Photo courtesy of Cripple Creek
Gardens
To Every Season, Turn
Cold weather can’t put an end to your outdoor plans; dream them up in your head, put pencil to paper and realize it in actuality come spring.

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Photo courtesy of Audrie Seeley
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Photo courtesy of Cripple Creek
Top three photos courtesy of Landworks Studios
With the snow on the ground and the temperature in single digits, it’s hard to think about yard tools other than snow blowers, shovels and ice scrapers, but winter is the season to also start thinking about your landscaping plans. “Winter is a great time to interview landscape architects and designers, look at portfolios and get references,” says Carisa McMullen, landscape architect and founder of Landworks Studio.

Many area landscapers agree. During winter’s lull, you can develop a master plan and find the right professional for the job. “Start with a wish list, then the reality of the project,” advises Robert Bledsoe, landscape designer and founder of Cripple Creek Rock Company. “Look at your basic wants, needs and budget. If you know you want a pool with an outdoor fireplace and kitchen, you can plan and prepare for the future.” He recommends installing the pool first because it’s the biggest land disturbance. It also could save you money. A master plan allows the pros to give precedence and order, avoiding costly mistakes later. “With a master plan, we could have already put the pipes down for the fireplace, whereas, if the client would decide at a later date to put in the fireplace, it would cost more to put the pipes in after the pool was already in place.”

Creating a master plan requires you to think about your practical outdoor needs and wants. Inspiration for these projects can come from anywhere –– vacations, television or even a neighbor’s yard. “Take bits and pieces of the roads you’ve traveled and bring it to someone who can turn your thoughts into reality,” Robert says.

This person usually falls into one of three categories: landscape designers, landscape architects and landscape contractors. “Landscape designers look at the ground and plan it out,” Robert says. “We get your wish list ready.” Landscape designers are appropriate for most residential projects. But, “If the home has grading or drainage concerns or if new structures are something of interest, a landscape architect might be better suited for the project,” Carisa says. Landscape architects have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree and passed a licensing exam that ensures the health, safety and welfare of the public. Landscape designers might have an associate degree or a horticulture background. Landscape contractors are the third category of landscape artists. These people have the experience, but might lack the formal training of architects and designers.

Picking the right landscape artist for the project requires intense research. “Look at three or four completed projects and look at some under construction,” Robert advises. “Look at the quality of craftsmanship and if the site is well-organized and clean. Look at the old stuff. I send people to projects I completed in 1995.” He also suggests talking to previous clients about how their professional handled follow-ups. “It’s all about accountability,” Robert emphasizes.

Once you’ve selected your professional and determined your master plan, you can begin implementing hardscaping — the concrete, brick and stone that gives structure to your yard, such as pools, decks, waterfalls and fire pits. “Wintertime should be hardscaping time,” Robert says. “We can’t do plants now, but you can get the footing for a fireplace or pool. Then in the spring, you’re ready to plant instead of wasting the best time.”

“Winter is also a good time to start thinking about how you can contribute to the ‘green’ initiative,” Carisa says. “Rain gardens are one way to do your part. Rainwater is detained and filtered on your property before it reaches the storm water system, so cleaner water ends up in the storm sewer, creek or pond. A rain garden also provides a lot of unique planting options.” To find out more about rain gardens, go to www.rainkc.com.

Even though the actual planting won’t happen for a few more months, part of the master-planning phase should include plant planning. “Until the ground is thawed, homeowners can start thinking of plants and exposure,” says Julie Wendlandt, season color designer for Audrie Seeley and Company. An important part of plant planning is deciding whether to have a formal or natural landscape. “Formal landscaping has evergreens that are sheered and symmetrical,” Carisa explains. “Natural landscaping is more like what one would encounter on a hike or in a natural environment.”

Homeowners should choose flowers and shrubs that achieve the landscaping look they want. “Kansas City is in Zone 5, so we are limited to what’s hardy and can survive our changing seasons,” Julie says. A few plant species that thrive in this ever-changing climate include forsythia and burning bush shrubs; perennials, such as coreopsis, veronica and Black-eyed Susans; early spring blooming sweet violets and tulips; and summer blooming petunias, impatiens and begonias.

“It’s a good idea to choose a diverse plant palette,” Carisa says. “You want to ensure you have something interesting happening in your landscape year-round. This includes not just flower color, but leaf color in each season, texture and overall plant height.” A diverse landscape plan not only looks interesting, but it also protects plants from elimination because of unpredictable weather, disease or insect infestations.  

Whether it’s the foliage or fountain placement, each project is just as unique as the homeowners who design it. Therefore, good landscaping comes down to proper planning. “We’re creating functional pieces of living art,” Robert says. “It’s about creating a total outdoor lifestyle, not just a swimming pool.”