Master Plans and Garden Design:
We utilize the Master Plan approach for our design and build process. Our garden design concepts are innovative, creative, artistic and responsive to our Client’s needs. We take an overall design approach to the outdoor living spaces. Builders won't construct homes one room at a time without the benefit of a plan for the entire house. We approach landscape construction and planting that
very same way.
With the Master Plan, we create the outdoor living environment that enhances your indoor living spaces. We’ll develop a Plan that aesthetically blends the architecture of the site and it's natural surroundings to create a design that is elegant, functional, sustainable, and most importantly, compatible with the life style of our Clients.
* Learn more about how the process works -Here-
We utilize the Master Plan approach for our design and build process. Our garden design concepts are innovative, creative, artistic and responsive to our Client’s needs. We take an overall design approach to the outdoor living spaces. Builders won't construct homes one room at a time without the benefit of a plan for the entire house. We approach landscape construction and planting that
very same way.
With the Master Plan, we create the outdoor living environment that enhances your indoor living spaces. We’ll develop a Plan that aesthetically blends the architecture of the site and it's natural surroundings to create a design that is elegant, functional, sustainable, and most importantly, compatible with the life style of our Clients.
* Learn more about how the process works -Here-
Construction Services:
Implementation and Production of your Master Plan -
Along with our dedication to designing it just right we build it just right! ... and we make the same kind of commitment to thought, quality and perfection in our construction and planting installations. Since our beginning, we've done it all and we've really honed our skill set along the
way. With over 40 years of experience in all facets of Landscape Construction, we've built a solid reputation as a proven performer. We combine our staff of skilled craftsman with the finest raw materials available to create beauty and add value to every completed project.
Of our 40-plus year design and build portfolio production - approximately 40% has been comprised of Plantings (Softscapes), 40% in Construction (Hardscapes) and the remaining 20% in Periodic Maintenance.
* Learn and see more -Here-
Maintenance Services:
Periodic Maintenance -
Following our meticulous build-outs we also offer quality periodic garden maintenance for our Clients and the Projects installed by us. We obviously know the designer's intent, and what's required to keep your landscape looking its awesome best... maintaining the integrety of your investment is our goal - a beautiful, healthy and thriving landscape that you'll continue to use and enjoy.
We can develop and coordinate a comprehensive landscape management and plant health care plan. This would include season-specific cleanups with mulching as required, periodic visits with pruning & weeding, seasonal flower design & planting, along with editing and enhancements as required.
* Learn more -Here-
Native Wildflower Meadows:
Native Meadows vs Traditional Lawns * Courtesy of Ernst Seeds
Environmental Considerations of Meadows Vs. Lawns
One of the most significant differences between meadows and traditional lawns is their ecological impact. Typically, lawns require higher resource inputs for maintenance and have limited environmental benefits. In contrast, meadows require fewer resource inputs while providing ecological uplift to a landscape.
Native Meadows Support Greater Biodiversity
Native meadows are rich ecosystems composed of a diverse mix of native wildflowers and grasses. They are an important source of food and shelter for many pollinator species such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
In contrast, traditional lawns consisting of a monoculture or blend of non-native grasses offer little to no habitat value for local wildlife. Lawns may support a few species, but they cannot match the ecological diversity of meadows.
Native Meadows Require Less Fertilizer, Water, and Pesticides
Typically, meadows require fewer fertilizer and pesticide inputs than lawns. Most native plants have modest nutrient requirements and thus are adapted to thrive on soils with poor fertility. Because they have evolved in the locations where they are being used, they are tolerant of naturally occurring disease and insect pests.
In contrast, lawns require regular fertilizer and herbicide applications to maintain their appearance, which can lead to runoff and contamination of nearby waterways.
The grasses and wildflowers of native meadows are better adapted to tolerate drought than traditional lawns. They have evolved without supplemental irrigation and have roots that seek out moisture deep in the soil. In contrast, during a drought, shallow rooted lawns require regular irrigation.
Native Meadows or Lawns More Ecologically Sustainable
If your primary concern is supporting your local ecosystem, native meadows are the more sustainable choice.
Meadows contribute to soil health by preventing erosion, improving water infiltration, and increasing organic matter in the soil. The diverse plant life promotes a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
Traditional lawns, with their shallow root systems, are less effective at promoting soil health. In addition, water infiltrates lawns at a slower rate than meadows.
Maintenance Requirements of Meadows Vs. Lawns
Another significant difference between meadows and lawns is their respective maintenance requirements.
Meadows are not no maintenance landscapes; they are low maintenance landscapes. A key part of this maintenance is weed control. Extra efforts made to monitor and control weeds in the early years of a meadow’s life will reduce the efforts needed in subsequent years.
Maintaining a lawn is a far more time-consuming task. They require frequent upkeep to maintain uniformity and aesthetics. For example, lawns generally require:
- Consistent watering of around 1” to 1.5” per week and much more during the germination or rooting phase.
- Weekly mowing to a consistent height during the growing season.
- Annual fertilizer application.
- Weed treatment with pre-emergent herbicides and spot treatments throughout the growing season.
- Aeration every 1-2 years to maintain soil health.
- Potential reseeding every 1-2 years to repair bare patches and keep grass thick and healthy.
Simply put, lawns are an artificial environment that generally doesn’t exist in nature. This means they’ll require constant intervention to maintain a healthy and visually uniform appearance.
Meadows Vs. Lawns (Conclusion)
Regarding ecological impact, maintenance requirements, and overall cost, meadows are a superior choice for anyone interested in a beautiful and sustainable landscape. However, lawns are not without their purpose. In fact, you can combine grass areas with a native plant meadow to enhance aesthetic appeal.
Ernst Seeds has everything we need! They have used decades of experience to design a variety of seed mixes for both large and small projects. Whether we’re establishing larger meadows in any variety of conditions, or just transforming smaller residential yards, you can always rely on our experience along with our partners at the Ernst Seed to provide expert guidance, input, and ultimately the quality finished product that you deserve.
* See more - Here on our Meadow page -
"... With dedication, imagination, creativity, careful planning, consideration of budget and most importantly Client involvement we can design, build and manage the landscape style that you want… the landscape style that complements the outdoor experience you would most like to achieve."
