Custom Patio Blog

Not all lots are paved flat. Some may have sunken spots and some may have a slightly higher elevation than others. While it is harder to design and landscape for lots with uneven elevation, there are ways to make it work. In this blog, we’ll share with you 3 backyard ideas for sloped yards.

Leveled Up Landscaping

The number one problem for sloped yards is the probability of erosion. To combat this, either choose plants with a strong and wide root system that will hold the soil in its place even when heavy rains come in or have a retaining wall built-in to provide more stability to the area. Choose plantings that can cover your area or section it up with a retaining wall. You can also divide your yard into different levels and build tiered retaining walls.

Vine it Up

Sloped areas are the perfect garden plot for climbing plants. Whether it’s climbing roses, Carolina Jessamine, or Pink Coral vines, these will surely look lovely providing a nice carpet of climbing blooms along the slopes. To define the slopes better or use it as a privacy screen, you can prop up some trellis to you can lounge in private, and away from prying eyes. The propped vines can also trick the eye into thinking there is no slope at all.

The Colosseum of Blooms

While you might make it as oval as the Roman colosseum, you can turn your sloping yard into something similar, with a fire pit at the center surrounded by steps that also double as seats. You can then have your garden encircle the seating arena for a beautiful 360-degree perimeter consisting of beautiful blooms.

Do you also have a sloped yard? Did you find an idea you want to explore? Call us today for a free consultation on how to design and plan landscaping for sloped yards!

While staying at home is still the best prevention against contracting Coronavirus, you don’t have to be cooped up inside your home 24/7. Now’s the perfect time to enjoy your outdoor areas more. And with the sweltering summer heat about to begin, here are 5 shaded patios you can get inspiration from for your own staycation spot.

Extending your solid patio cover might ruin the architecture and aesthetic quality of your house. Which is why this family elected to have a shade umbrella which can easily be folded up when not in use. Providing ample shade during summer afternoons, this patio cover type is also best suited for those with limited space and those spaces where having a solid patio cover can make the space feel claustrophobic.

A pergola attached to the main house with rafters closely packed together turns a semi-solid patio cover. This pergola’s ceiling height and lets air circulate easily. Choosing a pergola instead of a solid patio cover can also keep your costs down, depending on the wood type you will be using.

Another example of a pergola patio cover, this design also uses a pergola as a section marker for the outdoor area. Since the house architecture already uses red bricks, a reddish wood fits the house perfectly. The pergola patio cover also nicely frames the outdoor kitchen and patio, making the space feel more intimate and cozy without being overbearing.

With a shaded patio, summer afternoons need not be spent holed up in your room, with the air conditioning system on full blast. Give your AC a rest and enjoy summer afternoons by converting your open patio into a cozy spot to relax and bond with your family. If you need more design inspiration for your patio covers and other outdoor projects, head over to our Photo Gallery and browse to see our completed projects over the years.

As we face this pandemic and stay at home for a longer period of time to flatten the curve, here are 5 ways you can spend your time wisely in the confines of your home.

1. Deep-clean every nook and cranny of your indoor and outdoor areas.
   Cleanliness is tantamount to protecting your household from the deadly Coronavirus. Using cleaning agents identified by the EPA that effectively fights SARS-COV-2 can disinfect your household and make it more secure for your family.
2. Put up screens to block droplets from reaching your outdoor areas.
   While the ideal is to have a porch screen or outdoor screens, you can simply put up clear plastic to temporarily block any droplets that may come your way. To prevent your outdoor area from feeling stuffy due to lack of air circulation, use a ceiling fan. To keep the surfaces of your screen free from the virus, wipe it daily with a soap and water mixture.
3. Start a vegetable patch.
   With more time in your hands, why not try and see whether you have a green thumb? Create a vegetable plot and grow your greens. Look up how to start roots and sprouts from your everyday vegetables. Start growing them today and your future self will thank you for the future food security.
4. Tend to the small repairs you can accomplish.
   Whether it’s re-painting chipped borders, checking your electricity, water, and gas pipes or simply cleaning your patio, this will result to a more secure home for your family.
5. Maintain the growth of your plants.
   Regardless of our unfortunate situation, plants continue to grow and follow nature’s cycle. It follows we should also ensure their growth by tending to our plants. Whether it’s aerating the soil, watering the plants, trimming the foliage, or cutting the branches, plants will surely appreciate all the extra time you will give it.

If you are looking into installing pavers for your patio, here are 5 paver patterns you can use to add drama and design into your outdoors.

Circular Pattern

If you want a harmonious look to your patio with a definite center point, use a circular pattern for your paver layout. Since the pavers will be laid out in a circular fashion, the gaps between pavers can easily be filled in with concrete mix, sand, or even pebbles. This pattern is also usually bordered by herringbone or basketweave.

