Landscaping Schmandscaping!

We don’t really give too much thought to landscaping until we buy a brand-new home or a one that needs a little TLC. In fact, unless you have a problem with your current landscaping, it’s likely you’re in the majority of people who have never hired a landscaper. Since I’m a designer who works with a lot of new home builds and I’ve recently renovated my home, I know a little something about it. To start with, there’s no real trick to finding a landscaper but if you don’t get on his or her radar before springtime, you can be in for a long wait. You’ll certainly want to use a company you know and one that’s been recommended. The next thing is knowing what a realistic budget is so make sure you get a few quotes. Both big and small, we have a plenty of landscaping companies right here in town and I’m going to feature a few for you this week.

Patera

I would guess that Patera is a mid to larger company and they work quite a bit with developers and builders. I’ve also seen them do work for individuals and it’s good. They install softscapes and hardscapes as well as firepits, fireplaces, water features and outdoor lighting. Most of their projects are at least mid-sized and from the look of them they are likely also bigger budget projects, but their work is good and because of that it might be a little harder to get on their schedule. Take a look at some of their work. https://www.pateralandscaping.com/

Lanoha

They are a large garden center as well as a landscaping company for residential and commercial jobs as well as a landscape and turf maintenance company. This is one of my favorite places to go for my projects because I can see what they’ll be planting or installing before it gets done. They have a professional design center ready to assist and I would say the primarily work with bigger budgets. In this case, you get what you pay for. They really do exquisite work. But be prepared to plan ahead. They are one of the more popular places in town and if you’re not the first one in line so-to-speak you may wait a bit. Again, it’s worth it in this case. https://lanohanurseries.com/

Jensen Gardens

Located in Springfield, Nebraska this awesome place also has a nursery where they grow what they use in their projects. They say they can design anything you can imagine, and I believe it. And in the winter, they transform into a snow removal company. Though they wear many hats, they really are focused on the job at hand. From landscapes to hardscapes, outdoor kitchens, poolside patios and more, they really do, do it all. I like their work, including their designs. Check them out for yourself at https://landscapeomaha.com/

Clear Creek Landscapes

This little gem is a smaller landscaping company and I’ve used them for mulch mounds and hardscaping. Their prices are competitive and they’re hard-working and reliable young people. But make no mistake, I think they would be great for any job, big or small including outdoor transformations like a kitchen or a brand-new patio entertainment space with a pergola. They give me competitive, written bids and a concept drawing ahead of time so that I know exactly what to expect. You should expect that from any reputable company. I’m happy to say that all their work has been spot on and creative. And they’re not budget snobs. They’ll help you work within any budget. Also, they warranty their plants which is especially important here in Nebraska. https://clearcreeklandscapes.com/

Springtime Transformations

Spring is near and it’s time to give some consideration to decorating for this time of year. Yes, we like to decorate for the holidays like St. Patrick’s Day and Easter but there’s some all over the house transformations that go on which celebrate the newness of this time of year. This week’s blog is about how to give your home a fresh new look with paint and fabric colors and patterns as well as with a beautiful and not necessarily high maintenance garden for the outdoors which translates into fragrant flowers for the indoors. Come along with me as we delve into all the tips and tricks for decorating to suit the season.

Pillows and Linens

A springtime must is changing out kitchen and bath towels, bedding, curtains, and putting out some new pillows. Pastels and brighter colors represent this time of year. Flowers blooming outside and matching colors inside. Go ahead and brighten it up. Paint that rooms that you’ve been putting off all winter and transform it into something that makes you say ahhhhhh. Use beautiful leafy or flowery patterns in your linens to make the house feel fresh and outdoorsy. And do not forget the curtains. You’ll want to use lighter weight fabrics to let the breezes flow through the open windows like linen along with those lighter colors. Darker colors are warm for winter and heavier fabrics keep you warm for winter. Putting out a new tablecloth that is lighter and brighter is a great and inexpensive way to spruce up the kitchen.

Plates and Dishes and Flatware…oh my!

Not into table linens? Try some chargers underneath plates and bowls to bring a new look to the table. Dinnerware can be something that you use all year long if you get it in a neutral color that matches all the seasons like white. Buy a few colorful bowls to throw in there with a vase of flowers and some colorful cloth napkins and your set for springtime. There are plenty of choice for silverware as well. Various metals like stainless and gold look and the choices in styles vary quite a bit as well. If you want to take the springtime theme to a new level, try some forks with handles that look like sticks. I’ve seen them around a lot and they definitely suit.

Speaking of Flowers

Most of us like a beautiful garden in theory but couldn’t grown one if our lives depended on it. Some of us are blessed with a green thumb as my grandmother used to put it. Whichever you are, there’s a way to get something pleasing to the eye. Now I personally happen to be the not so green thumb type. I hire someone to do some of the planting for me but that’s not friendly for all budgets. The way to get something pretty in the springtime is to plan ahead during the previous fall. I’m talking about bulbs. Tulips, irises, and daffodils are just a few of the types of flowers that can grown from bulbs. If you follow the directions and plant them during the right time of year, you’ll get gorgeous flows the next spring. Voila! And let’s talk ornamental grasses. Too many to name, these are the best way to take up space in your yard, add dimension and color as well as have add some softness to hardscaping. All you must do is cut them back in the spring and they do their own thing the rest of the year. And there are outdoor pots. If you don’t have the necessary creativity for these, buy them in plastic pots, and put the plastic pots into nice decorative pots so it looks as if you arranged them yourself. This one is my favorite hack. I’ve even gone so far as to bury the plastic pot in potting soil to disguise it.

Do Not Forget to Clean and Declutter

Last week’s blog was on the topic of cleaning and decluttering but I can’t say enough about it. There’s no point in decorating for spring in pursuit of a fresh new look when you have all the wintertime dirt and clutter still handing around. If you don’t want to do this bit yourself, most housekeeping companies provide a one time deep clean service and will happily do it for you. In fact, my service is Maid Brigade here in Omaha. I’ve used them for years and they do a great job plus they knock it all out in short order. As far as decluttering, there are professionals for that as well. Hire one and take the headache out of getting rid of the things you don’t need or use anymore. They’ll help make the decisions and they know how to get you organized.

Well…that’s my two cents on springtime design, décor and more. If you’d like to read more of my blogs or find out how we can help you find a home go to www.omahaprioritygroup.com