Warmer days have finally given way to the beginning of fall, and while the slight chill in the air might not be ideal for lush greenery or blossoming flowers, that doesn’t mean you need to close the doors on your outdoor landscape projects until next year. It's quite the contrary because you can still spruce up your lawn or garden with functional and aesthetic hardscape features.
Think about it: you can now enjoy crisp mornings or evenings in your Okanagan backyard with your feet up and a soothing cup of your favourite beverage. The right hardscaping will help you take advantage of this cozy season, and our team at Synergy Landscape has just the right ideas to inspire you. Let’s start with why hardscaping works well this time of year.
Why you should consider planning and installing your hardscape features now:
Save those hard-earned dollars: Fall and winter are generally slower business periods for landscaping companies. Slower seasons mean a dip in landscaping projects and demand for labour and raw materials. Since overall demand is less, so are costs. This means you stand to save costs on your project or implement an ornate design project at more reasonable rates than peak landscape seasons.
Shorter timelines: Since overall demand is low, the pressure faced by landscape companies in the Okanagan also goes down. This significantly lowers the time taken to acquire materials, and labour work can be completed without project clashes at a quicker, more efficient pace. So, you’ll be able to revel in your beautiful outdoor space before you know it!
Lower yard damage: As most plant beds start to go dormant with the cooler weather, the ground beneath will harden. Hence, it will be able to sustain efforts from equipment, excavation, and increased foot traffic, which means lower chances of damage to your space and better peace of mind.
Weed control: If you can relate to the struggle of dealing with pesky weeds throughout the warmer months, you’ll be relieved to read the next bit. Along with plants, weeds become dormant, too. Fall hardscaping like walkways, patios, and retaining walls will give you an edge against overbearing weeds, leaving no room for weeds to take up residence in those areas. Additionally, associated landscaping activities, such as mulching, will help squelch weed beds beneath before they become a menace come springtime. Synergy can take care of all these needs and more as a part of our landscape maintenance services.
Now that you know all the important ‘whys’, we can move on to the fun part of discussing potential hardscape features to spice up your space this season.
Build a firepit or outdoor fire place: Fancy some ooey-gooey s’mores at home? A fireplace would be perfect for you; not only does it amp up the coziness of your space, but it can also serve as the focal point in your garden or yard for when friends or family visit. The next best part is that when winter rolls around, you can enjoy extra warmth on icy days or nights. So, whether you choose to have a paver stone built-in fire pit or a custom-designed fireplace, the project will serve you well into the chilly season.
Repair your existing hardscape surfaces: The heat of summer and rainy periods can cause a bit of wear and tear on your hardscape features. Fall is the ideal time to look for any surface damage or cracks (walkways, patios, retaining walls, etc.) and carry out necessary repairs. This will help you avoid any further damage during freeze-thaw cycles. You would also benefit from applying sealant on these surfaces as an added layer of protection to keep your space looking fresh when spring approaches.
Refresh walkways and pathways: Garden paths and walkways always add a bit of charm and personality to your outdoor retreat. If you have existing pathways, it may be time to inspect them for repairs or consider replacing them with sturdier materials. This way, they will last through the winter months and look great for the seasons to come. You can even switch things up a bit by adding gravel and/or decorative stones for a fun touch.
Get those lights going: As the days get shorter and nights get longer, your space would look great with some ambient lighting setting the stage for relaxing fall evenings. If you’ve already got outdoor lighting set up, take this time to check if you need replacements or additional lighting installed. If you haven’t got lighting, some popular options are pathway lights, spotlights in and around shrubs or trees, or even some lanterns for a whimsical feel. All of these will help illuminate your outdoor space and create a functional, welcoming atmosphere.
If all of this feels like information overload or, all of a sudden, you have too many ideas and aren’t sure where to begin, our team at Synergy Landscape Design can help you out! Our landscape experts can handle everything from ideas to implementation to after-care services. So, give us a call or contact us through our website form, and we’ll help create the garden or backyard of your dreams.
Ready to dig deep and build sustainably? Synergy offers comprehensive landscape maintenance and design services in Kelowna and surrounding areas. We can take care of all your needs. Contact us and leaf your landscaping woes behind!