Florida Landscape Design

Baxter Digs His Hammock

                                            
Busy, busy, busy I am used to a landscaping season Florida just flip flops the time of year making this job my first steady winter gig in years.  Sure doesn't seem like winter with sunny skies and salt in the air, doubt that I will ever miss shoveling snow.

Garden Space Before Photo

                                           

Transformation In Progress

                                              
This was a fun design project, I have always been extremely fond of designing small spaces. It is a pleasure to work with a client who has the ability to see the vision and the good sense to let a designer lead the way.  The paver walk will unite the spaces in the backyard.

Before Photo Behind The Pool Cage

                              

No More Mowing

                                                   


Pavers install a bit easier in Florida, using the triangle of concrete as edging really locks in the sides, a little more difficult to hide but mulch works well.

Raphael Mulching Among The Crape Myrtle

                                 


Landscaping really changed the look of this house, the finishing touches of a make over that began almost two years ago.  A new design for the entire backyard and a
complete foundation planting of the road side, now screams curb appeal.

Clean Lines And Great Color, Oh Yeah

                                
Designing in Florida has it's challenges, I am still experiencing a learning curve. Having a great support team at Hazeltine Nurseries,  sharing ideas with five skilled designers, cad techs, an extremely knowledgeable nursery staff and  dedicated, professional installation crews makes for a smooth transition.  Hooray Hazelteam!



We Got It All

                                                      

Ready To Party

                                                       
Today Sean and crew will be on site to finish up some odds and ends on this project.  The clients have added on and tweaked a bit more to achieve the look they have dreamed about. They are having a bit of a battle with Florida's large birds of prey feasting on the fishes in their pond, the fake gator doesn't seem  to fool the cranes and herons.

Charm And Balance

A new paint job and landscaping all four sides of the house increase the charm of this canal side home in Port Charlotte.  Beds that were once full of weeds, dead or over grown shrubs are now filled with colorful, proven winner plants that will grow quickly and be easy to maintain.  Getting the irrigation system up and running again required a new pump and a major overhaul but ace technician Tony was up to the task. I can't wait to see this one fill in.

Ixora Will Add Drama

We transplanted the big Pony Tail Palm on the right side and extended the bed to include the existing Queen Palm on the left.  The clients work and travel so stone
and weed barrier were installed to keep down the chores, they love the new look.
The pool deck concrete wall is a dark gray and soon the newly planted white Ixora will stand out with glorious blooms against the background.

Auto Cad Comes Into My Life

Hummingbirds are missing from my Florida home but once I get the exterior painted I plan on putting up a couple of feeders.

These two morning doves were hatched and raised on the top corner of our hurricane shutters, this is the second nest that we have had this year.  The neighbor has the same event, these birds are very adaptable, certainly urban dwellers, guess if they can do it so can I.

Somebody Really Liked Stone

Currently I am wrapping up a proposal for this home in Englewood, the new owners liked some of the ideas the ex home owner had but upgrades are definitely needed.  The roadside facelift will include palms, bird of paradise, dwarf allamada and tropical appeal.

Putting Green

This never used putting green will give way to a fabulous paver patio that will include a pond, firepit, designer block seating benches and a oversize planter.

Existing Pond

The ponds that are currently in the back yard have a certain amount of charm and even a few fishes, but the construction technique was not very professional.   A pond expert will be installing the new pond and even managing the old fish during construction.  This site will be filled and compacted and the new pond location will afford a view virtually from every location,  it will be very sleek and set into the paver patio.

Current Gazebo

Proposed Pavilion 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The new pavilion will be 14 x 28' with a aluminum peaked roof, paver floor and a 3 x 8' granite serving table perched upon three Tremron block pillars, can't wait to see it complete.  The resident chef is picking out the grill which will tuck nicely behind the table.  I hope to be invited to the first BBQ.

Survey/Site Plan

Most projects start with the survey or site plan that are required for any construction.  If I get lucky the customer still has a site plan or if it is new construction one is obtained from the builder.  These plans are generally on a very small scale 1'=20' for function the plan is usually blown up to a larger scale, 1'=10' for many projects and even 1'=4' for smaller areas.

The next step is the actual creation of the lay out and selection of the plant material.  This process takes the most time and it is very important to continually work with the customer to assure you meeting their needs and style.  Outdoor living spaces are very personalized these days, there are just so many options and ideas.

Scott Draws Auto Cad

An exciting new dimension for me is the ability for my designs to be drawn professionally on auto cad, Hazeltine has two auto cad wizards and another in training.  Additionally the landscape architects can design and draw with these wonderful tools, me I still feel pretty comfortable with a pencil in my hand.

Groovy New Look For My Designs

I can't wait to present the proposal for this project next week.  We have worked hard on the design and tweaked it several times, I think the clients finally have what they have been dreaming about.

Digging These Fern Spores