As you peer out your living room window, you see beautiful humming birds testing the nectar in an array of Louisiana Iris’s. You look over to the right and see a family of Monarch butterflies playing as they occasionally land to feed on the Purple Coneflower patch. The sound of baby birds catch your attention as you notice the mother pulling a worm from your fertile landscape beds to feed to her young. You look to your left as you open the window, you hear the trickling of water flowing down the waterfall into the garden pond. You look into the pond and notice the orange and yellow Koi fish feeding on tiny insects. The array of vibrant flowering plants surround your pond. The boulders are nestled in and around the plant life.

Now, keeping that in mind, let me define landscape installation, the importance of proper landscape installation, and the process of installing landscapes.

First , What is landscape installation?

It is the process of installing plants, water features, rock formations, retaining walls, walkways and patios, and other outdoor structures in a manner where all facets of the landscape compliment each other. The staff, at NATURE BY DESIGN, follow industry standards established by the A.L.C.A., M.L.N.A., and A.P.L.D.

Second, What is so important about proper landscape installation?

Some consumers and businesses have landscape installed without consulting a landscape designer. Many times, it is necessary for the landscape work to be taken out because it does not work for a variety of reasons. Consulting a landscape designer to develop a master plan ( the drawing that represents the landscape and/or hardscape - decks, walkways, water gardens, retaining walls, etc.- to be installed ) can save a client money.

An appropriate landscape installation begins with evaluating the master plan to determine what changes will be needed in the grade. What soil amendments are needed and what plants have been selected that need to be installed.

Once the master plan has been analyzed for these elements, a landscape designer’s knowledge and experience are utilized to determine the appropriate installation approach. Proper landscape installation is the How To of landscaping. Much education, experience and hands on training are required in developing a successful landscape design. If someone’s background and experience is not sufficient for a project to be successful, plants, walkways, retaining walls, water gardens, stone structures, etc. will be improperly installed.

The landscape installation process begins with the hardscape portion of the landscape. The hardscapes of your landscape are the first features to be installed. Attention to detail is crucial to the overall success of your hardscape design. It is important to have a working knowledge regarding proper procedures of installing hardscape features. Proper installation insures the client problem free use for years to come. It is important to hire a professional in this field as you do in other fields such as a medical doctor when you are ill, an air conditioning specialist when you have this type of trouble.

The key to a beautiful and healthy landscape is the soil preparation. Therefore, the planting portion of the installation process begins with testing the soil in the proposed landscape area. The soil test provides information that helps the landscape designer know what soil amendments need to be added to ensure plants have the nutrients needed to grow successfully. Every plant needs different nutrients. When a variety of plants are being used, a common soil medium needs to be developed to address a variety of plant needs. These amendments are tilled into the soil at a depth of 12” to 18”. With the soil properly amended, we are ready to complete the landscape installation by installing the plants.

My sixteen years of experience has shown me that many consumers under evaluate the planting portion of the landscape installation process. Many people have said they thought that all that is necessary for a plant to be planted is to dig a hole and put the plant in it. I realize that a majority of these comments come from a lack of knowledge. I have researched the importance of the soil in planting. I found that when you have fertile farmland, this is most likely true; however, 99.9% of the time, we are not dealing with fertile farmland soil. When you look at the building industry, you will find that when a home or business is being constructed, the developers scrape off the healthy soil and replace it with a base suitable for building which is typically sand. When plants are installed in this type of environment, plants are more prone toward disease.

Remember, there is a wrong way and a right way to do everything. Our motto at NATURE BY DESIGN is “Doing it the right way the first time to Save you Time and Money.”


Here are what some of our clients say about us!

“...you and your crew did a great job!” J. Polk

“...it is a pleasure doing business with your company.” P. Epperson

“Thanks for the GREAT job you’ve done for us.” K. Payne

“Thanks for the great job. Everything looks wonderful!” G. Boucher

“I really appreciate all your hard work. Everything looks great!” M. Clark

“you did a great job and I appreciate you and your hard work!” H. Pointer

“Thank you so much for a job well done. We really appreciate it.” R. Belland

“Thank you very much for the pretty landscaping job and for expediting the process. We are very pleased with the work completed. Thank you again.” D. O’Toole

Landscape Services Offered

Water Gardens and Waterfalls

Retaining Walls

Landscapes

Outdoor Fireplaces

Outdoor Putting Greens and Artificial Grass

Erosion Control

French and Surface Drains

Stone Mailboxes

Flagstone Patios and Walkways

Fountains

Color Pots

Water Gardens and Waterfalls:

Can you imagine the sound of water trickling over natural stone on your property. This water feature will provide a natural feel to your home or business. Water Gardens are very therapeutic and fun. When installed properly, they are low maintenance and offer an escape at your home or business. A water garden can be designed and installed to fit just about any size or shape you can imagine. Add a waterfall, and viola, you are on your way to having a business retreat or backyard paradise.

