outdoor living space
Spring Into a Beautiful Outdoor Space
March 2, 2023How to Design the Perfect Project for Your Home
Create an ideal getaway in your own backyard with a custom outdoor structure. Highlight your home with a classic pavilion, pergola, or patio. Outdoor living areas create a stylish and comfortable area that will be the envy of your neighborhood.
There are many advantages to building an outdoor living area. They create an outdoor space that is open and airy, while providing shelter from the rain and relief from the sun.
Extra Room to Relax and Entertain
Does your family love to host parties? Multi-level decks provide extra entertaining space or peaceful areas to enjoy warm evenings. Outdoor structures extend the life of your party, allowing guests to mingle both inside and out.
Consider building a gazebo or pavilion to make a shaded area and create a calming, peaceful retreat. Both options create more square footage in your home, improving your home’s value.
Beauty and Durability
Experienced outdoor living designers understand how to work with your home and property to create the ideal outdoor living space. Whether you prefer natural wood or modern Azek PVC, the result will be a handcrafted, great-looking product. Cellular PVC looks exactly like the real thing yet is virtually maintenance free. This means it won’t rot, split or warp; retaining its long-lasting appeal.
Color Matching Options
Your custom outdoor structure can be painted to match your home’s style. The majority of manufacturers offer a wide range of choices in colors. These paints should come with a warranty against cracking, peeling, and blistering so you can enjoy your space without the hassle of maintenance.
Peace of Mind
Building a custom outdoor structure can be a daunting undertaking. An outdoor living professional should help you gain an understanding of your project before any work is even done by creating a 3-D rendering of your design. This will allow you to visualize the project before work begins, and change any aspects as needed. You should also ensure the firm has a solid warranty.
Our team members work with clients at every stage of the project, from the initial meeting to any follow-up work, ensuring confidence and satisfaction in every single job. We use only the highest quality materials, and we back all of our work with one of the best warranties in the business.
Unique Ideas to Upgrade Your Outdoor Space
February 24, 2023How to Make the Most of Your Next Project
Outdoor living spaces have become one of the most popular home renovation projects today. They instantly enhance your home while creating additional areas for entertaining.
Make your home one to remember with an exceptional outdoor area. The following ideas will help your space make an impression:
Putting Green
Are your family members avid golfers? Do you enjoy competitive games? Then a putting green may be the ideal add-on to your backyard. Putting greens are relatively easy to install and don’t require a large area. Help your golf game (or have fun practicing) with your own personal putting green.
Pergola or Pavilion
A custom pergola or pavilion keeps you cool in the hot sun and offers protection from the elements. It also serves as a focal point for your outdoor space. Pergolas and pavilions offer shade, privacy and character for your home. DiSabatino Landscaping can build a pavilion to match any style or material of your current backyard area.
Sunroom
If you enjoy spending time in the sun year-round, a sunroom gives you the added benefits of natural sunlight in a cozy space. They also serve as an extra room for seating, dining or hobbies. And sunrooms are available in an extensive range of sizes and styles. Bring the outdoors in with a custom sunroom for your home.
Athletic Courts
Make your home the neighborhood hangout with a basketball court in your own backyard. The benefits of building an outdoor sports court are immeasurable.
Personal courts with custom designs work with the terrain and slope of your property and can be tailored to any style or color. Depending on your needs, you can install basketball, volleyball, tennis, pickleball, hockey or even shuffleboard courts in your backyard.
Outdoor Project Enhancements to Consider
February 15, 2023How Custom Features Can Make Your Outdoor Living Project Stand Out
Home renovations often involve major decisions involving the size, scope, and types of materials to use. While these factors are an essential part of each proposal, additional upgrades can make a huge difference in your satisfaction with the project.
From retractable screens to upgraded lighting systems, new products continue to be introduced to the market. These innovative products can solve issues and add design capabilities that may not have been previously available.
Before planning an outdoor living space, consider the following enhancements for your project:
Underdeck Waterproofing Systems
Two-story decks have historically been made of wood materials that allow water to drain through gaps in the planks. As a result, the area under the deck was generally not usable due to dampness and lack of light.
