By Lisa Allen Landscape • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

How Outdoor Commercial Spaces Can Benefit from Working with a Landscape Architect

How Outdoor Commercial Spaces Can Benefit from Working with a Landscape Architect

If you’ve read our blogs, you might notice that we talk quite a bit about how to make your outdoor living space the best it can be. But outdoor spaces aren’t limited to residential areas. In fact, if you look closely, you’ll see that a landscape architect can have a hand in planning and improving almost every area, from shopping malls to office parks and more.

Commercial properties have different challenges than residential properties. Their intended use is different, of course: we live in our homes but we come and go from our workplace. That doesn’t mean, however, that the outside environment of our workplaces don’t impact our daily lives. They do—and because that’s true, we think it’s important to make those spaces as good as they can possibly be.

You don’t have to settle for uninspired, utilitarian outdoor commercial spaces, especially if you work with a landscape architect and landscaping firm that specializes in custom solutions. Keep reading for a few ideas of how you can improve your outdoor commercial space with our help.

Tips from an Olathe Landscape Architect

Option #1: Get Shady

Just like residential spaces, outdoor commercial spaces can feel oppressive and unpleasant when the elements are just too much to handle. Think of how uncomfortable it is to sit outside on a patio on a hot summer day when the sun is at full strength. This is the same in an outdoor commercial space.

At the same time, office workers and others in a commercial building might go outside looking for a break from work or whatever is happening inside. Having a space with a built-in shade structure, such as a covered deck or patio, might be the perfect solution.

Creating a shady space means that outdoor seating is more comfortable and might actually provide a spot of rest and relaxation for people throughout a hectic workday. This not only looks nice; it can also improve productivity and morale.

Option #2: Add a Feature

This could be a water feature or a fire feature. It might seem elaborate, but it’s not. For example, Kansas City is the city of fountains, and those fountains come in all sizes. Water features are proven to be relaxing. The sound of the water from the fountain can also work like white noise does in an office; more than one conversation can occur in a space, but a modicum of privacy can still be maintained.

A fire feature can be a fantastic spot for colder weather months. Businesses with a fire pit and seating might use the space for teambuilding exercises, client gatherings, or for entertaining.

Option #3: Invite the Community

If your business if community focused and you have the space, there are countless opportunities to use part of your outdoor space in this way. Consider a community garden, plant a fruit-bearing tree, or use a hydroponic garden tower and invite employees and others to help themselves to herbs and fresh greens.

Granted, this last option might take a bit more coordination and planning than just building a bench or adding outdoor seating, but for the right business, it could be a great way to invest in the community.

For more great ideas, reach out to talk to our team.

planning your yard's best year
By Lisa Allen Landscape • Tips and Tricks • • • • • • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Plan Your Yard’s Best Year

What does it take to be an exceptional Olathe landscaping company? That’s a big question that boils down to a few things, most of which hinge on this: we want your yard to be the best yard it can be, and we want you to be happy with the service and products we offer.

In our last post, we talked about things to consider when hiring the best Olathe landscaper possible. And in that post we also mentioned a variety of things to consider that apply to the planning of a successful yard and garden. A few of those things include dreaming up what you want your space to look like, how much you want to spend, and how much help you want to have as you turn your plans into reality.

Digging a Little Deeper

All of those things are important, but we barely skimmed the surface in the last post. So it’s time to examine your dreams a little more in depth. To do this, you have to consider your yards of years past. What were you happy with? What did you dislike and want to change or eliminate? Even if you’re not the list-making type, jotting these thoughts down in a place that you can easily access will help you as you plan. It will also help you better articulate your thoughts to your Olathe landscape architect.

Think, too, about the work it took to make those yards of years past possible. Did you spend more time working on your lawn than you did enjoying it? Did you enjoy that time spent working? Or would you have rather spent it with family or friends—or traveling, going to the movies, or learning something new?

You’ve read it in countless business books, but it bears repeating: your time is money. Considering how much time you invest in your lawn is an important part of planning for future years. Weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Take a Walk…or Go Surfing

Sometimes it takes seeing something to realize its potential. These cold winter months are the perfect time to spend a weekend afternoon at a home and garden show. Or you could search Pinterest for gorgeous lawn and landscaping ideas, or flip through a seed catalog. Who knows—you might realize you know exactly what you want, or you might find something you never knew you couldn’t live without!

Expand Your Reach

We’re here to help you make your lawn the best it can be and we’d love to talk to you about the lawn and landscape you want to create in this new year. As you’re surfing online, take a minute to read a few testimonials and if you’re ready, reach out and take the first step to making your dream lawn a dream come true!

By ddmg Do It Yourself • General Information • Landscape • Management • Renovation • Tips and Tricks • • 0 Comments

How to Create the Best Backyard in Olathe

If you’re ready to create the best backyard in Olathe, let’s get started. Our professional staff here at Huston Contracting, has a few ideas to help you topple the neighbors:

  • The Ideal Outdoor Kitchen

If you’re looking to entertain, then you must have an area in your backyard to do so. This means you need the ideal Olathe outdoor kitchen. A built-in grill and refrigerator is an absolute must. You could also add a large, stone food preparation area and a dining table to top things off.

  • Fire Pits Matter

One of the best ways to up the appeal of your backyard in the cooler months is through a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. The allure of a fresh flame will attract everyone on a cold day. Some of these pits can even double as a pizza oven in your outdoor kitchen!

