If you enjoy hanging out in the garden or back yard then you’ll need it to look its best. You can add value to your property and also make it look wonderful by doing some simple landscaping. There is something for everybody to do, experienced or not.

A few of the top landscaping features are fish ponds, pools, lawns and flowerbeds. There are more things you can do as well but these would be the most popular.

Before beginning any landscaping projects, you have to decide if you need to hire professionals or if it can be done yourself. You may want to bring in the experts for the water and electric, but have the ability to do the rest yourself.

We’d all enjoy having lavish and magnificent gardens, but when designing your garden, you must keep the budget in mind. Sadly, what we want is expensive, which means you may only be able to have one big feature within your garden if you’re on a tight budget.

Water features are particularly popular landscaping features, they may be as big or small as you want and can be in many forms from ponds, waterfalls, pools or fountains. You may have a tough decision ahead of you in choosing which feature will look the very best as well as benefit you the most.

If you want a cascading waterfall, but have a very small space to install it in, don’t worry because all water features can be scaled down to the size you’ll need. If you have a pool, you might want to save space with the addition of a waterfall into your pool.

With any water feature you have to think about the maintenance of it, smaller ponds will take more work since they are effected by change easily and will become stagnant quickly. To keep your water features looking their best you’ll need a pump and filter; it will enable the water to flow and remain clean.

If the pond is big enough you’ll be able to get help from the animals that will visit it. A huge portion of making your garden look its best is the plants and shrubs you plant nearby your water feature.

Some great ways to landscape your garden are plants, flowerbeds, and lawns. It is crucial to select the right plants for your space. You will have to take into account the climate within your garden, and if you’re aiming to have them near the pool then they must be suited to the moisture that they will receive.

Rocks are also an excellent natural approach to landscape your garden. They will look good surrounding your water feature as well as be put in your flower beds. They’re cheap or sometimes even free therefore they’re ideal if you’re on a tight budget.

When designing your landscape you have to research what will work well inside your space and with your budget. Even small things can create a difference, so begin the landscaping today and who knows what it really could result in.

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Do you want an alternative way for your own property to appear unique? Need a change or searching for entrance charm that will stop the neighbors every time they drive or walk by? Well, now we have an inexpensive way you can bring that decorative touch to your curbs and truly impress everybody.

So what is decorative landscape curbing and what sorts of materials can they use to produce the effects that you are looking for? Decorative landscape curbing is a method to make your property look much better and give charm to the garden in a very creative way. It is usually placed as a border around flower beds or down and up the driveway. It is concrete that is continuously laid down in one piece with the use of an extruder and stamped and colored in many different ways afterward. Any design you’ll have for your lawn and garden can be custom fitted into this unbroken border.

There is a range of packages to select from when deciding on decorative landscape curbing options for your yard. Some of the reasons homeowners are deciding on this choice is because it’s affordable, it highlights and defines your yard, property lines and planters, aids in problems like keeping mulch inside your flower bed, doesn’t rot, rust or deteriorate, is available in a wide selection of shapes, colors and stamps to complement any decoration idea you have in mind, and in addition it saves time on mowing, weeding and edging.

Any look you plan may be created within a short time frame with these concrete landscape borders. The final results will be totally amazing. Decorative landscape curbing has a lot of diverse choices; here are a couple:

Slant Style edging is geared for holding in gardening materials because of the higher back end. To enable easier mowing, this design features a lower front-end.

Mower Style edging is extremely popular. It is built to both accommodate the lawnmower wheel at the same time as retain your gardening materials. It offers amazing curb appeal by giving the landscaping a “picture framed” look.

6 x 4 Curb Style is the popular choice edging found in commercial lawn settings as it can handle the larger lawnmower wheels and has a more massive look. It can be installed as regular gray concrete or it can be textured and stamped. A 6 x 6 curb style is also available. It may be used by commercial architects and is made to be placed deeper in the ground. These can also be used to keep in the gravel, gardening materials and other driveway or walkway problem areas.