New undermount waterproofing systems carry water away from the second-story deck, which means electric can be installed. This creates the ability to use televisions, fans and recessed lighting in a first-floor patio or walkout basement project.
LED Lighting
The latest electrical wiring systems are hooked into a transformer, allowing homeowners to turn on outside lighting with the flick of a switch. These new systems are energy-efficient and cost little to run.
Strategically-placed lighting accentuates different areas of your home, extending outdoor entertaining and offering additional ambiance. It also helps guests safely find their way around the property at night.
Retractable Screen Doors and Windows
Protect your guests from the elements with a retractable screen option. The screens create an outdoor area that keeps bugs and outdoor pests away while letting you enjoy nature. The doors can be customized to suit any style, from sliding to French and Dutch doors. They are even available as multi-slide doors. Windows range from casement to sliding, single or double options.
Fire and Water Features
Enhance the ambiance of your home with firepits, fireplaces, or moving water. These classic elements offer areas to relax and refresh. Firepits allow you to gather around during the colder months, while waterfalls and other water features can block noise and increase enjoyment of the outdoors.
Incorporate any of the above additions to your next outdoor living project with help from your local landscaping designers. You’ll appreciate the upgrade for years to come.
Top 5 Home Renovation Trends for 2023
December 22, 2022How to Maximize Your Home’s Potential
As homeowners needs continue to evolve, renovation and remodeling specialists predict a few trends to continue and others to drop in popularity.
What projects give you the most return on your time and money? Here’s what designers are expecting in the new year.
Work From Home
The pandemic already changed the way people report to work, creating a high demand for home offices. As more people work from home, a dedicated space for work is extremely desirable. If you can’t commit to an entire room, homes will benefit from carving out an area that’s quieter and more isolated from the main living areas of the home.
Multi-Generational Living
Looking for a way to retain their independence while getting the care they need, many senior family members are moving in with their adult children. Home renovation companies have seen a surge in separate in-law additions that benefit both generations. Grandparents help with childcare and household expenses, while living independently with their family members.
Outdoor Living Spaces
The surge in popularity for outdoor kitchens and bars shows no signs of dropping. Open air entertaining areas offer flexibility, additional hosting spaces and enjoyment of your home year-round. Make the most of the outdoors with a custom living space for your whole family to enjoy.
Kitchen Additions
Large kitchens with plenty of island seating remain at the top of homeowner wish lists. If you’re looking to expand your home with an open concept kitchen, DiSabatino’s design team can show you how. An updated kitchen not only increases your enjoyment; it enhances the value of your home.
Sustainable Design
Eco-friendly, organic and natural elements are increasingly in demand. Major furniture and home decorating companies such as Pottery Barn, West Elm and Williams Sonoma have even designated areas of their offerings to sustainable product lines. As more people search for ways to help the environment when buying new furniture, this trend will only continue to grow.
If you’re interested in updating your home in 2023, give DiSabatino Landscaping a call. Our interior remodeling and renovation team has an extensive portfolio of home renovation projects.
Growing Winter Plants and Vegetables
November 8, 2022A Guide to Growing in the Mid-Atlantic Region
The growing season isn’t over. Late fall is an often overlooked but easy gardening season. You don’t need to water or turn the soil over as often, and the plants provide much needed color as the trees lose their leaves.
Some of the best plants for soups and harvest salads can be planted right now. This is the ideal time to plan garlic, a main ingredient in many meals. Root crops do well in colder weather and continue growing beneath the soil even in the snow.
Make sure to check any plants you purchase to see if they thrive in our region’s climate. In our area of the Brandywine Valley, the USDA rates the area as a 7A and 7B. This means we experience seasonal variations. We might have periods of warm weather in the winter and experience cold winds in early spring.
The hardiest winter plants are kale, spinach and collards. Root crops that flourish in the colder weather include radishes, turnips, kohlrabi and leeks. Planted in the fall, asparagus will appear after a year or two in the spring. Broccoli can be planted up to 10 weeks before a frost and will last through the winter.
