1.) Sustainable Landscaping

Environmental awareness is on the rise and more people are interested learning how their daily choices impact the environment around them, including landscaping practices. The goal is to create landscapes that not only captivate the eye but also nurture our planet.

·         Water Conservation – Water-wise landscaping is a sustainable approach that conserves resources while maintaining beauty and functionality. Techniques such as xeriscaping incorporate drought-tolerant plants that thrive with minimal water. Pairing these with smart irrigation systems ensures precise watering, reducing waste and promoting healthy plant growth. By embracing these sustainable practices, you not only save water but also create an eco-friendly outdoor space that supports local ecosystems.

·         Enhancing Biodiversity in Landscaping – Creating landscapes that support biodiversity fosters healthier ecosystems. Incorporate native plants, which provide food and shelter for local wildlife, and add features like pollinator gardens to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Diverse plant selections, layered vegetation, and natural elements like water features or log piles create habitats for various species. By enhancing biodiversity, you contribute to a thriving environment that benefits both nature and your outdoor space.

·         Permeable Surfaces – Permeable surfaces are an eco-friendly solution for managing stormwater runoff. Materials like permeable pavers, gravel, or porous concrete allow water to soak into the ground, reducing flooding and replenishing groundwater.

These surfaces also filter pollutants, support plant health, and integrate seamlessly into driveways, patios, and pathways. By choosing permeable surfaces, you combine functionality with sustainability, enhancing both your landscape and the environment.

2.) Maximizing Functional Space & Backyard Retreats

A well-designed backyard combines beauty with purpose, creating a space you’ll love to use year-round. Functional landscaping incorporates features like outdoor kitchens, covered seating areas, fire pits, and play zones tailored to your lifestyle – a space designed for relaxation, entertainment, and beauty of the outdoors.

With thoughtful planning, your backyard can serve as an extension of your home, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or family activities. Enhance usability with pathways, lighting, and greenery that balance aesthetics and practicality.

3.) Wellness Spaces 

With health at the forefront, the trend of transforming backyards into wellness sanctuaries is flourishing, driven by homeowners’ desire for relaxation and holistic health at home. Wellness gardens, designed to promote mental and physical well-being, incorporate features like sensory plants, calming water elements and water features. Meanwhile, plunge pools and saunas are becoming staples in luxury outdoor living, offering rejuvenation and spa-like experiences just steps away from home. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on creating personal retreats that blend aesthetics with functionality, aligning with the modern lifestyle’s focus on self-care and outdoor living.

4.) Embracing Native Plants and Local Flora

In the Pacific Northwest, the use of native plants takes center stage. Not only do these plants introduce natural diversity, but they also benefit local wildlife and reduce the need for watering. Consider shrubs like an Evergreen Huckleberry (Vaccinium Ovatum), Twig Dogwood (Cornus Stolonifera), or Sword Fern (Polystichum) and if you’re looking for tree options look at Strawberry Tree (Arbutus Menziesii) or Vine Maple (Acer Circinatum). These low-maintenance options adapt well to the region, requiring less water and care, making them perfect for sustainable and beautiful residential landscaping.

5.) Edible Gardens

Edible gardens are gaining popularity, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetics. Folks are integrating edible plants into their landscape and vegetable and herb plants into raised garden beds that add both visual and practical appeal.

As we step into 2024, these trends present exciting opportunities to transform our landscapes into visually stunning, sustainable havens that harmonize with the local environment. Whether contemplating a complete landscape overhaul or considering a few updates, these trends offer a wealth of inspiration for the year ahead.

Thinking about updating your outdoor landscaping for 2025?

Malone’s Landscape has been designing, building, and maintaining beautiful outdoor living spaces for over 30 years. Our talented team has the experience and expertise you can rely on and a local name you can trust. Contact us today for a free consultation or site walk of your commercial property. We are ready to make your dreams a reality!

Extending your home’s functional space with a covered patio is a fantastic way to enhance your outdoor living experience, make the most out of the usable space in your backyard, increase property value, and create a versatile area for all types of gatherings. Whether you’re looking to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the beauty of your outdoor surroundings, a covered patio can offer numerous benefits.

