You have a gorgeous outdoor space. All it needs is your vision plus the help of a landscape designer to bring that vision to life and you’ll finally be on your way to having the backyard you’ve always wanted. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some of the ins and outs of landscape architecture in the Riverhead and Brookhaven, NY areas:
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1. Create a Vision and Design a Plan
Work with a certified landscape designer to think through your vision for your dream backyard. As you do this, a word of caution: don’t edit your thoughts in this beginning stage. There’s plenty of time to understand what’s achievable. At the outset, begin with what you’d like your ideal outdoor space to look like. For example, if you could wave a magic wand, what would you like to be able to do with a landscape design that you can’t do today?
Walk around your property and give yourself permission to dream out loud. Perhaps you’d like a patio along with tables and chairs to go with it and a grill as well, so you can have cook-outs with family, loved ones, and friends. If you want more options for bigger occasions like possible dinner parties outside, you may want to explore features like an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill as well as a refrigerator and a sink along with counter space for prep work. If you have kids, you might want to entertain the idea of a pizza oven. Think through the kinds of activities and entertaining you can envision doing and at what scale.
Once you’ve identified your wish list, between you and your landscape designer, you’ll be positioned to see what’s doable, taking into account things like the size and configuration of your property. Property size becomes more important if you’re thinking about an inground pool with decking. Depending on the projects you have in mind, your landscape designer may suggest some excavation. For example, if you have a lot of rock to either navigate above or below the surface, that has to be factored into your planning as well.
2. Research Local Regulations and Zoning Laws
Many municipalities require permits before installing certain items in yards. For instance, some city codes may prohibit fences taller than a certain height, swimming pools larger than a certain number of gallons, and retaining walls exceeding a certain height. Your landscaping designer will be able to help assist with understanding local laws and requirements before starting your project.
3. Select Plants, Trees, Shrubs, Flowers, Grasses, Mulch, etc.
Once you've created a design, it's time to select plants. Start by choosing trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, mulch, and other materials. These products must adhere to local ordinances and be installed properly.
4. Add Decorative Elements
Next, choose additional decorative elements, including benches, birdbaths, water features, and lighting fixtures. Consider adding small trees and bushes around walkways and patios to add visual interest and shade.
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