If you’re looking to plant flowers, the following hardy plants make a vibrant winter garden: crocus, camellia, winterberry, ornamental cabbage, daphne and hellebore. These winter flowers will thrive in the cold and offer gorgeous displays all winter long.
Be sure to plant all winter plants and vegetables at least six weeks before the first frost to ensure they have time to establish a root system. It never hurts to protect new plants with burlap coverings for the first few weeks as well.
How to Get Your Home Ready for the Holidays
November 2, 2022Tips for Hosting at Home
The entertaining season is quickly approaching, which means plenty of holiday parties, visits from out-of-town guests and other celebrations. Is your home ready for friends and family?
Make your guests feel extra special this holiday season with the following tips:
Clear Out Your Fridge
Your kitchen is about to get plenty of extra work. Take the time now to go through your fridge for expired salad dressings, condiments and other items. Also check your spice cabinets. Give your fridge and freezer shelves a quick wipe with an equal mix of vinegar and water. When you’re done, replace the baking soda box to eliminate odors.
Check Your Dining Table and Chairs
It may have been a while since you sat down in your dining room. They’re often the least used rooms in the home. Before you serve Thanksgiving dinner, you might want to check all chairs. Are they level? Do they need sliders? Spot treat any stains and give the table an extra coat of polish.
Buy or Borrow Extra Serving Items
You don’t want to be in the middle of cooking a big meal and realize you don’t have the tools you need. Once you’ve decided on the courses you’re going to make, go through your entertaining ware to make sure you have enough utensils, platters and other serving items. Do you need a gravy boat? An extra pitcher? Instead of buying, you can always ask a neighbor or guest to borrow them that day.
Get Your Fireplace Cleaned
You should have your fireplace inspected and “flushed” each winter. Besides helping prevent fires, having a clean chimney stops blockages that can create carbon monoxide poisoning. A clean fireplace also heats your home more efficiently, cutting down on heating bills.
Evaluate Your Entertaining Space
Consider adding an outdoor entertaining area to enjoy in the coming seasons. Outdoor living spaces increases space to host events, offers enjoyable areas to sit and relax, and extends the time you spend outdoors.
DiSabatino Landscaping can build any custom outdoor living space, including custom decks, pavilions, outdoor kitchens and sunrooms. Give us a call today and make your holidays a little brighter.
How to Prep Your Home for a Remodeling Project
August 2, 2022Top Tips to Make the Process Smoother
Before beginning a large home renovation and remodeling project, there are a few things you can do to streamline the project for your family and the people working on your home.
DiSabatino’s landscape and design professionals put together the following tips to prep your property:
Clear Out Your Yard
You don’t need to move anything bulky or heavy, but putting away unnecessary clutter such as children’s toys, bikes or unnecessary items will help the installation crew get started quicker. If you know there are some things in your backyard that you won’t use after the project is completed, now is the time to sell or donate them.
Evaluate Any Safety Issues
Children and pets are less likely to realize the dangers of home renovations. For instance, if an existing deck is being demo’d, there may be a large drop off from your sliding door. Install gates, make sure doors are deadbolted, and place safety cones to keep visitors, young children and furry companions safe from construction areas.
Assign a Work Staging Area
Landscaping and construction materials can be heavy, large and cumbersome. Designate a drop off and storage area ahead of delivery to ensure the project materials aren’t blocking the driveway or entrances. You also want to ensure the area is dry, so puddles don’t form around the piles of stone, brick or wood.
Establish a Timeline
Are you planning on using your new patio or outdoor living space for an upcoming event? Make sure your landscape design firm is aware of any drop-dead dates before the project begins. There’s nothing worse than rescheduling a big event because the project took longer than expected.
Anticipate Delays
In line with the previous point, prepare for reasonable delays. Landscaping firms can’t control the weather, and some points of the project may need to be delayed to ensure the quality of work is maintained. Make sure you build in a week or so in any project timeline.