  • The Perfect Pergola

Your outdoor entertainment area will always need some shaded spots. That’s why every backyard needs a solid pergola with some furniture. Some prefer to use a pergola for their outdoor kitchen while others set the space up further away from the house.

  • Water Features

To create a relaxing ambiance, you’ll want to add some water features to the best backyard in Olathe. At Huston, some of our favorite options include pondless waterfalls, koi ponds, and natural creek beds. For many, a water feature signals the next level of backyard perfection and enjoyment in Olathe.

  • Professional Landscaping

Last, but not least – your Olathe landscaping needs to be sharp if you want to entertain in the backyard. Keep the grass freshly cut. Trim the bushes and the trees. Make sure everything looks fresh and well-maintained.

 

The Professional Olathe Landscapers You Need

Whether you want to maintain your lawn or add a stunning Olathe outdoor kitchen, our expert staff here at Huston Contracting is here to help. Just get in touch today for a free consultation. Let’s talk about how to create the best backyard in Olathe at your home.

By ddmg Landscape • Management • Tips and Tricks • • 0 Comments

8 Innovative Ideas and Tips For Your Olathe Landscape

As spring has sprung, it’s time get outdoors and start a little landscaping here in Olathe, KS. There’s no better time than April, May, and early June to spruce up the grounds around your home.

Innovative Ideas and Tips For Your Olathe Landscape

If you’re ready to upgrade your Olathe landscaping this year, you’ll need a few ideas. While you won’t need to be an expert green thumb, these tips are sure to help you avoid some mistakes.

Here are a few ideas for your Olathe landscape:

  • A Front Yard Fence

One of the favorite Olathe landscaping trends this year is adding a front yard fence. While certain homeowners’ associations won’t allow it, this small change can look stunning. With a variety of designs to choose from, you can add this bit of traditional landscaping styling to your home this spring.

  • Water Feature Mania

One of the easiest ways to add value to your Olathe landscape is through a water feature. You don’t need a full-fledged pond to make your water feature pop. Just adding a little waterfall or fountain can change your whole landscape. Many water features are self-contained these days and easy to manage.

  • Outdoor Kitchen Installation

Why not add an innovative piece to your landscape that’s also useful? Olathe outdoor kitchens are very popular these days. You can add a full-fledged outdoor kitchen or just build some preparation space around your grill.

  • Consider Your Furry Friends

Dogs and gardening don’t always go hand-in-hand. In fact, they rarely do. Still, you don’t want your furry friend digging up your garden. One easy way to keep your dog out of the garden is to build them a dog-friendly area, like a sandbox. Then bury treats, toys, and bones in the sand for your furry friend to dig up.

  • Retaining Wall Wonders

One of the harder, but stunning ways to add value to your landscape is through an Olathe retaining wall installation. Retaining walls can change the whole look of your landscape.

  • Flowers For Days

Make sure you keep a lot of flowers around your landscape this spring. One of our favorite ways to add flowers is to keep them by the front door. You should always have flowers to greet guests in the springtime.

  • Dress the Driveway

Adding plants and landscaping features around your driveway will give your home a professional, resort-style look to it that’s hard to compete with. You’ll be the talk of the town once your dress up your driveway with an array of flowers and plants.

  • Hide the Ugly

If anything on your property isn’t stunning, like a shed or outdoor workspace, consider hiding the space with an array of plants and flowers. A beautiful display of plants or flowers can turn an eyesore into a stunning sight quickly.

By ddmg Landscape • Tips and Tricks • 0 Comments

5 Year Round Lawn Care Tips From Olathe Landscapers

Every lawn is different. Olathe landscapers know this fact. Some lawns have great shading. Others get too much sun. Certain landscapes get just the right amount of rays to ensure the perfect landscape all the time and others don’t.

Sun isn’t the only factor that determines how your lawn looks year around. There are a number of factors that lead to a healthy lawn. Many involve feeding and timing. As the premier Olathe landscapers, we want to help you put together a great program that will ensure your grass stays as green as possible.

Here are five year round lawn care tips from your favorite Olathe Landscapers:

Timing is Everything

You absolutely must feed your lawn. If you don’t, you give your greens little chance to look healthy year round. A lawn that is well-fed will always be healthy and looking good. Also, landscaping that has the nutrients it needs will form a better rooting system. This helps to combat:

  • Drought
  • Cold weather
  • Over heating
  • Foot traffic
  • Mowing

…And more!

Mowing & More

The spring typically is the most important time for your lawn. If you care about your landscaping, then you must start early in the spring. Around the time of your first lawn mowing, you’ll want to also feed your lawn some great nutrients. This will set the proper stage for growth to come.

Continuous Control

Springtime is great for growing your grass as green as possible. The season also lends hand to weed growing galore. Therefore, you’ll need to combat these pests before they get out of hand. The best way to do just that, is to use a weed control in combination with feeding your lawn.

Antsy Insects

As spring turns to summer, you’ll often find more insects in your landscaping. This can be highly problematic for some lawns. If you’re struggling with insect problems, try using a feeding product with insect control during the hottest months of the year.

Don’t Skimp in the Fall

Many Olathe landscapers find fall to be the most important time of the year for your lawn. The grass is coming off the rough summer months and conditions come back to prime growing season. Not only that, you must prep your landscaping for the harsh winter months ahead.

By properly feeding your lawn with a winter food blend, you can ensure the greens are ready to roll once spring is back in session. This will build the roots up and help the plants increase the amount of nitrogen they can store. More nitrogen will ensure bright green grass starts to grow during early spring.