Winter is the perfect time to plan your dreamscape.  Think about what your family would benefit from most. Could it be an outdoor kitchen? Or a patio with a fireplace to extend your outdoor season? Perhaps a swimming pool with a separate shaded area for dining and entertaining?

Despite the freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow in the forecast, now is a great time to start planning a major backyard makeover. It is easier to assess the space that you would like to transform your when your plants are dormant. Planning now makes a difference. It may be too late to make plans to renovate your outdoor space  when your grass starts to turn green because landscapers in your area could be completely booked up with their spring and summer projects.

Taking the First Step

Keep in mind that large scale projects take months to plan correctly. There are three major phases before work can begin: Designing, Planning, Permitting. Needless to say, each phase takes time and consideration.

Meet with A Designer and Discuss your Dreamscape

Once you make a decision about the functionality of your project, it’s time to sit with a designer and discuss the its practicality. Joe Klufts, our Landscape Designer, will view your outdoor living area and sit with you to discuss your ideas. Then he will provide you with a set of landscape renderings to help you envision the results.

Review the Plans for your Dreamscape

Usually there are a few rounds of edits to the design plans. Typically we will use the first couple of appointments for discussion and a general conceptual sketch of the project. Then, there may be a few edits after that. For most scenarios it is not uncommon to have several appointments before we can provide a price for your project.

There are many variables that could influence your final design. Supply chain issues are real – you may find that the blue stone that you want for your patio won’t be available until August. Or perhaps the kind of shade trees that you like won’t grow well in your backyard environment. Maybe you will decide to have the work done in stages according to your budget.

Permits Require Time, too

More likely than not, your project will require permits. This is especially true if architectural elements or engineering plans are part of the job. When you have a project that requires surveying, plumbing, or electrical specialties, coordinating early in the season will help you avoid delays when you begin to break ground. Schedules fill up quickly, so it’s best to make your major decisions in the winter.

All in all, the more time you give yourself to plan your landscape design, the more confident you will be when the project is underway in the spring.

Schedule your Appointment Today

Weâ€re gearing up for the “22” landscape season and we are excited to once again be creating some amazing outdoor spaces –  pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits and more.  How can we help you transform your outdoor living space? Reach out to us for a free consultation.

#colelandscape #colelandscaping #landscapedesign #outdoorliving #thepossibilitiesareendless #backyardmakeover#buildingbackyards #outdoorlivingarea #outdoorrenovating #backyardrenovation

The post Your New Dreamscape Takes Months of Planning appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Did You Know?

What do you know about Fine Garden Care? A Fine Gardener’s singular goal is to vigilantly care for the soil, plants, and design compositions viewed through the lens of a dynamic natural system. This means that we must look at the garden with the eyes of a trainer and a caretaker. Consequently, we ask, “How can we make this perform better, look better, and be healthier?”

For Fine Garden Care, our goal is to nurture both plants and soil to achieve high performance over time. Primarily, that performance is connected to ecological health. However, it is also tethered to the presentation of the garden. It is also important that the presentation pleases the garden owner.  Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it lives on a continuum of expression stretching from formal order to wild order. It is up to the Fine Gardener and landowner to determine where on the continuum the landscape will live.

To this end, the Fine Gardener will make changes and subtle shifts within gardens, keeping the original design intent in mind. While doing so, they will keep a firm watch on the evolution of plants and how that affects the space and its uses over time.

The Cole Way

Cole Landscape specializes in partnered Fine Gardening Landscape Care with homeowners. Partnering enables us to supply care at the level best suited for you and your landscape. It also enables us to dovetail our specialties with our other landscape services that we are currently providing for you.

In our family of clients, we have active gardeners who spend many hours in their own landscapes each month. And we have garden enthusiasts who would like to spend more time in their landscape, but life does not allow them the time needed to do the necessary work. We also have clients who appreciate the value of their landscape and all its gardens have to offer but have no interest in doing the gardening tasks themselves.

A Fine Garden Plan for Your Lifestyle

There is no right or wrong answer for the best approach – simply a matter of  different lifestyles and needs. By using the information shared here, we hope you can start to get a feel for what your land management needs are. Let us help tend to them with of our Fine Gardening Care blocks of time.

Six Areas Of Fine Garden Care Management

Fine Gardening requires the regular consideration of the following six areas of management. Do not leave any of them out or else your landscape risks deterioration into chaos. Here is what you can expect from our team during your time block.