Advantages of a Covered Patio

A covered patio provides shelter from the sun, rain, and other weather elements, allowing you to use the space year-round. It also effectively expands your living area, providing extra room for dining, lounging, or even setting up an outdoor kitchen. The space can serve multiple purposes, such as hosting family gatherings, parties, or just providing a cozy spot for reading or relaxation.

A well-designed covered patio can also boost your property’s value and appeal to potential buyers if you decide to sell in the future.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Covered Patio

There are some things you should know about how to build a patio before you get started. Incorporating the following tips and ideas into your covered patio project will ensure that you not only extend your home’s functional space but also create a welcoming outdoor oasis for you and your family to enjoy for years to come.

Design Considerations

Plan the layout and design carefully. Consider the size, shape, and location of your patio. Think about how it will blend with the existing architecture of your home.

Cover
Patio cover options include a retractable awning, pergola, or a fixed roof. Some things to consider when choosing the type of cover are the architectural style of your house, your budget, the building materials available in your region, the orientation of the patio to the sun, and the size and scale of the patio and overhead.

Material Selection
Choose durable and weather-resistant materials for your patio, such as concrete, pavers, or natural stone for the flooring. For the cover, options include wood, metal, or even a combination of materials.

Furniture and Décor
Selecting outdoor patio furniture that suits your style and needs will help you create the perfect outdoor living room. Invest in comfortable seating, tables, and outdoor rugs. Decorate with cushions, throw pillows, and potted plants to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Lighting
Incorporate outdoor lighting to extend the usability of your covered patio into the evening. Options include string lights, lanterns, wall sconces, or even built-in fixtures for a more permanent solution.

Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help keep the space cool during hot summer days and create a gentle breeze.

Shade Options
Depending on the amount of sun that hits your backyard and your personal preferences, you can add additional shade elements like retractable awnings, pergolas, or outdoor curtains.

Outdoor Kitchen or Grill
If you enjoy cooking outdoors, consider adding an outdoor kitchen or a built-in grill to your covered patio. This can enhance your entertainment capabilities.

Privacy
Consider privacy screens, lattice, or landscaping elements to create a more secluded and intimate space.

Heating
For cooler seasons, consider adding heating elements to your covered patio such as a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. Outdoor heaters can also be set up.
Before starting your covered patio project, it’s essential to check local building codes and obtain any necessary permits. Consulting with a professional contractor or architect is a great way to design a functional and beautiful space that suits your needs and budget.

Trust Malone’s Landscape with Your New Covered Patio
There are so many benefits to adding a covered patio to your home. We’ll take care of the design, construction, and even the permits. All you have to do is decide what your first outdoor gathering will be with your new covered patio. Contact us today to get started.

While we’re not tax experts, and you should speak to your own tax professional before making any decisions, we want to share some things we’ve learned over the years. These are great things to bring up with your accountant as you prepare for another year of filing taxes.

Working at Home

If you, like many others, have transitioned to working from home, you get a deduction on your taxes for the percentage of your home that you use for your office. That percentage then applies to what you pay for the home, which can include landscaping.

That may seem like a surprise for those of you who are office workers but imagine someone running a daycare center from their home or having clients come to meetings at their home. In these cases, the look and functionality of your landscaping matters to your business. In the case of the daycare center, the landscape could even be damaged by the business.

If your yard is regularly used for business, speak to your accountant about how to track that. For instance, you could run a doggy daycare. In that case, you need your yard for your business and may see some damage to that yard that is tax deductible.

Rented Properties

If you’re a landlord or property manager, there may be some landscaping that can be tax deductible. The IRS may consider landscaping part of your capital investment, but it could also be looped into other household repairs. You’ll want to chat with your tax advisor and keep good records of any repairs or landscaping made throughout the year.

One thing to remember, though, is that the deductions here mostly apply to repairs and maintenance. They don’t apply to improvements. It might be great to add a pool or some new greenery, but that’s not a necessary expense which likely means it won’t be deductible.

Improving Accessibility

One way that you can improve your landscaping and still make it deductible is by improving accessibility for people with disabilities. This deduction could apply to any business that has visitors. If your property isn’t currently accessible to someone in a wheelchair, you can make it more accessible and possibly deduct that expense. That includes things like adding in ramps or making a current ramp less steep. You could even widen walkways.

It’s always a good idea to look into how you might make your business more accessible to a larger number of people. If you haven’t looked into that in a while, this might be a good year to make some plans to adjust things so you can become more accessible.