After you have chosen the edging you intend to use, you will need to select a finish. This is the fun part. Finishes are available in numerous styles. You could decide among Wood Grain, Soldier Course, Slate, Six Inch Tile, Random Stone, Offset Bond, Nine Inch Tile, Herringbone, H-Brick with two variations, Flag Stone, Cobble Stone, Bick Bond, Basket Weave, and Ashlar.

You could check catalogs of options online or use your local yellow pages to find a company in your area. After a brief consultation and a short amount of planning time, it is possible to have a brand new look for your yard utilizing decorative curbing designs.

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Styling your landscape design can be a daunting prospect. Numerous individuals do not have a substantial expertise of the elements of design, and some might get worried that they will end up losing time along with money. But, that being said, the art of landscaping design is actually something that can be learned. Through a bit of training it is possible to find yourself able to create a marvellous landscape design for your very own home that couples both style as well as functionality.

The very first thing that you should take a look at is the actual location which you are trying to design for. As you happen to be looking at the spot, you really want to be honest with your self on what you can and can’t make happen in the spot. You should not gloss over the troublesome things. Instead, focus on these to be able to determine what you may effectively accomplish with your landscaping design to minimize them.

Like with any form of design, you’re going to want to get a key idea to design around. For instance, if perhaps the home features a whole lot of Tuscan influences, you might like to carry that out to the landscaping also. Keeping a theme in mind may give you an idea of the materials and stylistic elements which you should integrate into the design.

The most critical elements in any landscape design are style and function. Whenever you’re attempting to determine your style sensibilities you will have to clarify to your self what you are looking for out of your landscape plans. Do you need a playful area for your children or are you interested in a peaceful garden of tranquility? Understanding the intention of the style is a major device to help you guarantee consistency in your design.

In addition, you should also take a look at the functionality of your design. You will need to be certain that you create enough shade in your landscape, that your drainage is carefully placed, and that all other wishes you have are met through the design. This could require you to give up some style for perform, though the fact is that if a spot is functional it’s a lot more likely to be treasured.
After you’ve given your design a good amount of consideration you are going to wish to try to add the elements of design into your overall plan. The first element is unity. When looking to produce unity you’ll want to make certain that your design is consistent as well as carried through. After that you will need to begin to look at the forms which you are making use of. Generally, you will want to try to incorporate complementary lines and shapes in your overall design.

Texture is an essential aspect too. In general, you will want to try to incorporate varied textures into your Arizona Landscape design. This offers your landscaping a great visual effect. Color is also useful in this way. By utilizing distinct color mixtures you are able to give your yard a great deal of visual pop.

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Tuscany is a romantic location that is attractive to numerous distinctive people. Regrettably the majority of individuals cannot afford to live in the Tuscan area of Italy. But, that doesn’t mean you are not able to integrate the Tuscan taste into your own home. In actuality, one of the easiest techniques to achieve this is by the inclusion of a Tuscan style landscape design.

A Tuscan style design incorporates a kind of old world quality about it. As a model, this pairs the sophisticated styles of the Renaissance with the lovely natural characteristics of gardens. The Tuscan style is instantaneously recognizable, but it is also extremely versatile, therefore you’ll be able to use it as an expansion of your house’s design as opposed to being purely a free standing landscape scheme.

When organizing a Tuscan style design you will wish to consider the flooring you ‘re wanting to use. There are lots of different materials to select from which match this Italian model. Fortunately, this allows you to exercise a little of your flavor in your design. Terra cotta tiles and brick paths are well-liked for the people wanting a rustic look. For anyone who desire a bit more contemporary appearance, you may need to consider implementing flagstone for your flooring. Additionally, gravel is usually an affordable alternative for the people who’re planning for the Tuscan look. Lastly, arto pavers are extremely common for the people who want to generate an opulent Tuscan style design.

