Category: landscape design

Hardy Shrubs Important to Landscape Design in Rockville MD

Hardy shrubs are an important addition to landscape design for your Rockville MD home.

There are at least 3 things you will want some hardy shrubs to do for your landscaping: provide visual depth, seasonal interest, and increased visits from wildlife (butterflies, birds, and other small animals)

You’ll want to stay away from high maintenance shrubs, and look for shrubs which are low maintenance, hardy for our zone, and can provide color and interest for 3- 4 seasons of the year.

Two Spring Starters
The Red Chokeberry is an easy to grow gorgeous shrub that attracts early butterflies and pollinators to the nectar of the white to light pink flower clusters that appear along the branches. The flowers are followed in late summer by abundant clusters of red berries that last through the fall and well into winter (these berries can be made into jams and jellies.) The glossy dark green leaves turn a brilliant red in fall.

The ‘Midwinter Fire’ Dogwood also has fragrant tiny white flowers appear in late spring that will attract butterflies. These flowers transform into clusters of dark purple berries in summer that are very attractive to birds. By the fall, there’s a golden foliage followed by branches and stems that start out yellow at the base of the plant and gradually turn bright orange, then to crimson red towards the tip of the plant.

An Early to Mid-Summer Starter
The Bottlebrush Buckeye is a great shade area shrub, and it blooms from early to mid-summer. This shrub white flowers with pink filaments that attract the attention of hummingbirds and butterflies. The   leaves change from bronze to dark green to shades of yellow in fall. 

A Midsummer Starter
The Smooth Hydrangea thrives in shady areas, and produces large pom-poms (up to 12 inches across). Blooming from midsummer to early fall, the pom-poms start out lime-green, change to cream, then to a brilliant white for weeks, then back to pale green in late summer before switching to a tan shade in fall. The pom-poms look great in dried flower arrangements.

For more information on including these and other gorgeous shrubs in the landscape design for your Rockville MD home, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed landscapes in Rockville MD and the rest of suburban Maryland that enhance our clients’ lifestyles and the beauty of their homes.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscape design, Rockville Md

Dark Colors Trending in Landscape Design for Silver Spring MD Homes

Dark colors are trending because they bring drama and eye-catching contrast to landscape design in Silver Spring MD.

Painting or staining fences, decks, pergolas, gazebos, lattice screens or home walls dark, neutral colors has an amazing effect on your landscape design. The dark colors

absorb the light, allowing plants in the foreground to reflect and radiate light. Plus, dark colors make anything brightly colored – flowers, plants, bushes, or furniture – “pop” against the darker colors.

If your yard seems like a “sea of green,” darker colors will also enable the eye to better see the differences in the green hues of plants and shrubs. Plumes that might otherwise be missed, along with the textures of leaves, will stand out in sharp contrast to the flat, dark colors.

Those dark colors sound a little scary to you? Dip your toes into this trend by adding black, charcoal gray, or dark brown window or balcony boxes. Add colorful plants to those boxes, and you’ll see the gorgeous contrast we’ve been talking about.

For more information on the latest trends in landscape design for your Silver Spring MD home, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed landscapes in Silver Spring MD that enhance our clients’ lifestyles and the beauty of their homes.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscape design, Silver Spring MD

Plan Your Low Maintenance Maryland Landscape

A lot of people have taken an interest in landscaping, and many have learned that they enjoy working in the yard. Others have also discovered that they hate working in the yard. Just because you don’t like working in the yard does not mean you cannot have a great looking landscape.

Planning the best landscape for your home will take into consideration the amount of maintenance that can be provided. Doing some of the maintenance work yourself may save some money, but there is a time cost involved.

Hiring someone to do all the maintenance on a high maintenance landscape design can be expensive. Finding the perfect balance is what an experienced landscape designer does.

The landscape designer can help you make choices of plants and shrubs that look great and fit the maintenance you want to offer. Maybe you have allergies and want a yard that will require fewer mowings or has less tree pollen. Be sure to discuss this with the landscape designer.

If you need to talk with an experienced landscape designer to see what is possible, be sure to call the Maryland landscape design experts at East Coast Landscape Design.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape design, Maryland, MD

Where To Start When Landscaping Your Maryland Home

If you are just starting with the landscaping at your Maryland home, be sure examine the older trees on your property to ensure they are safe and are not in danger of falling down. If you are unsure of the condition of your trees, you may want to contact us here at East Coast Landscape Design, so that can you ensure the safety of the property.

