Category Archives: Connecticut landscaping

Using Annuals in the Landscape

At Designing Eden llc, the landscapes we design and install tend to have a lot of seasonal interest.  We accomplish this by using a mixture of various flowering trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcovers.  For most of our clients, that approach … Continue reading

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Moving a Tree in Kent, CT

Today we moved a tree for a client in Kent, CT.  This tree was the biggest I’ve moved so far with the new tractor/loader/backhoe.  Even with 4000 lbs. of lift, we were right at the upper limit with the machine … Continue reading

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Landscaping in Connecticut is Never Easy.

I’ve been landscaping in Connecticut for over 25 years.  Even after all these years, I still get nervous whenever I have to dig a trench or I have to get a large tree ball into a landscape.  Why? Because I’ve … Continue reading

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Critter Resistant Gas Plant Won’t Dissapoint As Long As You Have Patience

I’m a horticulture nut.  I’ve been to public gardens, private gardens and nurseries all over the world from the United States to Canada some Caribbean Islands, Europe, even Australia.  While traveling to nurseries and gardens around the globe, I’m always … Continue reading

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Brick and Granite Patio Installation in Redding, CT

Here is a brick and granite patio being installed in Redding, CT.  A design you don’t see everyday.  When discussing materials for patios with our landscape clients, I always suggest using materials that already exist on the property and house … Continue reading

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Landscape Renovation in Bridgewater, CT

I lot of people can put plants in the ground and a lot of people call themselves landscape designers but that doesn’t mean they are good at what they do.  I had an opportunity to redesign this landscape in Bridgewater, … Continue reading

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Progress Report of a Kent, Connecticut Wildflower Meadow.

In October 2009, we were hired to install a two acre wildflower meadow in Kent, CT.  The landscape plan, by the landscape architect, didn’t give any detail as to what his vision was for the meadow.  Not having any experience … Continue reading

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Landscapers just might be the best conditioned professionals.

It all started a couple months back when a friend decided to give me a present for my birthday.  To my surprise, I opened the present to find a ticket to the www.warriordash.com. My first thought was, what the heck … Continue reading

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Landscape Renovation in Bridgewater, CT

A lot of people can put plants in the ground and a lot of people call themselves landscape designers but that doesn’t mean they are good at what they do.  I had an opportunity to redesign this landscape in Bridgewater, … Continue reading

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The Right Plant in the Right Place. Smart Landscaping.

  I’ve witnessed a lot of silly things over the years when it comes to landscaping.  Some from weekend warriors but I’m sad to say that I’ve also witnessed a lot of things from ‘professional’ landscape companies.  From trimming trees … Continue reading

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How to Break a Rock.

I decided to move a building on our property so it could be turned into a chicken coop.  Before the move, I had to clear an area to accommodate the new building site.  What seemed so simple at the time … Continue reading

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Watch Your Garden For This Landscape Pest

Have you seen this plant? I’m sure you have.  Have you ever wondered why you have more of it spreading through your gardens and landscape every year.  The plant is Garlic Mustard, a landscape pest in Connecticut gardens.  If you … Continue reading

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The Support Group Behind Designing Eden

Article taken from the Designing Eden llc Inspirations newsletter Summer 2008. Horticulture and landscape design can be a challenge, even after 20+ years.  Just when you think you’ve seen it all, another project or situation comes along which is a … Continue reading

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Landscape Design in Bridgewater, CT: Getting the scale right.

We have a landscape design and installation project in Bridgewater, CT.   When designing the front entrance to the house, I thought it would be a nice touch to add a picket fence.  The thought behind the fence was that it … Continue reading

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Striking Plant Combination in Fairfield Landscape

I took this picture last year in one of the gardens we designed and installed in Fairfield, CT.  When designing a new landscape I try to position plants so their colors and textures can play off each other.  Most flowers … Continue reading

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Planning for Outdoor Entertaining in Washington, CT

This blog post comes to you through a recent conversation I had with a landscape client regarding an outdoor entertaining area.  I posed a question regarding use.  How did they plan to use this new outdoor room and with how … Continue reading

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Shoes for Landscaping. Bogs

As an owner of a landscape design and installation company, there isn’t much that impresses me when it comes to work wear.  The truth is, I’m rough on clothes, especially pants and shoes.  From developing tears in the front of … Continue reading

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Landscape Designs Connecticut

My drafting table was getting full and my file draws were stuffed with landscape designs.  After twenty plus years in the landscape design and installation business, it was time to clean house.  5 huge armfuls of landscape plans, as much … Continue reading

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Inspiration from a Landscape and Nursery Trade Show

I recently returned from a regional trade show.  Between the equipment, new products and lectures, these large shows are very inspirational.  I always love walking the trade show floor to see what’s new.  I get a kick out of the … Continue reading

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Native Landscape Planting New Milford, CT. A low maintenance, deer resistant garden.