Accessories may definitely help to enhance your Tuscan style design. Terra cotta pieces are quite widespread with Tuscan decor. Just by including a couple of terra cotta planters into your layout you will instantly produce a rustic Italian look. In addition, wall fountains are very common around the Mediterranean. The basic inclusion of one can make your garden area a lot more relaxing and refined. Equally, stone accent walls may be incredibly charming and functional inside your design. They are the ideal thing to help divide the various flower beds. Additionally, wrought iron items could be really lovely when placed in a Tuscan inspired area.

Naturally no Tuscan style landscaping design is finished without the plants. When deciding on the ones you’d want to add in your space, you will need to focus on rich shrubbery as well as lush flowers. Furthermore, you may want to look at incorporating a few vines on a few of your wrought iron items or even on the accent walls. In the event that you would like something a bit distinct in your Tuscan garden you might wish to consider adding vegetables and herbs. They are not just good smelling, but they are able to also transform your garden into a functional spot, in addition to being a lovely one.

After you have developed the best Tuscan style landscaping in Arizona design, you’ll be able to move forward with implementing it. When you do, you will find yourself spending hours outside enjoying it simply because it is so comfy and lovely.

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SEE IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT! 

Unique uses 3D landscape & pool design software that really showcases your project in a realistic environment before you build.  This incredible presentation is commonly seen in the pool industry (you may have gotten a basic presentation from a basic pool designer), but Unique has taken this virtual backyard tour to the next level.  Our landscape and pool designers have incredible presentation and 3D skills that allow our clients to virtually walkthrough their entire front & backyard before a landscape or pool contract is signed.

Our landscape design presentations in 3D allow you to see your project from different focal points, different window views, and many vantage points.  It allows you to see & hear the waterfalls & fire features, and how they interact in your backyard.  Many companies just plop a basic pool in 3D, but watch how our designs bring your backyard to LIFE! 

Curious on how this project would look at night?

Unique’s 3D landscape designs also allow us to show our clients many different material choices just by clicking a button!  Imagine being undecided on pavers vs. cool deck….. Well, we can show you how both will look – actually letting you see how each choice will impact the overall look of your new backyard or Arizona swimming pool.  With just another click, you can even see a few other choices!  Will the fireplace be seen from the backdoor or kitchen table?  We can show you!  Do you have friends or family that would love some input on your project – maybe you just want to show off what you are going to do in your “Arizona backyard”!  Our 3D videos are internet ready, and setup for viewing 24 hours a day!  Just ask…

Don’t let a pool company design your pool without considering the ENTIRE Backyard!  We are the pool company, we are the landscaper, we are the general contractor! LET US design everything to fit your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget!  I guarantee you will be happy with the results!

Thanks for considering Unique!

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Why should I pay for a landscape design?  What is the importance of a professional landscape design?  I want an incredible Arizona backyard, and was wondering about your Phoenix landscape design services….

All very COMMON questions for a landscape and pool company in Phoenix…  Hi, my name is Chris Griffin, and I’m the owner of Unique Landscapes by Griffin – a professional landscape contractor in Phoenix.  We specialize in incredible landscape designs for our Phoenix clients.  Our Phoenix landscape design services include very basic sketches to unbelievable 3D landscape designs. 

What are my qualifications?

Unique Landscapes Project in PhoenixAmazing Landscape & Pool Project by Unique

1.  Phoenix Landscape Architect -  Landscape architects specialize in designing great projects for builders, homeowners, and residences all around the valley. These guys know how it SHOULD be done, and come up with some pretty great projects.  If money is not an object, this is the way to go – let a Phoenix landscape architect assist in your Arizona landscaping project.  CONS -  while landscape architects truly know the business, these guys are ALWAYS looking for the next huge project to boost their business. For the most part, the Phoenix landscape designs that my company bids for clients (that are done by a Phoenix landscape architect), end up being 20 to 50% OVER the desired budget of the client.  Some of these projects never get done, some end up being scaled way back, and many changes are made to reduce cost…. 

