Blog

Capturing Nature Through Timeless Design™

Claudia

The Landfare Ltd. approach to design is very specific: we design and create outdoor living spaces that look and function beautifully and transcend time or trend. Our motto, Capturing Nature Through Timeless Design™, tells the story of what we do.

When we begin creating a landscape design we consider the home’s architecture because we believe outdoor living spaces must enhance not fight with that architecture. We look at the home’s interior design and the choices the homeowners have made because we believe moving from indoors to outdoors should be a seamless transition.

The selection of hardscape materials like pavers and bricks should look as if they have been part of the home’s design from the beginning, not an afterthought. Pools, spas and water features should help create the ambiance not distract from it. Planting materials must work together to bring color and life to each season.

We think of it as lovely symphony of design selections and professional installation that work together to create timeless outdoor environments for our clients. Each piece is carefully selected to ensure a beautiful finale!

It’s Almost Pool Time

Claudia

Pouring Concrete

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If you think pool construction stops in winter, you would be wrong. Our crews work year-round building, installing and creating amazing outdoor living spaces for our clients. These photos were taken just a few weeks ago, during a bone-chilling January cold and snow storm. Tenting covers the entire work area, heaters are brought it to keep the area a toasty 85º, and crews pour concrete over support rebar. About that rebar, Landfare Ltd. uses more than industry standards require – we work off a 12′ grid – in order to better reinforce the structure and ensure a beautiful concrete surface.

 

Ohio Invasive Plants Ruin Your Landscape

Claudia
Japanese Honeysuckle
Purple Loosestrife

While they may look innocent enough, maybe even beautiful, plants that have been labeled invasive by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will take over your landscape.  A new list of invasive plants was released November 30, 2017, and it is now illegal to sell those plants anywhere in Ohio. While most nurseries do not sell invasives, there may be some who still have them in inventory. Buyer beware!

These plants not only crowd out other plants, they can actually change the ecosystem in landscapes, around rivers and in woods. They takeover and choke other plantings that are important for birds and wildlife. Be aware that management of these invasive species is difficult and complex; obtain more detailed information before using controls such as herbicides.

Landfare Ltd. designers and crews are well-educated about the plants we incorporate in our landscape designs. Recently a new list of 38 invasive plants was announced.  Our clients can be assured we do not use these plants in our designs. We want our clients and friends to know which plants they should never purchase and, if found in their landscape, should contact a professional to properly manage the invasive plants.

Resources

This issue was featured in a January 2018 article in The Columbus Dispatch – read it here.

List of top ten invasive plants in Ohio on the ODNR website (includes photos of each).

See the list of 38 invasive plants on the Ohio Invasive Plant Council website.

 

Is Boxwood Blight Killing Your Plants?

Claudia

First discovered in 2011, boxwood blight has been found in the midwest. The spores from the blight can easily spread in to adjoining boxwoods, the soil and mulch.

Removing the diseased plant will not eliminate the problem in a typical landscape. Professional intervention to actually kill the spores may be needed.

Landfare Ltd. clients know they should call us whenever a boxwood that we have installed looks like this. Our crew will evaluate the plant to ensure there is no boxwood blight present. If the is blight, we will take the proper steps to remove and contain the problem.

We consistently share news and updates like this with our teams. The Horticultural Research Institute offers expert advise for professional landscape organizations. Learn more about boxwood blight here.

Photo courtesy of Margery Daughtrey, Cornell University

 

Values Statement

Claudia

We believe in team, togetherness and putting others first. We believe that alone we can
accomplish nothing of any value. We believe any organization that exists solely for itself is a failure. We believe we can find purpose beyond profit by living an honorable life at work and at home. By consistently practicing the following tenets we believe we can not only better serve our clients but also our families and our communities.

Nurture Relationships 

We believe that building and maintaining healthy relationships is both an essential work and a crowning achievement. If you place value on relationships and the people behind them, you will better understand life and find greater purpose.

Be Honest

There is no middle ground to this, you are either honest or not. Therefore, always do the right thing, particularly when no one is looking. Tell the truth, tell it early, and tell it yourself.

Embrace Selflessness

We insist that you check your ego and adopt a team mentality. Around here, we succeed as a team and we fail as team. Approach each day with humility and watch things work out for the better.

Promote Safety

There is no greater asset to any organization than its people. We must remain committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Remain Teachable

We believe that learning is never a finished work. Take criticism, admit when you are wrong, be willing to change course and see opportunity when faced with failure, move
forward with boldness and you will be unstoppable.

Timeless Design From The Ground Up

Claudia

This condo patio began with the precise placement of irregular limestone flagging that help to set a tropical mood. The custom designed copper water feature showcases large ferns and is illuminated for a brilliant evening display. The multi-textured plantings surrounding the patio include seasonal palm trees, arborvitae and succulents. The homeowner wanted their own Paradise Found and Landfare created it!

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Getting Ready For Summer Entertaining

Claudia

Our client is looking forward to entertaining family and friends this summer. Landfare Ltd. is building a fireplace and swimming pool as part of the outdoor living space we have designed for their home. Thought you may want to see some “behind the scenes” photos. We’ll show the completed project shots soon. We never stop working, no matter the season!