When we bought the property, which would eventually become our home and the base for Designing Eden, we had quite a bit of woods on the 10 acres.  The woods were composed of both hardwoods and Red Pines.  Within a … Continue reading

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Landscape Installation: Dealing with Poor Soil in Bridgewater, CT Landscape

At Designing Eden we pride ourselves on our soil work prior to planting a new landscape.  Why?  Because 90% of plant problems occur below ground.  It’s my feeling that one of the most important parts of any new landscape is … Continue reading

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New Landscape for Historic Ridgefield, CT House

Here are pictures of a recent project we completed a couple of weeks ago.  The makeover included a new landscape and paint for a historic house in downtown Ridgefield, CT.  Our project included the removal of existing plants, transplanting some … Continue reading

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Landscape Design of Next Landscape Installation Project in Bridgewater, CT

This is a landscape plan for our next project in Bridgewater, CT.  The house is best described as a rambling a cape.  The new landscape involves landscaping around the original historic house as well as the new addition.  Notice the … Continue reading

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Functional Table or Landscape Focal Point?

I like this table.  I have a lot of boulders on my property so anything that utilizes boulders sparks my interest.  The problem is, even though it is a cool looking table, it might not be the most functional table.  … Continue reading

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Floating Flowers in a New Milford, CT Landscape

While maintaining a garden last week I needed to cut back a couple of Rose bushes.  Instead of tossing the few flowers left on the plant, I cut them off and floated them in the bird bath.  Designing Eden llc … Continue reading

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The Color Orange in a Poolside Garden Trumbull, CT

Planted a group of orange Coleus by the pool this summer.  I have to say I’m liking the orange foliage in relation to the burgundy Heuchera and red Astilbes it’s planted between.  It does clash with the pink Astilbe though.  … Continue reading

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Transitioning from Sun to Shade in a Formal Garden Trumbull, CT

When designing new landscapes, I often struggle with the area directly below trees.  Often times, at Designing Eden llc, we are installing trees at 2-4″ caliper and 10-18′ tall.  At some point, that tree will grow in height and cast … Continue reading

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Antique Granite Curb Installation New Milford, CT

Adding antique granite curbing to a property can do wonders to spruce up the front of a property.  We use these slabs for all types of things:  walkways, patios, stepping stones, bridges and steps to name a few.  The photo’s … Continue reading

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Landscape Design of a Formal Vegetable and Cutting Garden in Litchfield, CT

Above is a landscape design for a private residence in Litchfield, Connecticut. The design, for a backyard, includes an area for a chicken coop which doubles as a focal point, a formal cutting garden and vegetable garden. The formal gardens … Continue reading

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Time to clean out the bird houses. New Milford, CT

As the weather warms, don’t forget to clean out any bird houses on your property. Your birds will appreciate it and your houses will have a better chance of being occupied.

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Almost Spring

What a beautiful weekend. It almost felt like spring and boy I’m excited about that! I potted up over 70 plants on Saturday in 12″ Rootmaker’s to grow on to larger plants for the next couple of years. Fothergilla gardenii … Continue reading

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Wildflower Meadow Installation Kent, CT

The last project for the 2009 season for us at Designing Eden before the snow shut us down was a two acre wildflower meadow in Kent, CT. It was our first large scale meadow. Although it will take a couple … Continue reading

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Access under Walkways in the Garden. New Milford, CT

Running landscape lighting or irrigation under an existing walkway is always a challenge, especially if you didn’t plan for it ahead of time. One of the most important things you can do while planning your next walkway or patio project … Continue reading

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Small Space Gardening in Lakeville, CT

Just because space is limited, doesn’t mean you have to forgo a gardening space. Below is a small garden which was carved out of a patio space. The owners, who live overseas, typically only use the property for a short … Continue reading

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Weed Fabric

When you’re planning your next garden, some might think about installing weed fabric before planting. I personally don’t like weed fabric. We’ve renovated quite a few gardens over the years where weed fabric was once installed. As you can see … Continue reading

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Plants for Winter Interest:Form

No matter what the weather is like outside, choosing plants which have a unique form, structure, or growth habit makes sense when trying to extend the growing season. Here are some favorites which will light up the winter landscape. As … Continue reading

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Landscaping Might Be More Affordable Than You Think!

Have you ever thought about landscaping your property? Have you ever wondered whether you could afford everything you’re hoping to create? You can if you change your way of thinking. If you’re able to look at landscaping a different way, … Continue reading

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Ideas for Winter Interest in the Garden

Ilex verticillata Blue Princess Holly There are plenty of ways to extend the gardening season for our long Connecticut winters. One way is to add plants which hold berries well into the winter. Besides giving birds a needed treat, placing … Continue reading

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