Colonnade Construction
The posts are being set today. I'm enjoying every moment of this installation and and so thankful to have amazing committee and talented sub contractors to make this process an experience of a lifetime!
Outdoor Classroom
Preparing the base for a paver stone circle kit which is being installed today. Stay tuned...
::: Can't Decide? Bell Island Stone vs. Nova Scotia Limestone:::
Two popular stones for natural walls in Newfoundland right now are Bell Island Stone and Nova Scotia Limestone. One comes from Newfoundland ( Bell Island, no kidding!) and Nova Scotia.
For a finished wall, both end up being around the same price and here's why:
Bell Island stone is local, so, shipping prices are lower. It is also harder to cut therefore driving the labour price up.
Nova Scotia Limestone on the other hand has higher shipping costs attached to it but it's easier to cut. Therefore labour price is a little less.
In case price is a consideration ( and let's face it; it always is!) both run around the same price. Now all you have to do is decide which one you LIKE best!
Nova Scotia Limestone
Bell Island Stone
Two popular stones for natural walls in Newfoundland right now are Bell Island Stone and Nova Scotia Limestone. One comes from Newfoundland ( Bell Island, no kidding!) and Nova Scotia.
For a finished wall, both end up being around the same price and here's why:
Bell Island stone is local, so, shipping prices are lower. It is also harder to cut therefore driving the labour price up.
Nova Scotia Limestone on the other hand has higher shipping costs attached to it but it's easier to cut. Therefore labour price is a little less.
In case price is a consideration ( and let's face it; it always is!) both run around the same price. Now all you have to do is decide which one you LIKE best!
Nova Scotia Limestone
Bell Island Stone
:::Getting ready to Pretty the Place up with Final Plantings::
This was a project designed by Daisy Design and executed by Bowering Ponds and Gardens
Special Thanks to Tom Lacey of Milestone Landscape and Bowering Pond and Garden's Construction Team: Neil White, Joe Quinton and Keith Abbott.
Great job everyone!
Jeannette
This was a project designed by Daisy Design and executed by Bowering Ponds and Gardens
Special Thanks to Tom Lacey of Milestone Landscape and Bowering Pond and Garden's Construction Team: Neil White, Joe Quinton and Keith Abbott.
Great job everyone!
Jeannette
:::Bell Island Stone Tiered Wall:::
I know I have been slow posting pictures lately. There are two reasons for this. It's been a banner year so far despite the weather and, Mark's website is up and running at Bowering Gardens thanks to the help of Steve at Infomatix!
Joe, Neil and Keith are doing a wonderful job.
Of course, the wall will be capped with a beautiful matching sandstone, similar to the pillars in the background.
We've got some big projects happening about town this year so, we're all praying for good weather. We've had a really wet spring so hopefully our spirits and energy pick up now with some sun and warmth. ~Jeannette
I know I have been slow posting pictures lately. There are two reasons for this. It's been a banner year so far despite the weather and, Mark's website is up and running at Bowering Gardens thanks to the help of Steve at Infomatix!
Joe, Neil and Keith are doing a wonderful job.
Of course, the wall will be capped with a beautiful matching sandstone, similar to the pillars in the background.
We've got some big projects happening about town this year so, we're all praying for good weather. We've had a really wet spring so hopefully our spirits and energy pick up now with some sun and warmth. ~Jeannette
:::Hiring a Landscape Designer:::
Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
(ARA) - It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of
creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring.
Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been
for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.
Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost
less than doing it yourself. You'll get a "doable" design created right
the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it
right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges - problems they've more than likely solved before.
Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to
10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape,
according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.
Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.
First, consider your space and any "issues" that it has. Hiding an
unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring
views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.
"As a certified landscape designer through the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture," says
Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. "A designer
sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don't, and can
offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly
landscapes to add to your lives."
Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening
magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your
dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden,
it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don't
forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can
help with these also.
Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy
plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a
costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that
it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.
While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is
ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan
specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and
within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan.
Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on
the design.
Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. "People are
busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel
comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores," says
Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).
"They also want to maximize their investment in their home," she
adds. 'Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living
space and also helps with resale value."
Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to
interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and
personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and
visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in
mind, share this with the designer up front.
Get ready to get dirty. "You can hire a landscape designer for a
range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour
consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement
yourself," says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD
incoming president. "You could also hire a designer to give you a
complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the
design you have choices -- involve the designer while you hire a
recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself."
Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A
landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners
can decide what areas are most important and start there.
Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a
professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work
for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit
www.apld.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
- You should follow us on Twitter
Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
(ARA) - It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of
creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring.
Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been
for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.
Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost
less than doing it yourself. You'll get a "doable" design created right
the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it
right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges - problems they've more than likely solved before.
Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to
10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape,
according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.
Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.
First, consider your space and any "issues" that it has. Hiding an
unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring
views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.
"As a certified landscape designer through the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture," says
Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. "A designer
sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don't, and can
offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly
landscapes to add to your lives."
Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening
magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your
dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden,
it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don't
forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can
help with these also.
Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy
plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a
costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that
it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.
While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is
ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan
specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and
within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan.
Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on
the design.
Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. "People are
busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel
comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores," says
Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).
"They also want to maximize their investment in their home," she
adds. 'Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living
space and also helps with resale value."
Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to
interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and
personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and
visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in
mind, share this with the designer up front.