Landscaping Plans For The New Year?

Did you start the year with some landscaping projects in mind? If so, get on our calendars today. We can start planning things out and make sure that everything can be accomplished for you by the time you need it.

Reach out to us to get started.

8 Steps to Prepare Your Landscape for Winter

With colder temperatures upon us, the holidays are a good time to get back outside and prepare your lawn and landscape for the upcoming new year. Not sure how to start? Don’t sweat it! Check out our top eight tips for winterizing your landscape below.

1. Aerate — Worried about your lawn lasting through the winter? Aeration is key to helping it grow back healthy and lush. Aeration is basically a fancy way of saying: Give your lawn some room to breathe! As winter creeps in, it’s important to aerate your lawn or turf by breaking up tightly packed soil so that proper nutrients and hydration get down to plants’ roots. We recommend aerating your landscape at the same time as you begin your winter fertilization process.
2. Fertilize — Speaking of fertilization … don’t skip this important step in winterizing your landscape! Fertilizing your lawn in mid- to late-fall will result in a healthier and more long-lasting turf when warm weather returns. Think of it this way: By fertilizing now, you may save yourself more time and money on fertilization later.
3. Rake — This one might seem obvious, but it’s a step many people forget or simply don’t think is important. Raking up fallen leaves helps ensure proper hydration can reach your grass, soil and plants’ roots during the winter. The more leaves that cover your landscaping, the less likely it is that water and nutrients will find their way beneath the surface of the leaves where they’re needed most.
4. Weed — Weeds also get in the way of nature’s winter rejuvenation process. Unwanted weeds don’t just pop up in the spring and summer months, and letting them stick around all winter is sure to result in a headache come spring. Before you lock up the shed for the season, be sure to tend to cracks, corners and other forgotten areas of your landscape where weeds tend to sprout. After spraying and/or pulling them from the root, double check that those pesky weeds are indeed dead, so that you don’t have to deal with them again next season.
5. Prune — Pruning is one of the most important steps in ensuring your lush landscape and fresh foliage grows back as intended after winter wraps. As a general rule of thumb, prune back perennials and remove annuals altogether. Pruning trees in the winter is ideal while they are dormant but be sure to call on a professional if you need help.
6. Mulch — Protecting trees, shrubs, and your most-prized plants is as easy as laying down mulch or pine straw before the first snowfall. Mulch acts as a barrier to keep plants and their roots warm as temperatures drop, helping them retain much-needed moisture. Typically, we recommend about two inches of mulch to avoid erosion, water loss, and excessive weed growth on your landscape.
7. Prep — Once you’ve checked off boxes 1–6, all that’s left is to prepare for snow. Even if snow is rare in your neck of the woods, it’s better to be safe than sorry. And since there’s no way to know what Jack Frost has up his sleeve, we recommend trying out this tip: Wrap wire mesh (also called hardware cloth) around the base of young trees and shrubs to keep animals and ice at bay.
8. Winterize — Last, but not least, it’s time to winterize your irrigation system. We’ve talked about the importance of irrigation for landscaping before, and now is the time to put your plan into motion. First, shut off your water. Then, completely empty any and all drains in your irrigation system so that water doesn’t freeze inside. We suggest using an air compressor to blow out all of the water in your irrigation lines and you may want to hire a professional like Malone’s Landscape to do it for you. Make sure your controller is turned off and your double check valve is drained and prepped for winter. Finally, insulate any above-ground components so they’ll start back up with ease in the spring. If you have questions, a trained professional can help.

Prep Like a Pro

Speaking of professionals… with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to prepping your landscape for winter just like a pro! Even though the view changes a little come winter, you can enjoy your landscape design all year round when you take care of it. And if you need a little help, just call on the team at Malone’s Landscape. We’re here to help!

On the 12th day of landscaping, my designers gave to me…

1. Elaborate Entrances

You know the houses. Rooftops strung with lights. Lawns decorated with ornaments. Entrances adorned with fresh greenery. Nothing says “Tis the season” quite like festive curb appeal, so whether it’s the front door or an archway in front of your garden, take advantage of the focal point and “holidize” it with all things holly and jolly, such as…

2. Wreaths

Wreaths are a holiday staple. They serve as a centerpiece for doors, outdoor shelters, and anywhere else that needs a little extra “oomph” for the season. Here at Malone’s, we love the possibilities that wreaths present. You can take your pick of pre-made wreaths or use a variety of fresh flora to create a design that complements your style. In addition to your go-to greens and holly, incorporate other plants from your yard to make holiday wreaths look like a natural element of your landscape design.

