Why Should I hire a Landscape Designer?

Have you asked yourself why should I hire a landscape designer? You wouldn’t build a new house without a plan. Your landscape and outdoor entertaining areas are no different. They need to function well with your home, your lifestyle, and the environment. A local landscape designer from the Orlando, Florida area helps visualize the protentional of your property, provides proper plant recommendations, and brings everything together in plan form to facilitate construction.

An experienced landscape designer, local to the Orlando Florida area understands the need to create something that looks like it was always that way. Working with the existing architectural features of your home and neighborhood in the Orlando Florida area is very important. For all my clients, I close my eyes and visualize how everything will look. I see them entertaining their family & friends. When they are looking outside their window- I want a smile to come to their face. When they marry their son or daughter in their backyard, will everything look right on that special day? Enjoyment and visualization are what a landscape designer provides.

You could go to a big box retailer and try to figure out what plants to use. A lot of plants are not suitable for our summer heat or will only last one season in the Orlando area. A quality landscape designer from Orlando recommends plants and materials that work in our climate. Providing shade to cool the house or plants that will help with erosion, these are ideas that a landscape designer can help you with.

An Orlando Florida landscape designer creates an installation plan that shows everything including plant sizes, placement, hardscape materials, etc. When the plan is installed, this makes it way easier. Everything is clear and concise, no surprises or mistakes. This provides less stress and gets you on track to enjoying your new landscape.

If you want to enjoy the outdoors and need help bringing it all together, call BLG Environmental Services, located in the Orlando, Florida area today!

 

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

Home Hardscape Design in Orlando – Learn What We Can Do For You

A client of BLG Environmental Services in Orlando Florida recently was in need of creating a backyard oasis for entertaining. This home hardscape design in Orlando included a large paver deck for parties, custom fireplace, seating wall, premium landscaping, and outdoor LED lighting. These elements maximized the back-yard space, provided an elegant focal point, and provided privacy from the surrounding neighbors.

Our Orlandoan hardscape designer and our team started by carefully excavating soil, grading, and installing decorative sandstone pavers. This gave the feeling of continuing the family room out into the yard. It was inviting and the color complimented the interior design.

The home hardscape design project in Orlando Florida continued with the installation of an 8ft custom gas fireplace and seating wall. This provided a stellar focal point from inside the home and a gathering place for family and friends on a cool night. Large specimen palms and bamboo were installed to create a lush backdrop. Smaller, colorful plantings were added to create a resort feel.

Finally, BLG’s hardscape designer and our team installed LED landscape lighting on all focal points including the fireplace, trees, and deck lights inside the retaining wall to bring the property alive at nighttime gatherings. This also provided visual depth at night from inside the house.

With a new outdoor room created on this home hardscape design Orlando Florida property the family will enjoy years of entertaining day and night.

If you have an Orlando Florida home in need of a backyard oasis call BLG today! Learn what we can for you.

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

Home Landscape Design Heathrow Florida

A client of BLG Environmental Services in Heathrow, Florida was in need of home landscape design for their 1-acre estate. They desired a new driveway and walkways, a mature lush landscape, and LED outdoor lighting. They wanted everything to blend well with the existing oaks and architectural features of their home.

Our yard designer and home landscape design team in Heathrow, Florida started by excavating the old driveway. 4,000 square feet of new rustic pavers were carefully installed. This included new walkways to access the backyard & parking areas and filling in flowerbeds that were prone to flooding. Underground drainage was also added to prevent erosion and move water effectively.

The Heathrow Florida home landscape design project continued with the installation of mature trees throughout the property to provide a mid-size compliment to the large oak trees. Carefully selected shrubs and groundcover were added to provide contrast and interest. Decorative pottery was also installed near the front door to add color and soften the paver driveway. An edible section was created which included various citrus and fruit trees to aid in fresh juice making. Organic mulch was then placed around all plants to hold moisture and reduce weeds.

Finally, the Heathrow yard designer installed LED landscape lighting on all focal points including large oaks, architectural home features, and the outdoor pool area to bring the property alive at nighttime gatherings.

With new updated ideas implemented on this home landscape design in Heathrow Florida the family will enjoy years of entertaining and artistic enjoyment day and night.

If you have a Heathrow Florida home in need of a new ideas call BLG today!