Get ready to get dirty. "You can hire a landscape designer for a
range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour
consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement
yourself," says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD
incoming president. "You could also hire a designer to give you a
complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the
design you have choices -- involve the designer while you hire a
recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself."
Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A
landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners
can decide what areas are most important and start there.
Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a
professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work
for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit
www.apld.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
- You should follow us on Twitter
:::Nova Scotia Limestone:::Sandstone:::Unilock:::
And you can win this home! Tickets go on sale today to win this beautifully landscaped home located in St. John's East end. It's even fully furnished by a professional interior designer. I designed the outside landscape and Bowering Ponds and Gardens completed the installation. It was a really fun project and the weather cooperated, which is uncommon for this time of year!
And you can win this home! Tickets go on sale today to win this beautifully landscaped home located in St. John's East end. It's even fully furnished by a professional interior designer. I designed the outside landscape and Bowering Ponds and Gardens completed the installation. It was a really fun project and the weather cooperated, which is uncommon for this time of year!
::: Here We Go!!:::
Our first visit of the season. Phase Two is about to begin where the top photo was taken. It will include a retaining wall with built-in fireplace and a second set of steps. The waterfall and pond is being cleaned, mulch is spread and the plants are waking up from winter. We've had a jump start on spring this year and we're excited to get started!
Our first visit of the season. Phase Two is about to begin where the top photo was taken. It will include a retaining wall with built-in fireplace and a second set of steps. The waterfall and pond is being cleaned, mulch is spread and the plants are waking up from winter. We've had a jump start on spring this year and we're excited to get started!
:::This is going to be a waterfall!
In Newfoundland, we are blessed a million times over with rock. Yes, I said blessed. This huge piece of bedrock is being used as a waterfall with top and bottom ponds for recirculation. It's 20° C here today, just fantastic for October!
In Newfoundland, we are blessed a million times over with rock. Yes, I said blessed. This huge piece of bedrock is being used as a waterfall with top and bottom ponds for recirculation. It's 20° C here today, just fantastic for October!
Fun Stuff
I know I harp on scale a lot (it's the one thing that can throw an otherwise flawless project 'off'!) but here is a perfect example of where the size of the home and property allowed for big pieces of limestone tile to form the terrace, just outside the walk-out basement. I'll take another one in the Spring when the plantings have had a chance to fill in.
Have I mentioned today how much I love my job?!
I know I harp on scale a lot (it's the one thing that can throw an otherwise flawless project 'off'!) but here is a perfect example of where the size of the home and property allowed for big pieces of limestone tile to form the terrace, just outside the walk-out basement. I'll take another one in the Spring when the plantings have had a chance to fill in.
Have I mentioned today how much I love my job?!
:::Trying to Find a Landscape Professional?::
Well, it may be late in the season but, here is the current list of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador's Association members:
http://www.landscapenf.org/member_list.php
Hiring a member is (as Martha says) a good thing.
Well, it may be late in the season but, here is the current list of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador's Association members:
http://www.landscapenf.org/member_list.php
Hiring a member is (as Martha says) a good thing.
::More than one way to skin a cat!
The truck couldn't fit around the side of the garage so, hey, why not go over the roof?
The pool project continues......
The truck couldn't fit around the side of the garage so, hey, why not go over the roof?
The pool project continues......
::The pool project has begun!::
The plan is to raise the grade so the pool deck is level with existing walkway and terrace on the front of the house (not shown) Fill was brought in and now some shaping is taking place. Access to bring in the excavator and fill was a challenge but with positive attitudes and open minds we managed quite nicely and we are (so far) saving 3 mature birch trees that will deserve some beautiful uplighting when it's all said and done :-)
The plan is to raise the grade so the pool deck is level with existing walkway and terrace on the front of the house (not shown) Fill was brought in and now some shaping is taking place. Access to bring in the excavator and fill was a challenge but with positive attitudes and open minds we managed quite nicely and we are (so far) saving 3 mature birch trees that will deserve some beautiful uplighting when it's all said and done :-)
::Circular Driveway that gets a lot of snow::
This client's driveway had a a center circle that was open to many possiblities. A fountain? a nice shrub border with seating? All options were considered but mother nature won out. A nice pattern in stamped concrete proved to be both stylish and low maintenance.
This client's driveway had a a center circle that was open to many possiblities. A fountain? a nice shrub border with seating? All options were considered but mother nature won out. A nice pattern in stamped concrete proved to be both stylish and low maintenance.
::Exterior Fireplaces and Firepits::
Newfoundland has a wealth of talent when it comes to custom outdoor fire areas. Here are some ideas for your new outdoor recreation area:
Fire is a great way to enjoy the view. If you have a lot with a view, locate fire features at the edge of the property in a place where people will have a chance to enjoy the fire while taking in the surroundings.
Consider the view from indoors too. Place features where they can be easily seen from your interior living and entertainment space so people can enjoy the show indoors and out. Fire pits are almost always preferred on view lots over fireplaces.
Newfoundland has a wealth of talent when it comes to custom outdoor fire areas. Here are some ideas for your new outdoor recreation area:
Fire is a great way to enjoy the view. If you have a lot with a view, locate fire features at the edge of the property in a place where people will have a chance to enjoy the fire while taking in the surroundings.
Consider the view from indoors too. Place features where they can be easily seen from your interior living and entertainment space so people can enjoy the show indoors and out. Fire pits are almost always preferred on view lots over fireplaces.