3. Garland

Garland is another Christmas-time classic, and it’s in no short supply! Adding a touch of these winter greens truly elevates any space. If you have an outdoor kitchen, consider hanging garland around the perimeter of the room, where the ceiling meets the wall. Or, add festive flair to outdoor fireplaces, pool houses or other gathering spaces.

4. Gathering Spaces

Speaking of gathering spaces… For many, the holidays mean time spent with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting or just looking to spend a little more of the season outside, an outdoor gathering space is ideal for all holiday happenings. Need ideas? Your gathering space could be an outdoor kitchen, living room or a warm, crackling fire.

5. Lights

It wouldn’t be a holiday landscaping list without a nod to lights. Around here, we’re big fans of lights all year, but the holidays are a welcome excuse to brighten up the backyard even more. If your annual routine involves digging out the ladder, wobbling across the roof and inevitably stapling a piece of your sleeve a la Christmas Vacation, lean on us to help you design an outdoor landscape fit for LED lights of epic proportions.

6. Fire Fixtures

Yet another tried-and-true way to introduce light to your landscaping is with fire. Maybe it’s a built-in fireplace in your outdoor gathering space, big enough for Santa and his elves to squeeze through and warm enough to keep family cozy all night. Or, maybe you want the rustic look and feel that fire pits offer. Whatever you want, we’ve got it.

7. Porch Pots

It’s no secret that winter isn’t the best time for digging and planting (that’s what spring is for) but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring new plants and landscaping ideas into your space this season. Just like wreaths, porch pots breathe new life into your landscaping with festive, winter-proof plants… without the need to overhaul your whole yard.

8. Tabletop Trees

Another option? Tabletop trees. Yep, we said it. Rethink the whole “decorating a tree” thing when it comes to outdoor living. An easy way to spruce up your space is by topping outdoor tables with tiny trees. These can take the place of warm-weather plants you potted, or simply serve as an extra-festive centerpiece for outdoor fare.

9. Lawn Ornaments

At Malone’s, we’re all about elevating your landscaping. From plants to pools to covered patios, our team is passionate about bringing your wildest design dreams to life. During the holidays, that just might mean… ornaments! We know what you’re thinking, and don’t worry. Lawn ornaments don’t have to be tacky. They can be as simple as a statue or gargoyle in the garden, or large ornamental light fixtures.

10. Heather

Heather is a winter-blooming, evergreen plant that comes in hues of pink, purple, red and white to add a little whimsy and color to your landscape. Heather is a great option for those of us in the Pacific Northwest, but what’s even better is that it’s bee-friendly, too! The pollinators in your neighborhood will thank you for planting a pollen-producing plant in winter, and you’ll be grateful for its low-maintenance needs. It’s a win-win.

11. Holly

Another holiday fave is holly, of course! You’ve seen this bright red berry used in holiday landscaping for years. Holly berries are shiny, small and can serve as a perfect add-in to wreaths and garland. Holly is a winter berry, which means you can leave it outside all season without worrying about it freezing or going bad. And speaking of winter berries…

12. Winterberry

You guessed it. Winterberry is another fave for holiday landscaping. When it comes to winter projects, choosing plants and materials that can withstand cooler temps is absolutely essential, which means the red-orange winterberry is your new best friend.

Happy Holidizing!

It’s never too early to start holidizing your landscaping. Whether you’re ready to overhaul your outdoor space or just add a touch or two of tinsel, Malone’s is ready to answer your questions and break ground on your next project. Give us a call today.

Fall Plantings That Bring the Color

When you think of fall, you might think of oranges, yellows and reds. But this season, we invite you to go all out by expanding your color palette to include crisp greens and earthy neutrals, too. Or add a little extra texture and depth with wooden furniture and accent pieces. The sky’s the limit, but here are some ideas to get you off the ground:

Step 1: Audit Your Autumn Plans

First things first: Figure out how you plan to spend your time outdoors this season. What do you enjoy doing when the weather gets chilly? Are you big into bonfires, or are you more of the backyard-tailgate-and-watch-party type? When you know what you want to get up to, it’s easy to determine which plantings will make sense in your space.

