Whatever the style of your Long Island, NY home, the landscape surrounding it should be a place to entertain or offer sanctuary. It can also add to the curb appeal and boost the selling price of your home when that time comes. Most important, however, is that the landscape reflects your tastes and caters to your intended use of these outdoor spaces. Whether you are starting a landscape build from scratch or are considering a remodel, here are some features worth including.
Patio
A patio is a place where you can enjoy the outdoors while you dine, entertain and relax. It’s an outdoor living space that should be as attractive and welcoming as the interior of your home. The concrete pavers available today will give you a patio that is as luxurious as it is practical - durable and easy to clean, while exhibiting all the texture and detail of natural stone. Of course, homeowners can always opt for the authentic product, installing a natural stone patio that will wow with its inherent charm and variety.
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Fire Pit
No outdoor entertainment area is complete without the warmth and dimension of a fire feature. The welcoming glow flickers across the patio on summer evenings, and when the weather cools, it provides the comfort you need to extend your use of the patio into the colder months. A fire pit is a fantastic choice of installation, offering the rustic charm of the camp fire that draws guests together effortlessly while leaving your outdoor spaces open and your view unimpeded.
Pergola
A comfortable outdoor space is wasted without shelter from the elements and nosy neighbors. Pergolas offer privacy while allowing air to drift through the space, in addition to providing shade and a structure for draping vines and creepers. Pergolas are as narrow as five feet wide, so you can cover only a portion of your patio or have both sides closed in. You could also use a pergola to enclose a private space in another part of your backyard, creating a secret garden getaway.
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Water Feature
Water features add serenity to your yard with movement and sound that engages the spirit as well as the mind. Running water is among the most soothing of sounds, with the added benefit of muffling unwanted ambient noise. An effective water feature can be as simple as a birdbath with a small fountain of running water, or as elaborate as a naturalistic waterfall complete with boulders and a pebbled stream. Homes with a modern bent need not sacrifice this feature for the sake of elegance, either, with a sheer minimalist waterfall the perfect complement to any contemporary design.
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Color
What is a landscape without a burst of color? Flowers that are bold and dramatic brighten the landscape and lift your spirits, whether in a plant bed, a hanging basket or a container. The garden phlox is a great choice for NY landscapes. They are as hardy and undemanding as they are colorful, with their stems easily resisting strong winds and the sudden blast of winter. The clusters of flowers range from pure white to deep purple, bright red to every shade of pink.
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