Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are an invaluable tool for a landscape designer and homeowners alike. Walls add form, function and create distinct layers to the landscape. Whether we are creating a more functional space or building a multi-level outdoor living area, the right type of retainage is crucial for long term success. Building retaining walls to last […]
Landscape Bed Edging

When you are creating a space for the new landscape plantings for your home, or simply dressing up existing beds, it is important to define those landscape bed edges from the lawn areas next to them. Creating a nice, clean separation between mulch and turf helps keep the landscape bed and the lawn looking great. […]
Guidelines for Building a Berm

What is a Berm: Berms are a raised area of the landscape that can add height and variety to an otherwise flat or dull area. Generally, they are raised 18-24” high with soil then taper down to the natural ground level. The slopes should be gradual in order to look more natural and prevent erosion. […]
Is Your Landscaper a Plant Person?

When hiring a landscaper, most homeowners assume that every installer knows the ins and outs of their plant palette. In the industry however, there are plenty of contractors who don’t keep up with the ever-shifting nursery business. It’s a challenging scene to navigate but having a deep-rooted interest in your tools of the trade yields […]
Timing is Key with Landscape Maintenance

*Also featured on missourilife.com If you have thousands of dollars invested into your outdoor living space, it’s important to have a maintenance plan in mind. The life expectancy of a landscape changes drastically based on how it is maintained. With poor maintenance, the life expectancy is less than 5 years; if well taken care of, […]
Dry Creek Beds–A Decorative Way to Combat Erosion

One of the biggest issues some homeowners can face is erosion of their lawn or landscape. Over time, water flowing from uphill sources such as irrigation, rain water, or neighbor’s drain pipes can start to wear away the soil in its path. This eroding of these areas can start to cause maintenance issues, safety hazards, […]
5 Underappreciated and Overlooked Plants

When it comes time to think about which plants you are going to use for your upcoming landscape project, you may be surprised at how many options are out there. Most homeowners are familiar with many of the classic plantings such as roses, hydrangeas, maples, etc., but there are a lot of lesser known trees […]
Seasons of Interest in the Landscape

There is a belief in the landscape industry that you can tell what time of year a house was landscaped based on the plant selection. Often times, contractors get in the habit of choosing a plant palette based on what is blooming at the time of install rather than planning for four full seasons of […]