Herringbone pattern

Also, easily recognizable as the V shape, two pavers are laid in either a 45- or 90-degree angle to create a V. To create a better visual, the pavers’ colors are usually mixed to better catch an onlookers’ attention. This pattern is usually used in high traffic areas as its interlocking design can support more activity than other patterns. Consider using it in your driveways and walkways.

Basketweave pattern

The basketweave pattern may sound complex but it is a simple interlocked and alternating horizontal and vertical pairs of pavers. The resulting look can look more interesting by taking advantage of the wide variety of colors available in pavers. If your house has a more traditional or classical style, the basketweave will certainly suit your outdoor area.

Running Bond pattern

The simplest yet still decorative paver pattern, the running bond is a favorite pattern to use, especially for smaller spaces. The simple pattern that consists of laying pavers side by side, can create an illusion that your space is either wider or longer. Use this pattern if you’re looking to save on pavers and installation time.

European Fan pattern

The most complex paver pattern there is, this originates from Europe. Using a circular pattern that slowly tapers out, one needs a skilled stonemason to correctly achieve the circular patterns. If you are installing it yourself, it’s recommended to use available kits to ensure the pattern will turn out well.

Is your landscape looking a bit flat due to lack of texture and contrast? You might be missing rocks as a landscape element. In this blog, we’ll give you 5 ways on how to use rocks in your landscaping.

The Pebble Path

Add crunch and friction to an otherwise slippery path with pebbles in between stepping stones. This reduces the grass area which needs more time and effort to maintain. You can also try mixing and matching different stones like pebbles, gravel, and larger smooth-faced cut stones to achieve the perfect pathway.

Waterfalls that Rock

Make your waterfalls interesting at all levels with rocks of different shapes, shades, and sizes. You may also consider how the shape will influence the way the water falls.

Boulder Borders

Borders give shape and meaning to all the different areas in your yard. It can also direct foot traffic or act as a perimeter fence for protecting the more delicate plantings you have. Create a picturesque yard with depth and contrast by using boulders as borders.

Rocks Instead of Mulch

If you’re tired of changing mulch for your plants every so often, try using landscaping rocks as a groundcover around your plants instead. While mulch can only last for a couple of months, rocks can last indefinitely. You can also create an interesting contrast instead of the generic dark brown to better highlight the plants’ colors.

Rock Sundial

Sundials make for a great centerpiece that’s also functional. And with a couple of unique rocks, you can start your sundial ticking. Just make sure it’s facing the sun in the right direction.

Using rocks as a landscaping element may fetch a higher price at first especially if you’re ensuring you’re only sourcing from trusted suppliers and you’re using a variety of landscaping rocks. Despite the initial payout, the returns will be great and last you a lifetime!

The new year and new decade are just around the corner. Now’s the perfect time to arm yourself with the knowledge of the latest trends that will be up and coming this 2020. Read on and see which one’s applicable to your own outdoor living style.

Single solid colors are in.

Whether you’re dressing your outdoor room in classic blue or verdant hues, stick to one color and go bold with it. Whether it’s repainting a wall or deck in one solid color, or having your outdoor pillowcases in one matching hue, this change makes a big impact that automatically draws the eyes and makes your outdoor room look brand new.

Mix-and-match the old and the new.

Just because it’s a new year and decade doesn’t mean you have to throw all your old furniture out. Focusing on design sustainability, it’s best to simply find new interesting pieces that will easily fit itself with your old furniture.

Living plants will be more favored than faux ones.

Another move towards a more environmental perspective, perhaps? This 2020, see more plants adorn indoor and outdoor living rooms instead of the plastic evergreens. As these plants increase air quality, contribute to a calming ambiance, and generally lift the look and mood of a room, pick your favorite evergreen to put in a plant container.

Bring your rattan furniture out again.

Its sturdiness and classic look can never be beaten. In line with a more environmental-friendly sustainable design, furniture made from natural materials is making a comeback.

Gardens will go the vertical way.

With most homes lacking enough space for their gardening efforts, most homeowners are encouraged to maximize their space instead by going for vertical gardens. Not only do these vertical gardens bring the greenery back into backyards and homes, it can also act as a privacy wall and improve your mental well-being.

Remember trends come and go but style is forever. No matter what trend arises next year or in the coming decade, it’s always best to live according to what you’re most comfortable with.

The holidays are a fun time of the year, but it also means there’s fall debris to take care of. If your garden is not composed of evergreens, and the carpet of brown leaves decaying on your grounds just looks like a huge chore to do, then here are 4 reasons not to sweep fall debris.

Fall leaves are rich in nutrients needed by the soil.
Rich in nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium, decaying leaves revitalize your garden soil. Letting it decompose in your yard will yield a better microbial life in your yard and make whatever plant you have in your garden bloom and grow more beautifully. Letting the leaves disintegrate into soil creates a richer ground ready for spring planting.

Fall leaves are your organic fertilizer.
Is your vegetable patch also taking a hiatus this cold and wintry season? It’s the perfect time to mix whole or shredded dried leaves into the soil. As the leaves return to the soil, the vegetables will put out a better quality come next harvest time.