Following the tips above will help move your next remodeling or renovation project along, so you can begin enjoying your new outdoor space as soon as possible.
Create the Backyard of Your Dreams
June 28, 2022Schedule a Landscape Consultation Today
This is the perfect time to plan your outdoor oasis. A stylish landscape shows off your property to its fullest advantage, highlighting its best features while increasing curb appeal.
A landscape isn’t simply about planting trees and shrubs. Today’s innovative landscape designers create environments that incorporate stone fireplaces and fire pits, relaxing water features, stylish outdoor structures, accent lighting and a carefully selected assortment of trees and greenery.
Here are a few ways to highlight your home:
Hardscaping
Professional hardscaping is an essential component of any landscape plan. Paved pathways, fireplaces, pergolas, decks and patios are not only functional, but timeless in their appeal. Stone has never been more popular. Our experienced masons have been creating masterpieces that last for generations, anchoring the style and appeal of elegant homes.
Water Features
Last summer’s temperatures were higher than normal, and this year’s are projected to hit record-breaking days. These hot summer temps are causing more and more homeowners to opt for a refreshing backyard pool. Host a backyard graduation or milestone birthday, or simply relax in your own private retreat while cooling off from the summer sun.
LED Lighting
Showcase your new outdoor living space with an exterior lighting package. Continue entertaining well into the evening with strategically placed LED lighting that you can control right from your phone. Landscape lighting design experts can create a lighting plan that highlights the best features of your property while offering safety for visitors along lighted pathways.
Custom Landscapes
Expert landscapers know what grows best in our climate and area, maximizing growth through organic plant care and thoughtful selections of native plants. Designers create plans that allow homeowners to envision the finished project before any work has begun, reducing unnecessary costs or potential issues.
Let DiSabatino Landscaping show you how to build the backyard of your dreams. Schedule a landscape consultation today!
Trends in Custom Patio Remodels
June 22, 2022Top Tips for Outdoor Home Renovations
After spending the summer months outdoors, many homeowners become aware of the need for repairing or replacing their patios and porches. Late summer and early fall are ideal times to begin planning outdoor renovation projects.
A new outdoor living space is a major investment in your home. Before beginning a large remodeling project, here are a few trends to make the most of your home and property:
Indoor/Outdoor Integration
Today’s homeowners are bringing the outdoors in. Large sliding doors, retractable screens and louvered windows create a seamless integration between inside and out. Consider opening up your walls with larger openings or extra windows to make your entertaining area an open concept space.
Eco-Friendly Materials
Sustainable products are becoming more popular and common in outdoor living spaces. Many homeowners are choosing environmentally friendly materials to help make your home more green. Permeable pavers, recycled materials and beams that have been reused from other structures are all ways to incorporate eco-friendly elements to your project.
Lighting Plan
Ambient lighting can set the scene for any outdoor living area. Strategically placed lighting offers extra visibility, extends entertaining and accentuates your property. From stairwell lights to strings of lit bulbs, outdoor lighting is an essential component of your new deck or patio.
Mixed Materials
Don’t be afraid to mix brick, concrete, pavers and stone. New patios often feature a custom arrangement of different materials that complement each other. They’re also great ways to add style and color to your project. DiSabatino Landscaping offers a wide range of materials, including travertine, porcelain, stamped concrete, pavers, brick and bluestone. View their full portfolio of projects for design inspiration.
Is It Time to Remodel Your Pool?
June 20, 2022Top Tips for Pool Repairs
The average lifespan of an inground pool is ten years. That doesn’t take into account the yearly upkeep of replacing pool liners, filter systems and refilling water levels. Pool repairs are usually more cost-effective than replacing the entire pool, but there are advantages to each.
Here are a few things to consider before starting a pool renovation project:
Condition of Your Pool
Clearly, the most critical factor in your decision is the current state of your pool. Large and numerous stains, roughened plaster sides, thinning and chipping are all clues that your pool may need refinishing. Pools plastered in colors other than white may also lose color over time. Any cracks in your pool will need immediate attention.
