Landscape Styles

There are many different types of styles that designers can use when planning a landscape.  The type of style that is used may be chosen to match the house or the neighborhood, or just be a reflection of the homeowner’s own style.

Formal and Informal Styles
A formal landscape design may incorporate orderly flowerbeds, straight lines, and well-managed and pruned plants.  A classical garden, travertine patio, caprock fireplace, and hedge for a border may all be features of a formal style landscape.

An informal style, on the other hand, may have more curving edges and random plants.  Often, an informal style will seem cozy to some and cluttered to others, and an abundance of plants and colors may be used.

English Garden
Another style for landscaping a yard is the English garden.  This type of landscape will incorporate features like a picket fence, many perennials and shrubs, and maybe a loose rock or pebble walkway.

Oriental Style
Oriental style will use water, evergreens, and rocks in its design.  Bonsais and miniature, well-pruned plants are often part of oriental style.  Different types of plants in planters, such as bamboo, also create an oriental feel.

Woodland Style
Woodland style is a natural technique that is used in many areas.  It may feature a waterfall or stream, sometimes lined with pebbles or river rock.  Terraced hills, filled with rock beds and natural plants also would fit with a woodland theme.

There are many other styles that can be used today, and sometimes a combination of styles may create a beautiful yard.

Cap Rock for Landscaping

Many people today have found that cap rock is a great material to use for their landscaping needs because of its beauty, and because of the strength that it has.Cap rock is the geological term for a hard rock that covers a weaker type of rock. It is found near the surface of the earth and is formed over a great length of time. Florida cap rock is made out of limestone, and it can be found covering a thick layer of sand. The cap rock can be effectively harvested without disturbing the land, and after it is quarried the land can often be used as farmland.

Cap rock is sold in many different sizes and shades of color. It is becoming a popular substance for landscapers across the country to use today. More and more homeowners and landscapers are finding cap rock to be a durable, aesthetic material for many uses. Cap rock is perfect for building retaining walls, planters, and waterfalls. Some landscape architects use it in their design to create focal pieces that add texture and beauty to a yard. This is because cap rock has natural inclusions that allow for tropical foliage and bromeliads to grow. This natural habitat makes a great addition to any tropical landscape.

Cap rock is a very resistant rock that hinders erosion and can last for many years. Unlike wooden structures, cap rock walls or planter beds will not rot, nor will they be harmed by termites.

Landscape Architects

As you look to improve your yard and property, you might want to make it easy on yourself and hire a landscape architect. These licensed professionals can provide homeowners with great expertise when it comes to designing the perfect plan for their space.

After formal schooling and years of experience, a good landscape architect will find work easily at places such as public parks or golf courses, working in the actual design of the area. Many others own nurseries where they sell many different types of plants and spend their days helping customers plan out their yards. Still others work full-time at clients’ homes, designing their yards and coming up with a complete plan for landscaping.

It is possible to plan out your yard on your own, but a landscape architect will have a broad base of knowledge about things like what plants would look good together in a certain bed, or how to use things like brick, pebbles, marble or travertine pavers to create a walkway. These professionals might also suggest you try something you might not have considered, such as adding a cap rock waterfall, or a dry bed of recycled glass mulch. Landscape architects should know what things will work well in your area, and will know other things, such as coral rocks should only be used in very warm climates, or else they will crack.

You may be able to get this information on your own by doing your research, but a landscape architect will simplify the process for you.