Step 2: Make Friends with Fall Foliage

OK, so you know you’re ready to freshen up your landscape for fall, but now comes the “hard” part… figuring out which plants help bring that fall vibe to life in your backyard! Lucky for you, it doesn’t have to be hard at all. Here are five of our favorite fall plants:

1. Echinacea — From midsummer through fall, this durable flower brings all your favorite shades of fall into your space, from orange to red to deep pink. Bonus: Echinacea attracts butterflies, which bring even more color to your backyard!
2. Rudbeckia — Think “scaled-back sunflower” when you think of Rudbeckia. This small, yellow-petaled flower has a brown center that looks right at home next to Echinacea and other fall foliage. Rudbeckia is often planted around the edge of gardens or cement paving, giving it a reputation as a great “border” flower.
3. Japanese Maple — It wouldn’t be fall without a nod to the iconic maple tree. Japanese Maple trees are smaller than the average tree, making them the perfect size for home gardens and outdoor living spaces. In the fall, their leaves turn to rich and vibrant shades of yellow and red. You won’t want to look away!
4. Heavenly Bamboo — This low-to-the-ground bush plant turns a bright, beautiful red around late-summer or early-fall and maintains its color through the winter.
5. Fall Grasses — Last, but not least (and definitely not the end of your options), consider tall fall grasses as the final touch to your seasonal landscape upgrade. From flame grass to switch grass in every color and shade, these thriving plants help fill in any open spaces while conjuring up images of cozy fall hayrides.

Step 3: Design Your Dream Landscape

The truth is, the beautiful plants and colorful flowers you enjoy throughout the summer may not survive the colder fall and winter months, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Consider this an opportunity to refresh and revitalize your landscaping. Now is the best time to make changes, plant new life and add all those must-have features you’ve been missing. And you don’t have to go it alone. Our experienced team is here to help bring the design of your dreams to life through the best fall plantings available.

Sit back, bundle up & enjoy

We’re always just a click or a phone call away. So, when you’re ready to say goodbye to summer (at least for this year), let’s talk. We’re passionate about helping you set up your outdoor space for each new season, and fall plantings are some of our favorites.

How to Host the Perfect Pool Party

If there’s one thing everyone loves about summer, it’s the chance to swim. But taking advantage of the warm weather in a cool body of water is a lot easier said than done … especially when you don’t have a pool of your own. If you’re ready to make the most of what’s left of summer, it’s time to plan the perfect pool party. Here’s how:

1. First, secure a pool

The most vital of all requirements for a pool party is, of course, a pool. An inground pool is a big commitment, no doubt about that, but breaking ground doesn’t have to be scary. At Malone’s Landscape, we are experienced at helping you turn your dream pool into a reality. Maybe you want a small, round paddling pool to complement your landscape. Maybe you want to get crafty and introduce an L-shaped pool. Or, maybe you want to stick with a standard rectangular design and add a fountain or other water features to it. Will your budget impact the design elements you’ll add? Just let us know.

2. Serve up some tasty snacks

It’s not a party without good food, right? But when it comes to hosting a solid splash bash, the last thing you want is excess water and wet towels getting dragged into your home. When someone needs a drink refresh or a hot dog off the grill, be ready to meet their request with a fully stocked outdoor kitchen. From pizza ovens to grills to fireplaces and plenty of seating, an outdoor gathering space near your pool offers reprieve from sunshine and splashes, while giving you the freedom to keep your indoor space yours.

3. Keep the party going all night

The night doesn’t have to end when the sun goes down! After a long day of swimming, keep your guests entertained into the evening by hosting an after-party by the fire.

We’re experts at creating a relaxing environment outside your home to cozy up and unwind in, and it starts with a stylish, functional fire pit. Fire pits not only warm you up after the cool chill that comes from stepping out of the pool, but they add light to your outdoor living space so you can play games and catch up with friends at all hours.

We’ll help you determine the right size, shape and placement for your new fire fixture and blend the look and feel seamlessly with the rest of your outdoor landscaping.

Let’s dive in!