1. Edging Beds

   Cut lawn edges to demarcate planting beds and lawn areas; keep the lawn from spreading into what it considers empty spaces. In some cases, perennials and groundcovers want to return the favor and spread into lawn spaces. The goal is a healthy cohabitation without invasion so that there is a neat edge with a well-shaped flow that draws your eye through the landscape in a gentle and pleasing way.

2. Pruning Woody Ornamental Plants

   We prune trees and shrubs at the appropriate time in their growth cycles. Not all plants can or should be pruned at the same time, so be aware that spring, summer, and fall pruning needs are different. There are times when we will suggest that plants be pruned in the wintertime as well. Additionally, all plant types are not pruned in the same way. Understanding horticultural differences is critical in getting this job done right.

3. Deadheading/Dividing/Transplanting/Removal

   Gardens mature and age over time at different paces. As a consequence, plants may need varying attention over the seasons as they mature and respond to seasonal fluctuations. Light pruning and deadheading of herbaceous plants (like perennials) are necessary as these plants move through their normal flowering cycle. Older, more mature plants may need heavier-handed attention if they become too big or are no longer performing well in a particular location. Dividing and transplanting perennials that have outgrown their current space can make more room in the old location and provide an additional plants to utilize in other, open areas. Moving out shrubs to make more room and fill new spaces can be extremely effective in getting more performance out of an area and the plants in that garden. Most often we perform this kind of work in the spring and fall.

4. General Weed & Bed Management

   Weeding is a necessary “evil” that should not be avoided. Good bed management also means managing moss and overly aggressive perennials and woody plants that are seeding themselves in the landscape. Primarily, the goal is to keep the garden managed. You need to prevent undesirable plants from getting a foothold in the soil or, worse, entangled in the root systems of the desirable plants. If you skip weeding, you ensure that the problem will increase. This is because weeds also have a flowering and seed setting cycle (just like the desirable plants). When they are left unchecked, those weeds repopulate the soil with more seeds to germinate in the next season and many seasons thereafter. It takes only one seeding to create weeds for several years to come.

5. Soil Health & Remediation

   Soils deficient in organic matter, minerals, and/or nutrients should be treated to improve conditions for plants. It may be necessary to apply lime applications in the fall to improve the vitality and performance of ornamental garden areas. We recommend soil testing  to understand the soil chemistry more fully. As as result we can determine appropriate fertilization programs as well as more steps for soil remediation. Simply adding fertilizer on a yearly basis is not only ineffective, but it can also be costly. We suggest organic compost for use with all plantings/transplanting. We also recommend organic mulches – simple undyed bark and/or leaf mold – as a follow-up to all the above work. Balanced soils help reduce or eliminate moss, yellowed leaves, insect predation, and at times even helps reduce weeds. Most important, healthy soils have a better chance of supporting plants through times of drought.

6. Watering Strategies

   Proper hydration is one of the key ingredients for a healthy landscape. First of all, proper hydration promotes healthy soil. Secondly, it supports the right plants in the right places. Thirdly, it helps provide adequate acclimation time for new plants. Plants should only be moved if the homeowner is able to reliably monitor and water them. It should be noted that irrigation systems are not adequate for watering transplants. They also should not be set and left unchecked – this is a root cause of much of our seasonal water shortages. It is important to be aware of factors that may impede proper hydration, such as competition from trees, overcrowded plantings, and areas over-exposed to the elements, to name a few. If this is the case, a change in plant care strategy may be necessary.

What You Can Do Next

For each person who owns a parcel of land – of any size – the trick is to determine what you can or cannot do on your own. First, factor in your time, skills, and desire as the primary step to understanding your landscape care needs. Next, you can start to identify what level of outside help you would need to create the landscape you’ve always imagined. Simply schedule a free consultation with our fine Garden Care Expert. We will develop a strategic partnership that secures a surefire way to ‘have it all.’

If you have never worked with a Fine Gardener, we encourage you to give it a try. Scheduling just one day of professional care can makes a significant difference that will be sure to delight. Once you see what our team of professional Fine Gardeners can accomplish in just one small slice of your landscape, we can discuss developing a custom Fine Gardening care program that will transform your everyday landscape into an exceptional landscape that is tailored perfectly to you.