Once the safety concerns are taken care of the next item to consider is the overall design of the landscape and what use you want out of it. Want grassy areas to entertain guests? You will need a grass that can stand lots of foot traffic. Want an outdoor kitchen, or an area free from the pesky insects? This is what needs to be addressed during the initial planning stages.

If the project seems overwhelming to you, landscaping can be done in stages. The planning of the project is even more important when done in stages. You don’t want to put new grass in, and then need to drive a heavy truck across the new grass to deliver a load of stone for an outdoor kitchen and patio.

If you need help with the planning of your new landscape in Maryland, contact the landscape design experts at East Coast Landscape Design, we can help you get the yard of your dreams.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape design, Maryland

Make A Great First Impression With Your Maryland Landscaping

Many people put most of their landscaping efforts into their front yard. A front yard is noticed by more people, and it gives people their first impression of both the home, and the home’s owners.

A well-designed front yard landscape will not only showcase your home, it can also enhance the physical appearance of your home. Depending on the design and choice of plants, landscaping can be either high or low maintenance.

If you would like lots of color, but want as little maintenance work as possible, consider wildflowers for your yard or garden. You can purchase wildflower seeds at home improvement stores then scatter them over a large area or where planting other items might be difficult. This strategy results in many different colors and types of beautiful flowers. Additionally, you can turn them into delightful bouquets.

Your choice of which grass to use is dependent on the climate. In Maryland, some areas are very shady, some are very sunny. Also, some areas seem to collect water and be damp most of the time, while other areas are quite dry. Be sure to choose the right grass for the conditions at your property.

Want some help deciding which plants or what grass to use at your property? Contact the Maryland Landscaping experts at East Coast Landscape Design, we can help you plan the best landscaping for your home.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape contractor, landscape design, landscaping, Maryland

Maryland Commercial Landscaping: Make A Great First Impression With Your Business Appearance

Landscaping is an art form that requires a balance of artistic flair and technical know-how to do well. The canvas is the area around your business. Knowing what plants complement each other – not only with color but also bloom times and environmental needs. The way your business looks is the first impression you can make on your clients – be sure to make the best impression possible.

Here are some tips for you to consider when planning your businesses’ landscaping

Plant companion plants. These plants naturally work together to help each other repel pests and diseases. This can help you to have a healthier garden without the use of pesticides.

Use balance, not symmetry. A balanced distribution of plants creates a focal point, but the landscaping should never be symmetrical. For example, a large tree to the left of the garden can be balanced by two smaller trees to the right. This creates a much more desirable effect in the garden, whereas a symmetrical look appears completely unnatural.

Using peat moss is an excellent way to ensure your plants survive. This allows you to give nutrients to your plants that they potentially lack. Peat moss, when used as mulch, contrasts beautifully against the foliage of your plants.

Unsure if you want to chance the look of your business? Contact the landscaping experts at East Coast Landscape Design. We know Maryland’s climate, we know the plants that work best here in Maryland, and we are experts in helping you design the perfect look for your Maryland Commercial Landscaping.

Posted on Author adminCategories commercial landscaping, landscape contractor, landscape design, Maryland

Great Rockville MD Landscaping Tips For Your Home!

Landscaping a home has become one of the biggest desires that people have in today’s world. With all of the new techniques and progression over the past decade, some homes need a new look. If you are one of those people who feels like they could use some help landscaping their home, then you’re in luck. This article has a lot of advice that you can apply towards changing your Rockville MD landscaping.

Landscaping is more than just planting grasses and trees. To add texture and substance, look for opportunities to include wood, cement or iron structures. Elements like pergolas, retaining walls, fountains, and trellises are an easy way to add instant dimension to your Rockville MD landscaping. You can purchase these in many different price ranges to accommodate your budget.

You can save money by timing your purchases. Wait until winter to buy lumber and wait until later in the season to buy shrubs, mulch, or trees if possible. As new plants become available, wait a couple of years before purchasing them, so the prices will be lower.

Landscape according to how much time you can commit. While an elaborate landscape might look good on paper, remember that it requires constant upkeep. When designing your Rockville MD landscape think about your available time, your physical condition, and your budget. Only take on the responsibilities of a landscape that you can easily cope with.

Find alternative ways to get your materials. You can simply pick up stones on natural sites or purchase bricks from demolition sites. Some cities give out free mulch or lumber.