Timing
Pools should be repaired and replaced in reasonable mid-range temperatures, between 60 and 85 degrees. Excessive heat and cold can cause uneven drying or cracking. Plan to have your pool replaced in the fall or spring to make the most of your investment.
Drainage or Grading Concerns
Has your property changed since the pool was installed? Nearby new construction, home additions, additional patios, decking or pavers can affect your water runoff. If you need to have your backyard regraded or reposition your pool, now is the time to do so. An experienced landscape professional will give you the best course of action to direct water away from your home.
Converting to a Different Kind of Water
If you’ve decided to replace your chlorine with saltwater or the reverse, make sure you understand the pros and cons of each. Saltwater pools require less maintenance and chemicals, won’t irritate eyes and are often described as gentler on hair and skin. However, salt cell generators need to be replaced more often, can be more expensive than chlorine for initial equipment, and you’ll need to buy several hundred pounds of salt at installation. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of water before making the switch.
Changes to Your Lifestyle
You may have inherited the pool from the previous owner with different tastes. Or maybe your family dynamic changed from children at home to an empty nest. On the flip side, has your home become the go to spot for celebrations? If your pool needs have changed, it may be time to replace your pool with a different size or style to adapt to your new lifestyle.
If your pool is in need or repair or replacement, make sure you consult with our experienced pool and landscaping experts at DiSabatino Landscaping. A pool is an investment in memories that last a lifetime. Enjoy each season with a custom pool that’s the perfect match for you and your family.
Entertain Year Round with a Custom Outdoor Living Space
May 16, 2022Begin Planning Now for a Resort Ready Backyard
Experience all the advantages of a private outdoor living space in your own backyard.
Four-season rooms, covered patios and outdoor kitchens extend entertaining while adding areas to work and play. They can be personalized with pergolas, firepits, water features and retaining walls to suit every family’s taste and personality.
Let an expert outdoor living designer show you how to create stylish spaces that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood. Here’s how:
Plan Ahead
Building a custom outdoor structure can seem daunting. “An outdoor living designer should help you gain an understanding of your project with a 3-D rendering,” says Chris DiSabatino, President of DiSabatino Landscaping. This will allow you to envision and revise the project before any work begins.
Ask Around
Choose a professional design firm with a superior reputation. Ensure the firm has a solid warranty for any problems down the road. “Our family name is our company,” says Chris. “Every team member in uniform represents the values of our firm.”
Tailor the Project to Your Property
Built as an extension of your home, gazebos and patios provide a peaceful retreat and alfresco office. Tech-enabled outdoor kitchens and grills, bars or built-in television systems extend parties well into the night. Put in a pool to keep everyone entertained or add outdoor lighting for ambiance. The list of options to customize your project is endless.
Expert Installation
Even if a firm is using the highest quality products, the success of your project depends on the level of installation. Experienced professionals follow proven methods and anticipate potential problems. “Our team members guide you through every step of the process, offering exceptional customer service from beginning to end,” says Chris.
Take these steps to plan, design and create a stunning outdoor space you will enjoy for years to come. Chris says, “You’ll never regret investing in a project that enhances your home, increases your property value, and provides endless hours of enjoyment for your family.”
Designing a Beautiful Outdoor Space
May 11, 2022The Benefits of Outdoor Living Areas
Your backyard is the ideal spot to extend your home’s living space. Custom decks, outdoor kitchens, patios and pergolas are just some of the ways to create additional areas for entertaining and spending time outdoors with friends and family. Outdoor structures define spaces and provide open areas for relaxing or spending time with friends and family. These structures add both character and charm to your backyard experience. Let an expert outdoor living designer show you how to create stylish spaces that will make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
Unlimited Options
The location of your structure can provide both function and privacy. A pavilion or covered patio provides shelter from spring rain and protection from the sun. Placed near an in ground pool, swimmers can relax and find shade. Built as an extension of your home, covered porches, gazebos or patios offer a peaceful retreat as you look out onto your garden. Custom decks are great places to relax or entertain. Outdoor kitchens extend parties and provide food for guests well into the night. The list of options to customize your project is endless.