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

A Backyard Redesign in Lake Mary

A client of BLG Environmental Services employed our home landscape design team for a backyard redesign project in Lake Mary Florida. The client had a small backyard and was in need of creating a unique outdoor space. They desired backyard design ideas to create a rustic back drop for family gatherings. A playground area was also needed for their 3 young children.

Our Lake Mary, FL landscape designer and team started by removing the old landscape. BLG’s landscape design team then divided the backyard design into 3 distinct areas including a stone waterfall & landscape, green space, and a playground. Large boulders were then installed to raise the flowerbed and a custom stone waterfall was constructed to provide a stunning focal point from all angles. This also provided a calming sound that could be heard in the house when the back doors were open on cool days. Rustic plantings were added including holly trees, junipers, ornamental grasses, and a dash of seasonal color.

Our team then incorporated a green space for play days. This included new sod and irrigation to keep things looking great. The rest of the backyard design was completed with the addition of a good size playground space. This was comprised of playground cypress chips, swing set with a 2-story cedar fort, and a super-fast slide.

Finally, our Lake Mary Florida landscape designer strategically placed LED landscape lighting throughout the backyard design. This included highlighting the waterfall and trees for an incredible view from inside the house. This created an extension of the home into the backyard at night. Lighting was also added into the playground fort so the kids could play day and night.

If you have a Lake Mary Florida home in need of new backyard design ideas call BLG today!

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

An Orlando Home Designed With New Landscape Ideas

A client of BLG Environmental Services recently called upon us to come up with new landscape ideas for their Orlando, Florida home.  Their home was recently constructed but was in need of more backyard space including a retaining wall, paver deck, landscaping, and outdoor lighting. The home was in need of privacy, and more room for entertaining and enjoying the pool.

Our Orlando Florida yard designer and team started by carefully excavating soil and installing a decorative retaining wall. This provided more seating and deck space. Travertine stone pavers were then installed to expand the existing deck and provide more room for guests.

The BLG team then installed clumping bamboo that provided instand privacy with softness to balance the hardscape. Organic mulch was placed around all plants to hold moisture and reduce weeds. Drip irrigation was then installed to ensure hydration to all plants.

Finally, the backyard design team installed LED landscape lighting on all focal points including deck lights inside the retaining wall to bring the property alive at nighttime gatherings.

With new design ideas implemented on this home landscape design Orlando Florida property the family will enjoy years of entertaining and artistic enjoyment day and night.

If you have an Orlando Florida home in need of more entertaining space call BLG today!

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

Back Yard Home Hardscape Design and Landscape Design

A client of BLG Environmental Services in Orlando, Florida recently was building a new home and was in need of back yard home hardscape design and landscape design. The property had a small footprint that needed sophistication and interest to be created. This would provide an inviting back drop for family events and entertaining.

Our Orlando, FL hardscape designer and landscape team started by carefully installing a retaining wall to create more usable space. A decorative fireplace was then installed to provide a unique hardscape focal point for this Orlando, Florida home. Rustic pavers were installed on the lanai, walkways, and patio. Flagstone stepping stones and brown river rock were utilized for a natural walkway to an outdoor seating area.

The team finished the hardscape design project installing an aluminum trellis with decorative pottery on an existing wall. This included colorful bougainvillea and standard roses. This home hardscape element outside the kitchen window brought a smile to the homeowner and visual interest for her guests.

A landscape design was then created and installed that provided an instant sense of being in a garden. This included large trees & palms to provide privacy and balance with the large fireplace. Groundcover and perennials were added for softness. Finally, the hardscape design team installed LED landscape lighting for all trees & focal points. This created visual interest from inside the house at night.

With a unique home hardscape design implemented on this Orlando Florida home, the family has created an outside room that look like it has always been there.

If you have an Orlando, Florida home in need of a landscape & hardscape designer call BLG today!

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

Bamboo Landscape Design For Instant Privacy In a Tight Area

A longtime client of BLG Environmental Services located in Winter Park, Florida was in need of landscape design and irrigation design for their home. A new 2 story home was being built next door and would provide the new neighbors an unobstructed view into their pool area.

A landscape design solution for their Winter Park, FL home was needed that would provide instant privacy in a tight area. After careful consideration clumping bamboo was recommended and the BLG team located and secured beautiful blue bamboo measuring over 25 feet!

