Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/landscaping.html

Sure ... We Can Do That For You!
June 2002
Dennis Strole, Johnson's Landscape Designer

    Landscaping has evolved tremendously since I first got started in
this business in the late '70s. Gone are the days of two upright
junipers on the corners of the house. Gone are the days of shearing
every plant into a globe or a cube, the thought of which puts fear into
the heart of every man. Gone, for the most part, are the rectangular
beds, replaced by sweeping, curvilinear shaped bedding areas, designed
to soften the right angles of the house.

    A cry for "low maintenance" now echoes from every customer I meet.
And although most homeowners have less time to work in the yard, many
are making the time to do more landscaping.

    While most homeowners address the front yard first, their best
efforts are often concentrated in the back yard. The key elements of
screening decks and patios for a little privacy, yet maintaining that
certain view to a focal point ranks high on most lists. We seem to spend
more time in the back yard and are willing to invest more time and money
to create an environment that is relaxing, attractive and easy to
maintain.

    Several things have been introduced over the last 15-20 years that
allow us this luxury. Dwarf and petite-size plant lists are becoming
longer every year. Their attributes include greater color selection
during the spring, summer and fall, accompanied by smaller,
easier-to-maintain mature sizes. Pond kits have been developed that take
the guess work out of creating a soothing water element within the
garden. Concrete block wall stones that look more like real stone have
made building retaining walls much more user-friendly. Low-voltage
lighting systems have improved not only in selection but in quality.

    Luckily, for my job security, not everyone wants to design or
install their own landscape. The overall appearance of a landscape
designed by a professional is still appreciated, especially by those who
have tried it themselves.

    The cost of installing a couple of shrubs in the wrong spot could
have paid for a one-hour on-site consultation with one of our designers.
We can save you money and frustration by correctly spacing shrubs and
trees to allow for future growth.

    In the landscape department we're often asked, "Do you do
_____________ (fill in the blank)?" The answer is almost always "yes."
And as far as installing ponds, patios, retaining walls, pathways,
nightlighting and landscaping É sure É we can do that for you!