Retaining Walls:

Retaining walls are created for a number of reasons. One reason for having a retaining wall built is to develop a more level lawn from an existing steep lawn. The second reason is to create accent landscape beds or elevation changes in your property to add variety. Third, you might have a soil erosion problem that can be addressed by installing a retaining wall. Retaining walls can be fabricated by using: dry stacked stone, mortared stone, landscape timbers, railroad ties, reinforced concrete, and concrete blocks. Typically, small retaining walls (4’ and under) do not require engineered drawings (codes vary from city to city).

Landscapes:

Are you looking for a landscape that sparks the interest of others? Something that really accents your home or place of business? We create landscapes that are well planned and include a variety of shapes, color, and textures. Designing a landscape is an art form. We start with a yard as the pallet and design something that is pleasing to the eye and senses. Landscaping can be a failure or a success. Those landscapes that are beautiful and successful require a special touch. For more info. see Frequently Asked Questions WHAT IS LANDSCAPE DESIGN?*

Outdoor Fireplaces:

In the Fall, when nights grow cooler, the smell of oak burning in a fireplace, brings back memories to most of us. To some, it reminds us of hunting, to others, a trip to the mountains or, the family gathering around for hot chocolate. A outdoor fireplace is a nice place to mingle with friends and family. It can be a great addition to a pool or any other outdoor gathering place. Some people like to add a cabana or outdoor room, where they can cook and socialize without the worry of having enough space in their home. We can explore this option. If you are interested in exploring this with us, drop us a line or give us a call to find out more!

Outdoor Putting Greens and Artificial Grass:

For all you golfers out there, wouldn’t it be nice to come home and practice your putting without going to the range? There are days you come home and tell yourself it is to late to go to the country club. Well, now in the privacy of your own home, you can practice your strokes by having a professionally installed putting green. The putting greens can be custom designed to fit a variety of shapes and spaces. Do you want to get fancy? Add a couple of bunkers and maybe a water feature. If you can dream it up, we can install it!

You who have a home or business that are tired of mowing the grass or have such a small area that it becomes a nuisance to manage. We can solve the problem by installing artificial turf. This turf is the same quality being used on professional athletic fields. No more mowing, fertilizing, watering, treating for pests and disease, unsightly mud and, it is green year-round. Artificial grass feels like grass but doesn’t require the high maintenance of grass. Don’t confuse it with outdoor carpet, you can see the difference. It pays for itself in a short period of time. It is backed by a 12 year prorated warranty. What more could you ask for? To find out more, email us and we will be glad to answer your questions and educate you about the new trend of artificial turf.

Erosion Control:

Typically erosion control is used in new construction, areas in which the issue of soil retention is addressed. According to federal ordinances, a silt barrier ( a woven polypropylene geotextile fabric) must be installed.

When properly installed, silt fencing controls sediment laden runoff in newly graded areas. A silt barrier helps contain overland flow. It also filters suspended soil particles from water, preventing environmental damage near construction sites. As sediment accumulates, silt fencing’s high tensile strength and low maintenance features allow continued excellent performance until vegetation is complete.

We install lightweight Erosion Control Blankets or E.C.B.’s .E.C.B.’s which utilizes the highest quality wood fiber combined with crimped polypropylene fibers. This is heat bonded to an accelerated photodegradable net. Erosion Control Blankets offer superior erosion control performance as well as a stable environment for seed germination. During seed germination, the E.C.B. helps protect seeds from harsh direct sunlight. The E.C.B. reduces the fluctuations in soil temperature, and retains moisture allowing for proper germination.

Surface Drains and French Drains

Surface drains and French Drains are used in different circumstances. Surface drains collect water that accumulates on the surface of the ground. Water that collects in a specific area is caused by water flowing from multiple swales in the terrain to a low spot. In this situation, you would want a surface drain installed. The purpose of a surface drain, is to direct water through a series of catch basins through a solid piece of PVC pipe to a discharge point.

A French drain is associated with subsurface moisture. Do you have areas on you property that seem to rarely dry out? First, you should contact a plumbing company and make sure you do not have a water leak. If a water leak is not present, a subsurface drain or French drain may be necessary to remove excessive moisture. The purpose for subsurface drainage is to maintain the water table at a specific level. The appropriate water table level will encourage desirable plant growth conditions. It also increases the usability of areas for recreational or other purposes, as well as helping prevent structural damage to foundations. Subsurface drains do not remove water plants need for growth, they only remove excessive water. Water available to plants is held in the soil by capillary, or surface tension forces, whereas excess water flows by gravity into the drains. Subsurface drainage is accomplished by means of a French Drain or prefabricated drain system laid in a continuous line at a specified depth and grade. Excessive water enters the drains through hydrostatic pressure and flows out by gravity.