Custom Features
Experienced outdoor living designers understand how to evaluate your property in order to create the ideal outdoor structures. There are a host of options available when designing a structure. Many clients choose solid cellular PVC, an advanced material fashioned after natural wood. It looks exactly like the real thing, but won’t rot, split or warp.
Superior Design
Before any work begins, you should choose a professional design firm with a superior reputation. DiSabatino’s design team members will guide you through the process, working with you to build a project that fits your taste and lifestyle. They will offer a comprehensive 3D rendering of the project that allows you to visualize the design and modify as needed.
Expert Installation
Even if a design firm is using the highest-grade products, the success of your project depends on the techniques used for installation and managing your project from start to finish. Experienced professionals follow proven installation methods and anticipate any potential problems beforehand. This guarantees you will be enjoying your outdoor living space for years to come.
10 Landscaping Improvements to Make this Spring
February 21, 2019With all the artic weather that has hit our area these past few weeks, it may be hard to imagine that spring is upon the horizon. Just as the sun surely rises, so will the sunny warmer days of spring and summer be here soon.
That is why we thought a little talk about improving your landscaping this spring might be helpful for planning some improvements to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
10 Landscaping Improvements to Make this Spring:
1) Plan your landscape: Well before you break ground, it is important to plan your landscaping project. Are you going to hire a professional landscaper? Might as well get them involve from the beginning, as their knowledge and expertise will be a big help. Plan for the types of plants you would like to grow, the layout and what you need to complete the tasks. This will make your landscaping endeavor significantly easier in the end.
2) Know Your Options: The geographic location of your home should play a big part in landscaping decisions. Choosing plants according to the climate of your yard is crucial. If your yard is full of mature trees, you will want to select plants that thrive in shade. While a more open landscape will make those plants that thrive in sunny conditions a better option.
The Side Effects of a Late Spring on Your Plantings
3) Give Plants Room to Grow: Most plants have an estimated maturity height and width. Consider a plant will grow over time in order to space it properly and place in best area for growth.
4) Know Your Pests: Familiarize yourself with the pests in your neighborhood so that you can plan for ways to protect your landscape from them. Insecticides, wire mesh or fencing can keep wildlife and insects from destroying your new plantings. Your local nursery or department store should be able to help you find the tools you need.Consider Soil Conditions: The quality of the soil used will play a big part of your landscaping efforts. Adding mulch to your plantings not only adds to aesthetics, it will also help maintain the soil.
5) Consider Maintenance Needs: If you are not planning on spending the time or hiring someone to maintain your plantings, select plants that are lower maintenance to keep your landscape looking nice. Consider placing flowers in planters to add color and texture to the landscape while cutting back on need to weed.
5 Steps to Prepare Your Landscape for Spring
6) Style Your Landscape to Compliment Your Home: The specific style of your home needs considered when selecting plantings. A traditional style home with landscape that flourishes with sunlight is conducive to flowering plants and shrub, while a rustic or modern home might look better with cacti or ornamental grass.
7) Use Landscape Rocks: Rocks can provide a natural, textural element to any landscape and a great way to create focal points. Better yet, rocks are very easy to maintain.
8) Make a Blueprint: Once the types of plants are selected, map it out. Items such as walkways or decorative elements need to be added in order to see how the landscape project will work and the materials you need.
Check Out Our 17 Landscape Trends for 2019
9) Timing is Everything: Since many plants respond better when planted during a particular time of year, you’ll want to plan for that to give them every chance of flourishing year over year.
10) Spy on Your Neighbors: Look around your neighborhood to see what is working for them as a guide to what might work well for your landscape, as well. Talk with a local nursery to get professional advice on what types of obstacles or what is native to your area.
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help build an outdoor living area that will have you enjoying the great outdoors in style! Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Check Out Our 17 Landscape Trends for 2019
January 22, 2019With every year there comes change, improvement and trends to access. At DiSabatino Landscaping we are always looking to learn new things and explore our creativity in order to deliver the best landscaping product or service to our clientele.
