The backyard is typically where families tend to spend most of their time, which means that it also tends to be the focus of many landscaping projects. However, the front yard is where all the curb appeal happens and it should give you a good feeling when you pull up to your home. With that in mind, we have put together a few ideas that will help you improve your Raleigh area front yard

Terraced Landscaping

If you have a steep front yard, adding terraced planters can not only help fight erosion but also help make the most of the space. You can choose from any number of stone materials to help shape and build the terraces and fill them with plants and shrubs that thrive in the North Carolina climate. An appealing landscape design will welcome guests and add color and texture to your home. 

Foliage Walkway

Concrete, blacktop, and stone walkways aren’t necessarily inviting, but you can dress them up by adding foliage on each side. You can even add some privacy by choosing plants that will grow a few feet tall. Contrasting greens will provide a rich backdrop for your walkway.

Arbor Entryway

Installing an arbor to your front walkway will give your yard a whimsical feel and make people feel like they are entering a special area. An arbor also provides the perfect place for climbing and flowering vines for additional color.   

Fountain

A water feature enhances any space and there is no rule that says they have to be in the backyard. A waterfall or fountain will add interest to your front yard that even passersby will enjoy. 

Lighting

Adding decorative lighting is one of the simplest landscape additions that can instantly transform your yard. Lighting options are more advanced and varied than ever, so you can get creative with how you highlight walkways, showcase different plantings, and even uplight trees. 

Upgrading your front yard can be simpler and less expensive than you might think. For more inspiration and professional help with your landscape projects, contact the experts at JT’s Landscaping. We can help you design and implement a truly unique landscape that fits your lifestyle and your budget.

As you invest in your landscape, you will want to make sure that you are spending time and money on plants that will do well in the North Carolina climate. Using native plants that have thrived for centuries in the state’s weather, water, and soil conditions will help you enjoy a beautiful and healthy landscape that also supports the rest of the local ecosystem. With that in mind, here are some suggestions for plants you should consider.

Wood-Anemone or Thimbleweed

This flowering plant provides a nice contrast of bright green foliage and large, white flowers. It reaches a height of about twelve inches, so it makes a great border plant to fill in different garden areas. The plant really comes to life in the spring and will provide some much-appreciated color after the winter months.

Northern Maidenhair Fern

If you have spent any time in the North Carolina mountains, you have probably noticed this fern. It is hardy enough to handle a variety of temperatures and does best in shady locations with moist soil. Planting the Northern Maidenhair Fern can provide ground cover and add texture to your landscape. Eventually, it can grow to be about two feet tall.

Eastern Blue Star

This is one plant that will continue to delight throughout the entire year. In the spring, you will enjoy small, delicate periwinkle flowers. Once summer temperatures arrive the blooms will fall off and you will be left with a rich, green shrubbery. When the leaf colors change in the fall, the Eastern Blue Star will turn a bright yellow. It is a truly beautiful and attention-grabbing plant that thrives in North Carolina. 

Flowering Dogwood

The Dogwood flower is the state flower of North Carolina and a beloved sign of spring. The flowers are actually considered bracts and grow on the Flowering Dogwood. The tree is considered a smaller species since most will only reach 15 to 25 feet tall. From April to June, they are covered in white blooms that often have a hint of pink. These trees do best in well-drained soil and plenty of sun.

Climbing Hydrangea

If you would like to add some privacy or coverage to your home, the Climbing Hydrangea is a deciduous plant that flowers and uses suckers to climb up walls and trellises. The lacy white flowers come out in early summer and emit a nice fragrance. You can use it to get creative by adding some vertical interest to your landscape design. 

While the North Carolina climate can present some challenges, there are plenty of plants, flowers, trees, and shrubs that thrive in our conditions. Starting with the right plants will mean a successful landscape project. Fortunately, the experts at JT’s Landscaping are well-versed in area plants and can help you design and install a beautiful landscape that will help you enjoy your outdoor space. Call today to learn more and get started. 

Living in Raleigh, North Carolina means warm temperatures throughout most of the year and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. That is why many homeowners are looking to get the most out of their landscape and create a beautiful space that they can enjoy. Keep reading for tips on how to create a unique landscape design.