ATTENTION: When designing subsurface systems for some soils or critical areas, a qualified engineer will be consulted. Special precautions my be necessary.

Stone Mailboxes:

Let’s take a trip back in time. Centuries ago, people use to build structures out of stone. Why? Well, they would last forever and some of those structure built during the Roman Empire are today as sturdy as they were back then. Why do we create structures out of stone these days? In addition to the sturdiness of a stone mailbox, this type of structure allows us to create a unique design. Many types of stone can be used to create a variety of styles and shapes. Are you interested in creating a flowerbed into the mailbox structure. No problem. Improve the value of your property by adding a stone mailbox today. You will be glad you did because it will last a lifetime!

Flagstone Patios and Walkways:

Flagstone walkways and patios are absolutely beautiful. Flagstone comes in many different colors and textures. Add a few Moss boulders to your landscape beds to accent your new walkway or patio. How about adding a stone border around your landscape beds. This is a great way to tie your flagstone walkway into the landscape design. Stone is a natural way to add texture, color, and beauty to accent your landscape and property. It lasts forever and it doesn’t need maintenance or watering. If you are interesting in creating a form of rock art that will last a lifetime, e-mail or call us today.

Fountains:

Fountains come in many different sizes, and colors. They look great nestled among the landscape. The sound of trickling water creates a calming effect within us. The sight of Cardinals, Blue Jays and other song birds bathing in the sun creates a mood of peace as you peer out your bay window or sit on your porch or deck. We want you to experience the effect that a fountain creates within your environment. Let us find a special fountain for your home or business today.

Color Pots:

Color pots are a great way to accent entrances, pool areas, or other social spaces. When designed properly, color pots can be miniature gardens with a vibrant splash of color. For those of you who would like to have fresh herbs at your fingertips, the addition of a color pot is a great way to accomplish this. Some people would rather have a color pot loaded with a variety of beautiful flowers. We will be glad to design a color pot garden for you. Or, if you would like to choose the colors, and/or plants we will be glad to create a mini flower garden for you. We have access to a large variety of flower pots as well as a variety of herbs and flowers. Contact us today and let’s get started!

FAQ Landscape Installation

What makes your company different when it comes to landscape installation?

How long does it take to install a landscape?

What if we choose a product that becomes impossible to get?

What do we receive to help us take care our new landscape?


What makes your company different when it comes to landscape installation?

Our staff at Nature By Design are committed to continued education and knowing the latest developments within the landscape industry. We belong to the Mississippi Nursery and Landscape Association (M.N.L.A.), Association of Professional Landscape Designers (A.P.L.D.), and Associated Landscape Contractors of America (A.L.C.A.). We are a licensed technician under the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce ( Bureau Of Plant Industries) LT# 522. We stress the importance of proper soil preparation. The soil is the foundation for the total landscape project. If the soil does not have adequate or the appropriate minerals, the plants will not flourish. The soil is a very important factor in retaining wall construction, garden pond development, walkway and patio installation, as well as crucial to the overall project success.

How long does it take to install a landscape?

As you have heard all your life when it comes to real estate, location, location, location. Well, in landscape installation, the key word is Patience, Patience, Patience. Once the contract and design have been agreed upon by you, the client, the installation process can begin. We send off soil samples which can take up to two weeks. We remove existing plants, structures, etc.. We pray the weather cooperates, the suppliers show up on time, and that unforeseen obstacles DO NOT show up. Once we start a project, we can then focus on the completion of that project in a expedient and professional manner. Our main focus is the quality of the work and not how fast can we complete the job. At times, it will be necessary to return damaged plants to the supplier. We are not going to install something at your business or residence that we ourselves would not have installed at our own house. So, however long it takes to do the landscape job right the first time involves many things. But, since I started out this paragraph with the word patience in response to the question of how long does it take to install a landscape, then, I know you will understand.

What if we choose a product that becomes impossible to get?

If, a product is chosen that becomes impossible to get, then, we will focus on a possible alternative. This rarely happens because of the access we have via the network of suppliers nationwide. Sometimes it may cost a little more to order it from Florida or California but, we want to give you the opportunity of having what you want. It is our goal to completely satisfy you. We will go to great lengths to accomplish this.

What do we receive to help us to know how to take care our new landscape?

Once a landscape job is completed, we will provide you a maintenance schedule. This schedule will explain watering specifications, pruning requirements, and special plant needs. Also, if you prefer, we can maintain your new landscape as well as provide you with lawn care.