so it’s important the system is setup functionally and thoughtfully.

Step 4: Disperse Grass Seed

Spreading top soil, laying seed, blanketing with straw, tacking it with netting, and watering, are all steps leading up to a lush green lawn. Even though the crews utilized equipment to speed up the process, it still required sustaining until the grass began to sprout.

Step 5: Install Softscape

At a job like this, planting the softscape seems to be the easiest but most necessary part of the project. Placing the final touches reminds us that the finish line is close –you know, it’s similar to the topper on a cake or the cherry on a sundae – you notice when it’s missing but you’re delighted when it’s there. After all is said and done, softscape helps bring life to the harder elements of the project and personalize the space according to the client.

The Brown Bungalow is a great example of our willingness to work with our clients on project timeline and make sure their expectations aligned with their budget. As a company, we have no issue in creating spaces that take many seasons to craft especially if it’s a timing or money restraint.  Wholeheartedly, we would much rather our clients stress over what materials they desire for their unique space rather than how they plan to pay for it. After all, great spaces hold memories and memories take time to create, so why not craft a space weathered with time and worn in with love.