The BLG landscape design team upon delivery of these giants physically moved them into backyard with no machinery because of access issues. After careful planting, drip irrigation was installed to promote vigorous growth and ensure long-term privacy. The client in Winter Park, Florida was thrilled and can now enjoy their pool and outdoor areas in peace!

If you long for privacy in your Winter Park, Florida backyard and the Orlando, Fl area and are tired of watching your neighbor’s TV from inside your house call BLG for a free consultation today!

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

What is FNGLA and Why it is Important

I recently spent a day helping with a FNGLA event and reflected on how this organization helps the green industry in our state. The FNGLA brings professionalism to the landscape industry, continued training and education, and promotes the future of the industry.

FNGLA stands for Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (www.fngla.org). It is the state’s oldest nursery and landscape association forming in 1952. The association works to better the landscape industry and offers over 6 different certifications including FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer (FCLD). Study, devotion, & knowledge is required to pass the necessary exams. This includes physical demonstration of your abilities in regards to the specific certification. These professional designations help to raise the bar on the industry and add clarity to the public on who a professional really is.

All designations require continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain the certification. This requires members to grow and learn by attending educational seminars and training related to the landscape industry. This also helps members to remain connected to the industry and aware of any new efficiencies created.

The horticulture industry generates billions in revenue and directly employs hundreds of thousands in Florida. The FNGLA strives to communicate the importance of the environmental horticulture industry in our state. Through the commitment of its members to learn and be good stewards, this creates a group of professionals devoted to protecting our state’s resources. Opportunities and jobs are also created for today’s youth and new members to the green industry.

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

Landscape Design Ideas in Lake Mary, Florida

A BLG Environmental Services client in Lake Mary, Florida near Orlando, FL was in need of landscape design ideas including a pergola, brick paver patio, and landscaping. The property needed an outdoor room beside the pool and a patio for entertaining off of the guest house.

Our Lake Mary FL landscape designer and team members started by carefully installing a western red cedar pergola near the pool deck. This included large 8 x 8 posts and 2 layers of rafters to provide shade. A custom stain was applied to match existing architectural elements as well.   This created a cool escape from the pool to relax with friends. Coquina stone was installed around the pergola for a beach like feel.

The team continued the Lake Mary, Florida landscape project by carefully installing brick pavers to create a patio near the guest house. Walkways were also installed to provide access to the pool deck and pergola area.

Our BLG landscape designer then installed a landscape that complimented the existing oak trees and natural setting of the property. This included azaleas and natural groundcovers. Organic mulch was placed around all plants to hold moisture and reduce weeds. The irrigation system was also renovated to accommodate the new landscape.

With a new landscape design implemented on this Lake Mary, Florida estate in the Orlando Florida area the family will enjoy years of entertaining in their backyard.

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by

Big Box Retailer or Local Landscape Designer?

In a recent Saturday visit to a large home improvement store in Orlando, Florida, I couldn’t help notice a few things. As an Orlando landscape designer I’m always curious about quality, plant selection, and overall value for my clients. What are the differences between a big box retailer or a local landscape designer?

Overall most big box retailers in Orlando, Florida initially have a quality product. Once it reaches the store from the nursery, however, it’s the daily care that will determine the long-term health. If a large tree or plant sits out in the parking lot baking in the Florida sun, this will stress the plant. It may look good now, but might not transplant well into your landscape design. My company buys from the same nurseries that supply these retailers, however, your plants are at the nursery getting the proper care until they are delivered to your job site.

Landscape plants especially annuals and perennials have a shelf life. They can’t sit on aisle 3 like a lawn mower for years waiting to be sold. This means that at certain times of year, there are generally plants for sale  at the box box retailer that will be out of season or will die in the short term. These plants are moved up front to be sold first. There won’t be a sign telling you this.  Having an experienced local landscape designer who knows Orlando, Florida plant material will save money and hassle.

The prices at big box retailers can vary, however it amazes me how plants are sold for. In some cases, for the same price, or 10% more BLG Environmental Services can design, deliver, and install a quality landscape design in the Orlando Florida Area. No spending a whole day driving to 5 stores to get 40 of the same plant.

As a landscape designer my business is helping people achieve their goals with the landscape. This is done by installing a quality product, designed for their property, that will last for years to come.

Robert Burns, FCLD

FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer

/by