1. Keep it Simple

While you want to add points of interest and other visual focal points, you don’t want to overdo it and end up with a yard that looks cluttered. Make sure that you have a design plan that makes clear improvements and is well-defined. Not only will your landscape look better, but it will also be more functional and easier to maintain.

2. Add Variety

Incorporate plants that vary in size, shape, and color. Also, think about adding different textures when it comes to wood, stone, gravel, and other materials that can be used to create paths, build planters, and define borders. Remember that variety will add interest, but execute a clear design plan to avoid clutter. 

3. Consider Balance and Proportion

When it comes to landscape design, you want to make sure that the various elements of your design carry a certain visual weight and are in proportion to each other. In some cases, this can mean mirroring different sides of the yard. You will also want to make sure that plants are scaled with larger focal points, such as a mature tree.

4. Achieve Unity

Landscape unity can come down to connecting the various areas of your landscape with paths and walkways so that everything is physically linked. Repetition of design throughout can also help to create a more cohesive feel.

5. Incorporate Hardscape Elements

In addition to plants, trees, and shrubs, you will also want to incorporate patios, stone planters, retaining walls, and other hardscape elements. You can even add an outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and a water feature. All of these design elements will add interest and make your space more functional and relaxing. 

6. Call the Professionals

To truly achieve a unique design, you will want to work with an expert who is well-versed in the fundamentals of landscape design and familiar with plants that do well in the North Carolina climate. They can take your input and create and install a visionary design that will enhance your home.

If you are ready to explore unique landscape design ideas, call the experts at JT’s Landscaping. Our team has years of experience designing and implementing impressive designs across Raleigh and the Triangle area. 

Looking for ways to enhance your landscape and get your most out of your property? Fortunately, there are simple additions you can make that will transform your yard and get you outdoors. Incorporate one or more of these ideas this year for a more beautiful and practical landscape.

1. High-Tech Irrigation Systems

Different plants, trees and shrubs all require different amounts of sun, water and nutrients. Keeping up with all these different needs and making sure that you have a healthy landscape can be time-consuming. Installing a high-tech irrigation system can reduce your personal workload while also lowering utility bills and creating a more efficient system that actually saves water.

Today’s home irrigation systems are more advanced than ever before. You can deliver water to different sections of your landscape at different times of the day. Everything is totally programmable and customizable so that you can optimize your landscape. Adding an irrigation system to your landscape this year can make a huge difference in the health of your plants and your monthly bills.

2. Hardscapes

Why not add a patio, fire pit or outdoor kitchen to your landscape this year? There are no limits to the type of hardscape structures and walkways you can install in your yard. These additions allow you to expand your outdoor living space and make the most of your landscape. You may find that you start spending most of your time outside.

3. Water Features

Flowers, trees and plants already go a long way in creating a relaxing environment. Adding a water feature, such as a small pond or fountain can take things to the next level. Just the sound of trickling water can be soothing. Add water plants, rocks and stones will only add to the overall effect and help turn your landscape into a sanctuary.

4. Landscape Lighting

Landscape lighting is a simple way to achieve dramatic results. Strategically placed lighting can be used to uplight trees, highlight architectural features and increase safety. You can add lights along pathways, under steps and practically anywhere throughout your landscape.

5. Common Areas

Even smaller yards can be made more inviting by creating common areas where people can gather. You don’t have to install an entire patio to create separate seating areas. A simple bistro table nestled in a secret spot will encourage guests to explore the yard. Get creative and re-imagine ways to use your entire landscape.

Whether you are looking to make small improvements or you are ready to tackle larger landscape enhancement projects, JT’s Landscaping is here to help. Our professionals have years of experience working with homeowners throughout the Raleigh and Triangle area. We can help you through the entire design and installation process and deliver results that exceed your expectations. Call us today to get started.

Looking for landscaping ideas for small yards? We understand you may not have a sprawling backyard, but there are still things you can do to improve your outdoor living area and create a beautiful space. With small yards, you may have to get creative, but the possibilities are practically endless. Here are just a few landscaping ideas for small yards that you may want to incorporate.

