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The Armagast Residence

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

the-armagast-residence-01 The owners wanted to create a backyard entertainment area for family and friends. Privacy, pool, outdoor kitchen, water features, fire pit, fishing, multiple seating areas and lush, colorful landscape areas were all very important. Crafting this design combined the needs and personal style of the client along with functionality in an aesthetically pleasing space.

Challenges were many. The house is situated on a 1300′ deep lot that is only 110′ wide, with one narrow access to the rear yard. The septic system could not be relocated forcing crews to work around it as well. An existing five acre pond was too shallow to support fish, which the owners wanted to add.

As project manager, we coordinated the installation of the pool, adding a new 400 amp electrical service, subpanels, and larger gas service. We buried thousands of feet of conduit, water lines, gas lines and drainage throughout the property. A gourmet, covered kitchen with built in heaters was built as a focal point to the backyard linking with the architecture of the home. Providing entertainment opportunities, a stereo system and lighting were also included.

the-armagast-residence-02 We began by clearing the front of the property. The existing edge of the pond in back was dug out. This provided a place for fish to be added. The clay removed from the pond was reused, by hauling it to the front to raise the grade by three feet. This eliminated the current drainage problem. In addition, 3000 yards of clay were hauled from the site.

The next challenge was to create a waterfall with views from three sides. The design was to have a 60,000 gallon waterfall flow towards the house and another 30,000 gallon waterfall flow to the pond in back. Smaller streams alongside were incorporated as offshoots to the main falls. This created a beautiful multi-sided view from the property, providing unity and balance converging as one.

Landscaping started with the installation of privacy hedges, creating an outdoor room atmosphere. Landscaping plantings were strategically placed to cover pool equipment and pumps used in the running of the waterfalls. Over 300 tons of moss covered boulders were utilized in this project. We also designed and built our own intake stand for the pump screen to keep them off the pond bottom. This prevented debris from entering the falls and streams.

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Large evergreens and trees were than planted to create a mature landscape. Unusual specimens such as Sweet Sarah Fir, Walnut Glen Spruce and a variety of Parviflora Pines were used. Hundreds of Sedums filled the nooks and crannies of the boulders and along the stream. As we proceeded, the owners enjoyed each and every project after its completion, swimming in the pool, climbing the waterfall, fishing, volleyball, fires and more…

Cravings

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Flowers Spring Winter

cravings-01 It’s March, that wonderful month when we are all sick and tired of winter, snow, and being stuck indoors. When we get occasional hints of what is to come with spring, but alas winter is there to bring us back down. So here we sit; craving color and wishing we had planted those bulbs we promised ourselves last fall but never got around to. There is no need to despair though. We have potted bulbs to install in your landscape including Allium. Allium are a dramatic flower that look like gigantic violet, purple, or white lollipops. Some Allium can be planted all season and will flower into fall.

Allium Millennium is about 12 inches tall and has 2 inch balloon-like, pink/ purple flowers that bloom from July-September. Allium Alba has a white flower and is a little taller, but blooms just as long. If you are looking for later blooms try Allium Ozawa. It is a little shorter in stature and begins blooming in September and runs until November when the red/purple flowers give way to stunning gold and orange foliage. Allium also make wonderful cut flowers in the home. That is; if you can bear not seeing them in your garden.

So as we stare out our windows or prepare to put on that big winter coat again think about what is lying in wait under the surface of the soil. As winter slowly fades to spring our weary souls can rejoice at what is to come whether it be in the ground already or needs to be planted this summer.

Backyard Paradise

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Fire Pit Spring

backyard-paradise-firepits Imagine sitting around the fire on a wonderful spring evening enjoying the company of family and friends. Fire, like water, attracts all of us like bees to a hive. Often the combination changes a home from ordinary to being the “go to” house. The neighbors and their kids will always want to be over reminiscing of fun times and creating new memories. The best part is always knowing where your own children are. They are at home!

A proper firepit installation is designed according to the grade and space available. The fire pit and the patio around it can be made using natural stone, bricks, or dimensional cut stone. A wall can also be built around the pit to be used as a seating area or a place to set your beverage or snack. Often our clients choose to have a gas line installed for a simple key start for the fire. No more singed eyebrows and empty cans of gasoline.

Be sure to have ample snacks and drinks on hand and you will be sure to have plenty of guests for years to come. The draw of an outdoor oasis is enormous. The kids will enjoy being home more and even when they are rambunctious teens they will be right outside safe and sound.

Family, friends, and fire. What a joy!

The Magic of Maples

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Maples Trees

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For drawing the center of attention from their beautiful structure in our winter landscape, the mind-blowing diversity of leaf shapes and vivid fall colors, nothing beats Japanese Maples. Whether you need a striking focal point to give your garden that extra wow factor or an anchor for your perennials and especially if you are pondering a treasure for a Japanese themed garden, look no further. Japanese Maples are unrivaled for textural elegance, architectural presence, changing foliage, and autumn brilliance. Japanese Maples have a long history dating back over 400 years in Japan. The first examples arrived in Europe around 1820 and later to America. Over the centuries over 1000 different varieties have been cultivated with names like Lion Head, Sieryu, Crimson Queen and Bloodgood just to name a few. The variations between varietals are astonishing. Some have leaves thin, thread-like leaves while other’s leaves are almost round. Colors range from various shades of green to purples and reds. Variegated (multiple colored leaves) varietals are also available. Today’s growers are still developing new Maples. One of our growers shared a story of how three specimens he created were dug up and stolen from his garden!

Small’s Featured in Landscape Contractor Magazine

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Hardscapes Water Feature

Open Space Becomes Hardscape Retreat
By Gregory Harris, LC/DBM

When the owners of Chicago Decking, Inc. wanted to provide their employees with a relaxing open space, they were fortunate to have a blank canvas to work with.

Nancy Marshall of Small’s Landscaping and her team turned the open space into a private retreat complete with a waterfall, fire pit and extensive trees and colorful plantings.

My Time With Oprah

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Oprah

With the recent retirement of Oprah Winfrey after 25 incredible years, I got to reminiscing about my time with her as one of Smalls Landscaping’s Clients. As a lot of folks know that Oprah was a client of ours, I have been often asked:

What Was it Like to Work for Oprah?
She was great to work for! Very straight forward – pretty much what you saw on television. She was a great client for 16 years before she moved.

Smalls Wins First-Place Honors From Indiana

Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Armagasts Awards

The Armagasts wanted to create a private backyard entertainment area with a pool, an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit, multiple seating areas, a fishing pond and dramatic water features surrounded by lush, colorful landscape areas. In their search for a qualified company, the Armagasts said they received multiple referrals to Smalls Landscaping in Valparaiso, Ind.

“Crafting this design required combining the needs and personal style of the client with functionality in an aesthetically pleasing space,” said Nancy Marshall, co-owner of the award-winning 10-year-old landscaping company, whose portfolio includes a landscaping project for Oprah Winfrey.