With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of landscaping and outdoor living trends to look out for and consider this year.
17 Landscape Trends for 2019:
1) Younger customers: As I get older, everyone else starts to look younger. Over my many years in the landscaping business, I have notice that we are getting a large amount of millennials contacting us for major landscaping and hardscaping projects.
2) Integrating technology: Landscaping companies are utilizing all sorts of technology to the benefit of their clientele. Whether it is the use of a drafting program during the design and build stage, retractable awnings or solar powered lighting; expect increased integration of technology.
3) Battery-powered equipment: Cordless-electric outdoor power equipment has gained more power and dependability to the point that is becoming a formidable competitor of gas-powered equipment. Keep in mind when purchasing several pieces of battery operated lawn tools that it might make sense to stick with the same brand so you can use the same battery for several different pieces of equipment.
4) Low-maintenance landscapes: People are working longer hours and looking for ways to cut back on home and outdoor maintenance. Low-maintenance plantings, cutting back on the amount of grass you must mow and installing automatic irrigation systems are just a few of the low-maintenance landscaping strategies you can take to lessen your workload.
5) Pollinator gardens: Many gardeners are stepping up to the plate to protect our native bee species whose population has greatly declined due to pesticides, habitat loss or other ecological changes. Create pollinator gardens with the best bee plants and nesting habitats according to the particular native species you are trying to help.
6) Asymmetrical design: Abstract landscaping or asymmetrical design is key to creating landscaping results that are pleasing, artistic and free form. This gives a more natural and relaxed impression that is less dependent on the shape of your garden and more concentrated on creating unity through the use of a variety of elements such as rocks, plant and décor.
7) Secluded spaces: Secluded Garden Spots or garden rooms are a great way to build an outdoor sanctuary to escape the everyday stress of life. A quiet place to sit and ponder or read can be soothing and reinvigorating.
8) Creating a “staycation” spot: More and more families are creating an outdoor oasis in their backyard where they can enjoy each other’s company, nature and extend the square footage of their home. Creating outdoor kitchens, dining areas, recreation or living areas is a great way to have a place to staycation every weekend!
9) Making backyard structures focal points: The ambience of sharing a nice bottle of wine while relaxing outside with a roaring fire is one of the best ways to wind up a long day. Creating an outdoor space to focus on you is going to be one big trend going forward.
10) Making a notable first impression: The entrance to your home is the first and often the most lasting impression friends and family will get when visiting. Many homeowners are investing in landscaping combined with hardscaping to make that impression a good one.
11) Including unexpected elements in your arrangements: Get creative! A café table set next to a lily pond, a lighted stone bridge leading to a welcoming sitting area, a tall urn fountain – these unexpected features will wow visitors and sooth the soul.
12) Including food in landscapes of all sizes: When planning your landscaping, include plants that provide food, cover and water for wildlife. This will ensure a lively and thriving garden while providing much-needed habitat restoration.
13) Giving back with gardens: The ‘Giving Garden’ is trending as a way to give back to the community. Many organizations are encouraging the giving garden as a way to foster sustainable community values while making an immediate impact on food security.
14) Investing in furniture that lasts: Outdoor furniture is subject to many abusive natural elements, such as the sun’s rays, high winds, pelting rains and sleet. Many homeowners are looking for more durable and sustainable features in outdoor furniture, such as concrete, stainless steel, synthetic wicker or teak furniture, which is a dense, close-grained hardwood with a natural oil content that makes if resistant to the elements.
15) Pergolas: A pergola can provide protection from direct sunlight, yet allow air to circulate freely. This makes them a welcome respite from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. Making a pergola the perfect feature of an outdoor living space.
16) Pink hues Pink promises to be the most popular hue in landscaping this year. Picture a lovely English garden on a sunny spring day. Expect to see a lot of pink hued knockout roses, delphinium, carnations, dogwoods, hydrangea, foxglove and petunias.
17) Metals: Metal landscape edging, corrugated metal sculptures or tall privacy screens are finding a niche in the landscapes of today. Metal is durable and weathers well, why hasn’t this become a ‘thing’ much sooner?