Make it your main ingredient for mulch.
Some gardeners hate winter freezing their soil up. If you use mulch to keep your soil moisturized, spread your dried leaves over the grounds. It will be better if you keep a thicker layer so that your soil is properly covered.

Make leaf mold for an organic garden.
Gather all your dried leaves and put it in a container or dug-out spot where it will remain undisturbed. Make a large pile, and make sure each layer is wet to hasten decomposition. The result will be a purely dark organic matter which then can be used in your vegetable or flower gardens.

Are you convinced yet? We hope these reasons will make you rest easy and put your fall debris to good use!

Depending on the screen type you used for your porch, the design might look muted from the outside. In this article, we’ll give you design tips to make your holiday décor shine through your screen.

Use Christmas lights.

Its sparkling lights can be seen yards away and the screen helps create an illusion of a lovely glow all over your porch. Whether it comes in a single color or a multitude, Christmas lights brightens up any outdoor space, even a screened porch!

Pick bolder colors.

Who declared green and red as the only official Christmas color? Feel free to use the entire visible spectrum of the colors when it comes to choosing your ornaments. However, we discourage you from choosing pastel colors. Inject a lively vibe with brighter and warmer shades such as reds, oranges, even apple green!

Display brightly wrapped gifts.

It doesn’t have to really contain anything. But the sight of gifts does send a holiday vibe to everyone. Fashion it hanging to form a Christmas tree, or stacked up in a pile to inspire excitement. Wrap the faux gifts in bright wrapping papers with equally bold and beautiful bows.

Hang a holiday wreath at each panel.

Deck the panels with great Christmas wreaths. What’s great about this is that you can use different materials for your wreath—from yellowed pages of unused old books to pliant twigs and sparkling garlands. You can even turn it into a different shape, be it square, rectangle or triangle.

Make the holidays sweeter with sweet décor treats.

From candy canes to candies and lollipops, bring back sweetness to the holidays with these sweet decors. For maximum impact, hang a sock and have these sweet treats hang out from the sock. This will surely catch the eye of every passerby.

As the weather becomes unpredictable, open patios and other outdoor areas become inaccessible. High temperature, direct sunlight, falling leaves, critters, and bugs and other harsh elements might make your patio stay less comfortable. With these minor inconveniences in the way, you might want to consider installing a patio cover. Here are 3 stylish patio cover designs you can consider for your outdoor area.

Sail Shade

Made of vinyl fabric, this patio cover only needs strong pillars to which you can attach the four corners of the sail shade. A sail shade patio cover fits a modern home and gives an eclectic look to your outdoor room. This patio cover also gives you flexibility as you can adjust the sail shade’s slant and direction depending on where the sun’s rays are hitting your deck or patio.

Trellis with Vines

If you want a patio cover but hate the feeling of closing off your outdoor area entirely, a trellis filled with vibrant crawling vines will be a suitable option for you. The main structure is a pergola-like foundation with strong beams hospitable to plants crawling its way to dominate the entire area. Not only will this patio cover give you ample shade, it’ll also give a more calming effect to all of your five senses.

Solid Roof Extension

If you are planning on having a complete outdoor living room setup with a furniture set, nothing beats a solid roof overhead to keep the area functional, regardless of the weather. To keep the airy atmosphere, you can install a skylight to let enough sunlight filter in and provide natural light from above. Having a solid roof patio cover ensures your outdoor furniture lasts longer than if it were left entirely in the open and lets you enjoy your outdoor rooms for longer even when it’s raining.

One thing nobody likes is the look of a crumbling and wilted garden. A drought-proof landscape gives you a beautiful yard with or without water. In this article, we’ll give you tips on how to create a drought-proof landscape.

Choose native, drought-tolerant plants.

Native plants grow easier and thrive with less to almost no maintenance at all. In Sugar land, look for plants that are native to Zone 8b. Some of these native plants are from the Agave and Yucca families. With these plants, you’re sure to always have a yard brimming with healthy plants that do not need a lot of maintenance.

Replace your lawn planting.

If you have a lawn, chances are it’ll either wilt and brown as you face the dry season or your water bill will go up trying to maintain it. While most homeowners love the sight of a lush and green lawn, having it consume 50 to 70% of your water bill is not a great thing. Ask your landscaping contractor for a lawn alternative which wouldn’t consume as much water or is more hardy and low maintenance.

Put water-loving plants in the shade.

If you can’t help but have a particular plant which needs a lot of water but still can thrive under a shade, then relocate it under a shade. This will reduce its need for more water while still blooming and thriving.

Install a water collection system.

When the rains come in, try and collect rainwater which can be stored away and used when the dry season comes. One simple way of harvesting rain water is through your downspout and gutter system. You can also install a drainage system which is also designed to store rainwater for future use.

With these 4 tips, you can create a drought-proof landscape without increasing your water bill. If you need more tips for a drought-proof landscape, call us today for a free consultation!