Summer won’t last forever, so take the leap and dive into planning your pool party now! If you’ve been dreaming of an inground pool, an outdoor living space, a great spot to relax by the fire or all of the above, contact us today to make it happen.

Not only does an outdoor kitchen provide a welcome space for family and friends to gather, it also adds more value to your home and your life. If you’re interested in breaking ground on your own outdoor kitchen soon, here are four things to consider:

1. Work with professional landscape architects & designers

First things first: Hire experienced professionals you trust, like the landscape architects and designers at Malone’s Landscape. We will help you plan out and design your outdoor kitchen so that it enhances your property and functions as you need. Consider how you will access the space, whether you want it covered, and how much counter space you might need. Consider all possibilities to come up with the best plan forward.

2. Choose your setting

In many climates, a year-round outdoor kitchen isn’t always realistic—especially if it’s not covered. Here in the Northwest, it rains a lot, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Seattle native grilling while soaking wet. If you want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen in every season, make sure to factor in a roof. You may also decide to attach the kitchen to your house, or separate it so it stands on its own. We’ll help you make the right call.

3. Add fun & functional features

BBQ grill aside, what else do you want easily accessible in your outdoor kitchen? Dream big! At Malone’s Landscape, we are ready to help you bring your biggest ambitions to life. From gorgeous cabinets to stone pillars, smokers to pizza ovens, we’ll help make sure your outdoor kitchen becomes your new favorite place to hang out. You can also add an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to your outdoor kitchen and dining space, where guests can spend time long after you’ve cleared the table. If you know you want a few fun features or added appliances in your outdoor kitchen, let us know early on.

4. Design your dream

Last but not least, you’ll want to start thinking about the design elements you’d like to see in your outdoor kitchen. Work with your landscape designer to determine what type of countertops will work best in your space. Do you prefer a tough, natural stone like granite, or sealed concrete? What about flooring? Remember, you’ll be standing on it for long periods of time while you whip up a tasty meal, so don’t rush through this part! Many people want their outdoor kitchen to match the aesthetic of their home and if this is you, consider using materials that match or complement your home’s exterior.

Let’s get cooking!

Let’s be honest. Outdoor kitchens are special. They help us enjoy the great outdoors in the best and worst weather, getting us up and out of the house and maybe even out of our comfort zone. But diving into a big landscaping project like an outdoor kitchen isn’t something to take lightly. You want to make sure you’re building a quality kitchen that you can use for years to come, and that you won’t have to pour more money into year after year. So call on Malone’s Landscape to help you through the process. We’ll help with the layout, design and price of the project and lend support every step of the way.

Whether you want a spacious outdoor kitchen to serve and entertain in, or a cozy seating area complete with a campfire and color-changing lights, working with a Design/Build partner like Malone’s Landscape guarantees you’ll finish the season with an outdoor living space that fits everyone—and that everyone will talk about for ages!

3 Simple Ideas For Summer Entertaining

You know about the classic backyard barbecue. You’re familiar with the standard pool party, the patio happy hour, and the slip-n-slide. This summer, it’s time to take your go-to entertaining ideas up a notch—and we’re here to help. If you’re ready to create an outdoor living space dedicated to summer fun, these ideas are sure to bring the heat.

1. Outdoor Kitchen Cook-off

How to play: Summer is the best time to entertain, and entertaining outdoors means endless space for your loved ones to spread out and have fun. But the more people you invite, the more prep you’re required to do! By hosting an outdoor kitchen cook-off, you cut down on prep time by distributing the task of cooking to everyone who wants to try their hand at the grill. Challenge contenders to a Best Burger or Sweetest Sundae contest, so that everyone gets a chance to enjoy your custom outdoor cooking space.

What you need: A spacious outdoor kitchen space with a grill and mini fridge. At Malone’s, we’re experts in setting this up for you. Our designers will work with you to plan out your ideal outdoor kitchen, and our construction crews will bring it to life. You and your family members will be competing in a heated cook-off before you know it!

2. Biggest Splash Contest

How to play: Dive into summer head first with a game that keeps everyone cool. Host a Biggest Splash Contest in your in-ground pool! Depending on the size, depth, and shape of your pool, you may choose to break the contest into age groups. Or, maybe you challenge guests to get creative by striking a pose or trying a fancy flip as they head into the water. Those who don’t want to play can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show from the comfort of a hot tub or spa feature. There’s something for everyone!