2.  Phoenix Landscape Designer -   A professional landscape designer should be all that is needed in ANY project.  Why?  Well, first off, these guys do it all the time – and they generally work for an established landscape company or contractor – or they have their own business in landscape design.  Finding a great landscape designer can be the challenge though…..   Here is my company PLUG…
Unique Landscapes is the Phoenix landscaping contractor, and we are the landscape designer too!  Why is this important?  Well, every project is done with a basic concept, and scope of work in mind.  Also, EVERY project is done with a BUDGET in mind.  As the contractor, we know what things cost, and a professional landscaping company can be your best asset – helping the client unify the landscape design, project wish list, and budget.  CONS – Well, I’m bias, but a guess a con could be not finding a GOOD landscape designer, or one that is just interested in selling you something you don’t need!  Research who you are hiring (like reading this BLOG!)

3.  Small Landscape Company – There are many small companies out there that do basic Arizona landscaping.  In fact, I can refer you to a few.  My brother owns a mesa landscape company – Griffin’s Desertscapes, and he specializes in many basic landscape projects.  The landscape designs are most often sketches, by hand, and very basic – which is not bad for small projects.  CONS – Even on projects $5K and over, i feel it’s necessary to have some sort of professionally illustrated design (just to sign contract, present, and set expectations)

Now – finally, i’ll actually answer the questions that I intro’d with!

Why should I pay for a landscape design?    Landscape designers are just like any business professional.  I have many clients that EXPECT a free landscape design.  I often wonder what kind of response I’d get if I went into a doctors office, art studio, or lawyer – and asked for several hours of free time, work, and input on a issue (and then EXPECTED it for free).  You may say that these guys have a college degree – well, the good landscape designers do too!  In fact, mine is in Civil Engineering…  You will find that most Phoenix landscape designers are just looking to cover their time, and most DON’T get paid if they don’t sell the job.  In fact, most landscape designers will GUARANTEE that you will love the design – or they will re-design it.  With those types of guarantees, we’d love our clients to research & interview first before asking for free services….  for qualified buyers, it’s not uncommon to get some great ideas, sketches or design work – but I’ve yet to meet a professional landscape designer that has actually left their work with the client! 

What is the importance of a professional landscape design?   The landscape design is the foundation to the entire Phoenix landscaping project!  In fact, it’s the plan in which you are expecting results…  Not having a great design is like trying to take a test without studying, or writing an article without research.  Do you build a house without a plan?  No – landscaping can be just as involved, and just as important to have a great design.

I want an incredible Arizona backyard, and was wondering about your Phoenix landscape design services….   Unique is one of the only companies that offers both POOL and LANDSCAPE design services to our clients.  Most projects have swimming pools, and every project needs some sort of Phoenix landscaping.  Why not have it all done together, and all part of a master plan?!  This philosophy is what we have built Unique Landscapes around (along with Unique Custom Pools, LLC.)  Our landscape designers are professional, low-pressure, and truly have the best interest of our clients in mind.  My landscape designers do get paid a commission for sold jobs, but their base salaries are there so that they don’t have to result in being pushy, or selling products to clients that are unnecessary.  I personally look over each project for some of the basic fundamentals of Phoenix landscape design – and I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THEM TOO!

Thank you for your interest in Unique Landscapes by Griffin

Chris Griffin, Pres.

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Unique Landscapes is your best bet for Phoenix landscape design, because of one simple fact that we can design the entire backyard, pool, patio and Phoenix swimming pool & landscape design.

AutoCAD Phoenix landscape design3D Landscape & Pool Design for a Phoenix Project

Contact Unique Landscapes for a free design consultation to see how we can add “value” to your next project. Let us know how to earn your business!

Chris Griffin, Pres.
Unique Landscapes & Unique Custom Pools, LLC

3D Landscape & Pool Design in Phoenix, AZ.