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can help build a outdoor fireplace or fire pit to keep you warm over the winter months ahead. Give us a call today! 302-764-0408
Which Material is Best for Your Perfect Patio?
May 15, 2018Spring is the time our customers start thinking about installing a new deck or patio. A patio or outdoor living area is becoming a popular element for extending a home’s square footage and makes for spectacular entertaining.
Before starting a hardscaping project, it is wise to research the various options and materials available. It is best to look for materials that are safe and blend or contrast nicely with your home and surrounding landscape.
There is a wide variety of materials to choose from, and each has their own benefit. Some of the considerations to make when choosing your material are longevity, aesthetics, install method, maintenance, and cost. Our customers come to us with a variety of different needs and we wish to make the choices as clear and simple as possible:
Natural stone (typically referred to as flagstone or slate) is a very attractive material that holds up well to the elements. The color does not fade as much as many manufactured products and has a unique appeal. Someone who values a classic or rustic aesthetic might choose this product. It can be installed both with cement and polymeric sand joints. Versatility and looks make this material a great selection for any property.
Keep in mind that natural stone typically costs more because it has to be trucked in from a quarry. It can also take more time to install, hence upping your labor cost.
3 Ways to Prepare Your Patio for Spring
Concrete Pavers are the most popular recent addition to our material pallet. They are more cost effective than natural stone, yet still offer a similar aesthetic. There are a vast number of shapes, sizes, and colors available. It is important to do your research when determining which paver you will install in your yard. Not all manufacturers are alike.
While the material itself if more cost effective, the install is also easier due to their uniformity & therefore are more wallet friendly. This does not come without drawbacks however. You will need to be more mindful in terms of maintenance if you want your patio to keep its original luster if you choose this material. Polymeric sand joints need repaired every 3-5 years so that weeds do not grow in, and sealers can help to reduce the fading that occurs over time.
DiSabatino Landscaping Designs Beautiful Patios with Pergolas
Decorative Concrete is an old concept that has benefited from new install techniques in the past couple of decades. Options range from brushed finish (typical sidewalks) and exposed aggregate (tiny pebbles) to stamped concrete with synthetic designs printed onto them.
If you are not in love with man-made looking products this may not be for you. However, it is a highly durable and cost effective option that does not need a ton of maintenance.
At the end of the day, your patio must fit your family’s needs. It is important you know what you are committing to with whichever material or method you decide to go with and that you have a reputable installer to assist you with the process.
DiSabatino Landscaping is Delaware’s #1 Hardscape and Landscape Specialist. We can design an outdoor living environment that will add quality to your life and value to your home. Give us a call today! 302-764-0480
Did You Know DiSabatino Landscaping Designs Beautiful Patios With Pergolas?
December 19, 2017
DiSabatino Landscaping builds beautiful pergolas integrated expertly with custom designed patios and decks. A pergola can provide protection from direct sunlight, yet allow for air to circulate freely. This makes them a welcome respite from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun. Making them a perfect feature of an outdoor living space.
Check out this charming outdoor space that DiSabatino’s creative hardscape architects designed and installed for the Heald Property in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Notice the various gathering places, such as the awesome fire pit adjacent to the Italian Renaissance style pergola. Perfect for outdoor entertainment and enjoyment.
Transform Your Old Tired Pool into an Oasis
August 22, 2017
If your pool area has become worn cracked and overall uninviting, it might be time for a full makeover!
If your pool area has become worn cracked and overall uninviting, it might be time for a full makeover!Let DiSabatino transform your pool area into an inviting oasis that can make your backyard the envy of the neighborhood. Fall is a perfect time to remodel the hardscaping and landscaping surrounding your pool area, making your next pool season a huge success!
Check out this transformation we did on the Walsh property. Notice how we installed a beautiful slip proof decking, stone walls and waterfall with ambient lighting. Not only is this pool side more inviting, it’s a lot safer than the previous cement and wood decking conducive to slippage and other mishaps.
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