Green Walls

This type of green decor is becoming increasingly popular. If you don’t have a lot of acreage, why not take advantage of vertical space? You can plant succulents, vegetables and flowers and create a living wall that is easy to care for and will transform your space.

Climbing Plants

If you live in an urban area or townhouse or condo that includes a fenced in yard, you can use the fence to support climbing foliage and flowers. It is a great way to incorporate plants and dress up a dull and boring fence.

Hanging Plants

Another great way to take advantage of vertical space is with hanging plants. You can place them along beams or even install flower boxes on rails and window sills.

Container Gardens

Instead of big garden beds, think container gardens. You can plant a wide variety of plants and flowers and creatively arrange the pots. It is also fun to find unique containers that add color and texture. Anything from a bowl or wooden box to a pot can be used as a planting container.

Create Multiple Levels

Raised planting beds and multi-level patios can provide additional space, create distinct garden areas and add visual focal points. For hilly yards, terraces are a great solution that provide plenty of room for plants and flowers and turn a challenging landscape into a beautiful garden area.

Arbor Entryway

With the right landscaping design, you can turn a small yard into a secret garden. A gated arbor entryway is an easy way to create a welcoming entrance that will make any yard feel like a special escape.

Water Features

Even a small bubbling fountain can enhance your landscape and create a relaxing environment. The sound of water will provide a soothing background noise that you can enjoy any time of day.

Lighting

Landscape lighting can add drama and interest to any yard. Strategically placed lights can highlight architectural features, light pathways and showcase garden beds. The market is full of creative lightning products, so the possibilities are truly endless.

Bistro Seating

With a small yard, you don’t want to overwhelm the space with large furniture. Not only will it take up too much space, it will create an odd sense of proportion. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a relaxing seating area where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. Opt for smaller bistro style tables that will complement your yard.

While a smaller yard may present more landscape challenges, it also provides plenty of opportunities to get creative. By taking advantage of vertical space and adding planters, lighting, seating and other landscape features, you can make the most of your small yard. For more ideas and help with updating your small yard, contact the experts at JT’s Landscaping. We hope these landscaping ideas for small yards have helped you get your creative juices flowing!

DIY landscape design and creation can feel overwhelming, which is why many people turn to the experts. When you partner with the right designer you can maximize your space and create a landscape that meets all your needs. If you haven’t worked with a landscape designer before, you may be wondering what to expect from the process and how exactly it works. Here is a peak at how landscape designers will approach your project.

Free Consultation

It all begins with an onsite visit. A design expert will visit your location and conduct an assessment of your property and get to know you and your needs. Perhaps you are looking for a low maintenance landscape or you want to install a patio. Getting to know your priorities informs the entire design process. A professional will know exactly what questions to ask and how to turn your vision into a reality without breaking the bank.

As you consider the type of landscape you want to create, here are some things to think about before you contact an expert:

• What is your personal style? Do you prefer a minimalist aesthetic? Would a more modern design complement your home?
• Are there any hardscape features you would like installed? These can include: water features, patios, fireplace, barbeques, pools, etc.
• Do you want to build a landscape that includes flower beds, a garden, turf and gravel mulch areas or walking paths? Any or all of these can be included in your landscape.
• What is your budget?
• What kinds of plants, flowers and colors are you attracted to? Even having a general idea of what you like can be helpful.

Taking the time to answer these questions for yourself can make your consultation more productive and give the designer the right inspiration.

Preliminary Design

Based on the consultation, the designer will present you with a landscape design proposal. They may even put together several different options for you to choose from. At this point, you can let them know what you like and what you want to see changed. This is the time to iron out the details, so don’t be afraid to share your opinion.

Final Design

The designer will then use your feedback to revise the plan. Once you have approved the final design, it is time to get to work on the installation process. Keep in mind that you may be able to make small changes as the project moves forward, but the major components of the design should be finalized.

Installation

During the installation process, the designer will oversee the project and make sure that everything is going according to plan. You can rest assured that the final product will look and feel just the way you want.

While the design process can be full of decisions, working with the right professional can simplify everything and ensure a successful project. If you are interested in taking the next step and hiring a landscape designer, contact the team at JT’s Landscaping. We serve home and business owners throughout the Triangle and provide the best in landscape design services.