Schedule your free Fine Garden care session today and see how a Fine Garden Care specialist can make your landscape come to life!

Meet Matthew–

Matt started his career at Cole in 2023, and has Associates of Science Degree in Business, & . Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH)

with over 10 years of experience working in the Landscape industry with a focus on Garden and Tree Care. 

Matt’s wide variety of personal, academic, and professional experiences have contributed much to his interests in the landscape industry. Client satisfaction is Matt’s main focus. Matt is interested in how intentionally designed outdoor spaces impact our quality of life. Providing clients with a beautifully maintained outdoor living space is Matt’s main goal. That space should align with their expressed/felt needs, meet their budget, be aesthetically pleasing, and responsive to their site’s existing conditions.

Matt believes that communication is key. He consistently develops and maintains positive relationships with commercial customers by managing the acquisition and delivery of products, and services. He’s passionate about performing on-site visits with clients to determine what can be improved to make the property more aesthetically appealing. Whether it be small changes or larger landscaping upgrades, he excels at every level.  Matt provides ongoing customer service and maintains expert knowledge of his clients and their property’s needs.

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Winter is for planning outdoor projects, despite dipping temperatures and the imminent threat of snowfall. While youâ€re bundling up every time you leave the house perhaps the furthest thing from your mind is a new landscaping project. But there are several reasons why winter is the ideal time for planning your next big home improvement.

Assess Your Needs

First and foremost, your family’s yard  is an extension of your home. Just as you would make necessary updates indoors, winter is a great time to assess the needs of your outdoor living space. Improvements to your property have a high return on investment and remain one of the top ways to increase the value of your home.

Think of your backyard as your outdoor living room. What would it take to transform your property into that dreamscape that you have always wanted? Itâ€s time to make a list and prioritize.

Examine Your Winter Softscape

Take a good look around your property. Aside from evergreens, most plants are dormant, and the bones of your garden are exposed. For this reason, itâ€s a great time to see what may be out of balance. Is your landscape lacking visual interest? Is there a focal point? Perhaps new plants would boost your homeâ€s curb appeal as well. Do you have enough plant variety to provide visual interest all year long? Interesting ornamental trees with distinctive bark, like birch trees, and colorful shrubs with berries, like holly, provide great color and texture during winter months. Learn more about winter landscaping.

Examine Your Exterior Structures

Would your property benefit from a new structure or hardscape? Critically assess all of the existing surfaces that lead to your homeâ€s entrances. Are any of your walkways or stairs in disrepair? Does your driveway drain well? There are many benefits to permeable pavement if you have water issues. Look for any safety issues that need to be addressed.

Consider Maintenance and Services

Don’t forget to plan for maintenance.  When choosing your materials and plants, think about the amount of time and energy that will go into the upkeep. What is your level of motivation? Consider hiring a professional with comprehensive landscaping services. As a result you won’t have to worry about year-round maintenance like pulling weeds, watering and pruning, and replacing of dead plants. Ideally you should plan a landscape that will suit your lifestyle. Use a professional that will customize your landscape to suit your needs. You shouldn’t dread the upkeep; rather you should enjoy the process. At Cole Landscaping, our Signature Services ensure you have the best possible experience. Our team of professionals will tailor your landscaping project from the start to finish and beyond.

Prioritize your Needs

After assessing your needs, be realistic with your budget. Have a solid idea of what you are willing to spend. Landscaping projects can be done in stages, and if need be, over the course of a few years. Identify your goals and make sure each stage of your plan aligns with your goals. Use landscaping planning guides and home improvement magazines to find the information appropriate for your project. A well-thought plan keeps you on track and ensures consistency in your landscape design.

Avoid the Rush

Winter is the perfect time of year to reach out to a professional landscape designer because you will have their undivided attention. Since plants are dormant, designers are not as busy and they will have more time to discuss your project with you. Besides having more time for lateral communication, you wonâ€t be rushed in choosing your design and materials. Once the materials are ordered, you will have a jump-start on scheduling. Donâ€t forget about work permits. Since it takes time to ensure that all paperwork has been filled out, turned in and approved it is better to apply for permits in the off-season.

Following the above steps can make a difference in weeks, or even months for your new landscaping project. If you are organized and get an early start you could be entertaining in your new outdoor space in the early summer months, rather than have a yard under construction.

