Sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the company of friends and family is one of life’s pleasures. But when winter hits, the thoughts of pitching a tent or sleeping under the vast open sky make campfires lose their luster. However, you can capture the magic of time by the fire right in your backyard. When the fire goes out, head inside to enjoy the warmth and coziness of your own home. Firepits and outdoor fireplaces took off in popularity several years ago, and it’s no wonder. In a digital world, finding a chance to escape outside, unwind, and stare into the dancing flames is appealing. The other reason fire features started popping up in homes is that you can fit one into any space. From the front porch of a condo to the back acre of a sprawling estate, fire features can be a welcome addition. (more…)
Deciding to add outdoor lighting around your home and yard is both a practical and aesthetic consideration. Lighting up your home’s exterior at night makes your front porch, patio or deck, steps, and walkways safer. The added light is an excellent deterrent to would-be prowlers and increases your home’s security. Outdoor lighting can also enhance your home’s curb appeal and the overall value of your home. (more…)
When it comes to enjoying a summer evening outside, it’s hard to beat the ambiance of a warm fire. If you are wondering how you can add fire to your landscape, it’s easier than you might think—whether we are talking about freestanding fire pits or custom-built outdoor fireplaces. You don’t always need a lot of room for starters, and your design options for wood burning, propane or gas fireplaces, and fire pits are plenty! In fact, there are so many options, it might be a little overwhelming, so here are a few things to keep in mind.(more…)
Relaxing in a hammock swaying in a summer breeze. Lounging on the patio listening to tiki rhythms or soft jazz. Enjoying the sounds of a bubbling waterfall. Sharing a romantic evening outdoors by the fire. Ah, wouldn’t it be nice to get away? Of course it would! But since most of us can’t just flit off to an island or mountain retreat on a whim, how about bringing the resort feeling home instead?(more…)
Drips equal dollars. When you have the right irrigation system you can be sure you’re providing the most efficient and cost-effective watering system possible. Experienced landscapers know to take soil type, topography, and specific plant needs into consideration when designing a custom irrigation system. And delivering water directly to plants means less water is lost to evaporation. With the right setup, you can expect to see 40% operation savings over the lifetime of your irrigation system. Consumers who invest in the right system up front are able to achieve significant savings in the long run. Read our tips below to learn more about designing water-efficient irrigation systems. (more…)
Plan Hardscaping Projects Now So They’re Ready To Enjoy When You AreYou know the expression, “there’s no time like the present?” Every spring we receive calls for patio updates and hardscaping projects. Unfortunately, by then we’re already booked solid! Winter is the perfect time to start planning hardscaping projects you’d like to have completed before summer. We want you to enjoy your outdoor living area renovations as soon as they’re done, so let’s get to it. Let us walk you through planning steps for your hardscaping projects. Take time now to plan ahead, and the outdoor living space you’re dreaming of will be ready for you when the warm weather returns.(more…)
Make Your Outdoor Living Space Inviting with Control LightingPortland homeowners can add hardscaping, and a patio cover with a fire pit to expand outdoor living space and increase enjoyment during inclement weather. What they may overlook is the importance of landscape lighting. Portland’s winter months bring dark days—many residents feel disheartened at the prospect of leaving for work in darkness and arriving back home in darkness. Landscape lighting can make an outdoor space feel cozy and inviting, even during Portland’s soggy winter season.(more…)
Covered outdoor living areas offer a year-round oasis for relaxing and entertaining. Landscape East & West will work with you to create a unique patio cover, pergola, or other covered structure that’s perfect for your landscape. Because covered patios and decks have become a sought-after element among homebuyers, homes with covered structures tend to earn a higher resale price. Awood pergola or other covered structure adds functional square footage to the home, extending your usable living space. After adding a covered outdoor structure, many homeowners find they enjoy the outdoors more frequently throughout the year. And in our drizzly Pacific Northwest climate, being able to enjoy the outdoors for more of the year is a huge plus.(more…)