Landscape Lighting Design in 3D Landscape Design

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A great Arizona Landscape Design is the single best investment on a sizeable project when considering a pool, patio, landscaping and entertainment features – such as a barbeque, fireplace, pergola or waterfeature. A good outdoor/landscape designer will take all aspects of what the client is trying to achieve, and encorporate that into a creative, effective, and useable design.

By taking into account the way our clients will use their outdoor space, Unique Landscapes excels in developing

An example of how our landscape designers took advantage of views, placement & materials in this Chandler, AZ Project.

 sustainable outdoor environments with creativity and pizzazz! Combined with artistic features, current technology, the latest trends, and a workable budget – Landscape and Pool Design is the single largest “step” in an outdoor project – meanwhile requiring the smallest monetary investment (A great landscape & pool plan can start with as little as a $500 investment – while more detailed plans can require closer to $1500 – a small price to pay to have something professionally put into a presentation for customer approval and precise construction)

Why is Unique different? Most landscape companies are not very good at landscape design – and don’t understand the fundamentals of great architecture, layout, and quality. However, Phoenix contains some really creative and bright landscape designers that have tremendous plant, tree, hardscape & layout qualities. The problem? Most landscapes involve a swimming pool, spa or outdoor structure – and a good landscape designer is usually very inexperienced in these features (and most have no business designing them). On the flip side – using a master pool designer to recommend landscaping, plants, trees, fireplaces, masonry & entertainment areas is like having a SUSHI chef try to slow cook Texas Barbeque (it just doesn’t work!) The solution – Unique Companies offers Phoenix, Scottsdale and surrounding areas a COMPLETE landscape & pool design portfolio that encompasses the best of both projects. Unique designers are highly qualified and experienced in all aspects of outdoor construction – including swimming pools, spas, fireplaces, patios, masonry, Arizona landscaping, waterfeatures and more! We have designers with different levels of experience too – and for the best overall outcome, the most challenging projects require the undivided attention of our owner, Chris Griffin (civil engineer AND landscape/pool designer).

An example of a Phoenix Landscape & Pool Design in 3D - Seeing a project before you buy makes for setting great expectations!

Unique Landscapes and Unique Custom Pools is the perfect fit for most clients, since nearly every project in Arizona contains a swimming pool and landscaping. From design – we head directly into the landscape & pool construction of the project, and get the job done in 1/2 the time that it takes when working with 2 seperate companies. Find out more how Unique can assist in all aspect of pool remodel design ideas, new pool design, swimming pool design, landscape and pool design, and more!

Contact us today! UNIQUE COMPANIES
Unique Landscape By Griffin
Unique Custom Pools
480.969.1911

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Scottsdale Arizona is a great place to live, and actually voted “Most Liveable City”! With high property values, and a huge desire to live outdoors – landscaping and swimming pools in Scottsdale are a must have! Unique Landscape & Unique Custom Pools is a great company to choose when one wants help in the Scottsdale Landscape Design process, and then help in the landscape and pool installation by the same company.
Unique Landscape & Pool Companies works in Scottsdale, AZ on a daily basis. We are familiar with the city processess, from permitting to land development – city codes to the inspection process of Scottsdale. We know how to design and build landscape and pool projects that meet and exceed the Scottsdale criteria, engineering, planning and HOA’s. Unique provides our Scottsdale Landscape Design and Scottsdale Landscaping clients with detailed landscape plans and landscape designs. Unique also specializes in 3D landscape and pool designs that give our clients a realistic VIRTUAL view of our proposed construction plans!

An example of a 3D Scottsdale Pool & Landscape Plan with Negative Edge pool

Unique knows Scottsdale – we know how to design and build sustainable pools and landscaping for the descriminating tastes of our clients. Scottsdale Landscape & Pool Designs by Unique Lanscapes & Unique Custom Pools, LLC.
Chris Griffin, Pres.
Unique Landscapes & Unique Custom Pools
chris@unique-landscapes.com
Pool & Landscape Expert

http://www.unique-landscapes.com

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