Cole Landscaping is here to help!

Here at Cole Landscaping we know the importance of streamlining the landscaping process for customers. We take pride in our Signature Services. One point of contact managing the landscaping from project installation through maintenance means peace of mind for the customer for years to come.

If you’d like a consultation or want to know what we can do to help you in the 2020 Landscape Season ~ give us a call at 978-356-1004 or contact us to arrange an on-site meeting with one of our Landscape Professionals.

We are your “Outdoor Living Professionals.”

The post Winter Is For Planning appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Our Approach

Instead of using traditional cobble we decided to do something a little different.  Therefore we installed a reclaimed Gloucester chunk stone for a classy old estate look.  The chunk stone planter edges complement the house as well as define the beds. The chunk stone edges also tie together nicely with the existing granite at the entry of the driveway.

The Plantings

Working with a few of their existing specimen plants such as Butterfly Bush and Endless Summer Blue Hydrangea, we added a stellar plant palate fit for the beach. We chose Lime Light Hydrangeas, classic white Beach Roses, Sedum, Lavender, Iberis, Dianthus, Alliums, and Morning Light Ornamental Grass and Fountain Grass.  We also installed Baby Blue Eyes Blue Spruce for privacy and a specimen Japanese Stewartia tree for its showy summer flowers and intense fall color.  For the final touch, we added a stone mulch to keep in context with the beach theme as well as  to prevent curious pups from digging in the garden!

If you need a fresh new look for your landscape and you don’t know where to begin, Cole design experts will be happy to come up with a plan that works for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

The post “Beachy” Scheme for Gloucester Home appeared first on Cole Landscaping.

Is your backyard PARTY READY? When the warm weather comes, there’s no better place to host your celebration than the great outdoors. From weddings and showers to graduation parties and cookouts, prepping your property is no small task. Whatever the occasion, we’re ready, willing and able!

Planning

With the summer season upon us, you’ve got to get your landscaping in order – and we can help! Cole has you covered with crews prepared to transform your property into the perfect setting to host your event.

Concierge Service:

We work closely with wedding and party planners to ensure that the landscape needs are met leading up to, before and during the event. We provide emergency lawn, tree and shrub installations for outdoor events, as well as all watering and irrigation monitoring.

Outdoor Party Ready “To Do” List

Since there are so many details to attend to for the party itself – invitations, caterer, cake – the list goes on – leave the outdoor tasks to a professional.

Property Care Service

Property Care Service will make your property sparkle. This consists of whatever lawn, shrub, plant and flower care that your property may require: re-edging bed lines, cultivating mulch, weeding beds, hand pruning/trimming and general overall property maintenance.

The Lawn

First and foremost, your lawn should be in top shape. Attend to any problems now. With proper mowing, fertilizing and care, your lawn should feel like a lush green carpet.

Shrubs and Flowers

Equally important is pruning shrubs and grooming flower beds. With today’s busy lifestyles, many homeowners just don’t have time for pruning and deadheading. If you need to add more color to your yard this summer, enhance your color pallet with our award winning annuals.

Containers

Decorating with plants and containers adds visual interest as well as seasonal color. If your event has a theme and color scheme, using containers is the best way to incorporate the colors of your choice.

Hardscapes

Don’t forget your walkways! It’s time to polish up the surfaces you walk (and drive) on. The bricks and pavement that make up your patio or walkway may need some attention. Your true hardscape could be hidden beneath a small layer of weathered dirt. Got cracks and broken stones? Cole can help with structural repairs to any necessary areas, including power cleaning, re-sanding, re-pointing, efflorescence cleaning and re-sealing.

Lighting: Landscape lighting, Outdoor Uplighting and Cafe Lighting

Installing lighting along walkways, steps and dark areas allows your celebration to extend into the evening hours. Besides providing safety from tripping in the dark, outdoor lighting also adds ambiance to your festivities.

Firepit

Add warmth and a fun place to gather with the installation of a fire pit. There are many easy-install models to choose from – the possibilities are endless and your parties will last well into the night!

Let the Celebrations Begin!

If you need help getting PARTY READY, Cole knows just what to do. Extend your indoors outdoors and let us take care of those chores. We are your full service landscape provider and we’ve got you covered, from getting your greenery green to cleaning your hardscapes and lighting your walkways.  Our Signature Services will get you “Party Ready.”

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