Now that you have a good idea of where to begin with your Rockville MD landscape or where you can improve on it, you should start writing what changes you want to make down. You want to have a clear understanding of what you want to change and then, gradually change your home’s landscape, until you’re pleased with your home’s appearance.

For more information on landscaping in Rockville MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. For over 30 years, East Coast Landscape Design has designed and installed landscape projects.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape contractor, landscape design, landscaping, Rockville Md

What Should I Do When I Landscape My Silver Spring MD Home?

Proper landscaping can add tremendous value and beauty to your Silver Spring MD home. The key to proper landscaping is education. If you ever feel that you need help, give us a call. We are here to help.

Choosing Plants in Silver Spring MD

Be careful when it comes to selecting your plants, this can have a huge effect on the success of your landscaping. Avoid placing plants in shady areas if they require a great deal of sunlight. Don’t plant a tree in an area where it can’t grow to its full capacity. A little extra effort means that you will have beautiful, healthy plants and an easily maintainable landscape.

Consider the Design

Think about whether or not you need to have a design for your Silver Spring MD project. You might save money in the long run by buying only the plants and materials you really need to achieve the landscaping you want – as specified by a good design.

Add Some Needed Silver Spring MD Walkways

If you are tired of seeing your beloved plants trampled by visitors, consider adding a footpath. Use brick, stone or wood to create a path that extends well beyond the boundaries of the area you wish to protect. A well-defined, wide path makes it clear which areas are safe as well as, which should not be trodden upon.

Maintain, Maintain, Maintain

Try to make sure that the height of your Silver Spring MD lawn is always between 2 and a half to 3 inches. Having your grass at this height will help protect it from sun and heat damage. Also, at this height, moisture will not evaporate as much as it would if it were taller.

For more information on landscaping in Silver Spring MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design, the Washington D.C. area’s leading licensed landscape design company. Located in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1979, the company has designed and installed landscape projects, including patios, outdoor kitchens, and driveways in Silver Spring MD.

Posted on Author adminCategories landscape design, landscaping, Silver Spring MD

Hardscapes Are Part of the Landscape Design of Your Bethesda MD Home

While it’s easy to overlook them, hardscapes are part of the overall landscape design of your Bethesda MD home. And the role that hardscapes play is an important one.

As a reminder, hardscapes are the hard, man-made surfaces that are part of your landscape. For example, driveways, patios, sidewalks, walkways, decks, pergolas, arbors, gazebos, brick fireplaces, fire rings, fencing, rocks, fountains, pools, and ponds are all hardscapes. (Some of these — fountains, pools, and ponds — are also known as water features.) These permanent parts of your landscape need ongoing maintenance and replacement in a timely fashion.

If your hardscapes look like they’ve seen way days – such as a cracked driveway or patio – your overall landscape design will suffer. Your flowers and trees may be beautiful, but your home will still be the neighborhood eyesore with that cracked up driveway.

For more information about hardscapes as a part of your landscape design in Bethesda MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. Our consultation will outline how to incorporate hardscapes into your landscape design, and plan for hardscape maintenance.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories Bethesda MD, landscape design

Landscape Design in Silver Spring MD is Key to Flood Prevention

The right landscape design plays an important role in flood prevention at your Silver Spring MD home. Why?
Yards flood when the rain water doesn’t drain properly, this is due to:

  • The wrong soil has been used in the yard
  • Soil is eroding
  • Slopes that drain water towards the home
  • Plants that don’t capture the water
  • A lack of water drainage through hardscaping
  • Water draining from a neighbor’s yard

The best time to install the right landscape design is during new home construction. However, if you’ve bought a home in Silver Spring MD that you’ve discovered is flood-prone, there are changes to your landscape design that can help.

For instance, a new landscape design would include thirsty flowers and other vegetation beds installed where water tends to pool. A new drainage system can collect water, and use gravity to drain it out to the street through underground pipes. Dry streambeds can create a path for the water, directing it away from your house. Retention ponds placed at the lowest part of your property can collect storm water runoff. Retaining walls can also be used to battle flooding in parts of your yard, or if the water is coming from a neighbor’s yard.
For more information on landscape design in Silver Spring, MD, that prevents home flooding, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. We use erosion control applications to Maryland state specifications. Our landscape design experts will outline how to protect your home and create a landscape that creates lasting beauty and value.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscape design, Silver Spring MD