What you need: First things first, you need a pool. It’s hard to make a splash anywhere else. Water features like pools, spas, and even outdoor water fountains are our specialty. We’ll work with you to determine the size, shape, and material you want to see in your space, and then we’ll build it out so that you can splash around all summer.

3. Fireside Story Exchange

How to play: This isn’t so much a game as it is an opportunity to catch up, tell stories, and make memories. Time spent around the fire is a favorite summer activity, and with a large fireplace, comfortable seating, and beautiful landscaping, your guests will feel comfortable staying around into the darkest hours of the night. Tell ghost stories, roast marshmallows, and breathe in that sweet smoky smell that only bonfires can create.

What you need: An outdoor fireplace or fire pit. And we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill fire pit. We’re talking about one that is custom to your space and your needs. Choose the size, shape, and stone you’d like to see and we’ll create a warm and inviting space that keeps you toasty throughout the summer months and beyond.

Ready to Entertain?

There’s no shortage of fun to be had throughout the summer, and it’s only just beginning! If you’re ready to take your summer entertaining to new heights, an outdoor pool, kitchen, or fireplace is a great place to start. Better yet, try all three! Our trusted designers and construction crews will bring your outdoor landscaping ideas to life on time and on budget, so you can light up the grill and start entertaining right away.

3 Ideas to Renovate Your Landscape This Spring

You might already have some great landscaping ideas buzzing around in your head. Maybe this is the year you finally break ground on a pool, or you add walls and a roof to your outdoor living space. Maybe you just need to refresh the flowers and plants surrounding your space. If you already have a vision, we want to hear it.

In fact, that’s one of the first steps in our Design/Build process. We’ll meet with you to learn what you want and map out a plan. But if you need some inspiration first, look no further than three of our favorite spring landscaping updates below:

1. Water Features

What’s your pick: Pool or natural waterfall? Why not both? We love water features because they bring the great outdoors to you. A natural waterfall, spa or pool will add depth to your outdoor escape and can be custom-designed to seamlessly fit with the rest of your landscaping. Water features are a great way to increase rest and relaxation in your day, bringing white noise and a rich atmosphere to your space.

2. Enhanced Lighting

A little light goes a long way. High-quality outdoor lighting can completely transform your space and make it accessible past regular daytime hours. Perfect for a cocktail party, late-night bonfire, or special celebration, lights can enhance any event and guide guests’ attention toward the most important features of your landscape.

3. Defined Outdoor Living Spaces

The best part of warm-weather landscaping is expanding the square footage of your home! Without actually adding an addition to your house, creating defined outdoor living spaces can help you feel like you just expanded. We can add cabinets, countertops and appliances to your outdoor kitchen; TVs and built-in shelving for your outdoor living rooms; plenty of storage and seating to your outdoor pool. Whatever you’re looking to accomplish, our Design/Build process makes it happen.

Design/Build for Springtime Renovation

Design/Build is a proven process that guarantees your design is built according to your priorities, budget and timeframe. Design/Build consists of six, easy steps:

1. On-site Meeting

During this free meeting with one of our Landscape Architects or Designers, you’ll get a chance to share your project goals, likes, and dislikes.

2. Design Agreement

The design agreement includes the scope of work and fees associated with your landscape design. Once you’re ready to move forward, we’re ready for your deposit.

3. Site Measurement & Base Map

Our team will measure your site and create a base map that depicts existing grades, lot lines, and other elements per your initial meeting.

4. Conceptual Plan

At this stage, your designer will meet with you to discuss the high-level plan, going over materials, plant choices, design details, and more.

5. Final Plan & Construction Estimate

Signing the contract and providing your deposit is our green light to get started. In busy seasons like spring, this can take longer than expected—so get started early!

6. Project Construction & Completion

Last but not least, our skilled team will install your new landscaping just in time for those warm, summer days. We’ll work with you throughout the entire process to guarantee your satisfaction.

A New Season Means New Beginnings

With a new season and new weather comes time for new landscaping! Whenever you’re ready to break ground on your spring refresh, call on Malone’s Landscaping to get the job done on time, on budget, and above expectations. You deserve it!