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Beat the Heat In Colorado - Cool Backyard ideas
7073631232 • August 5, 2024
Cool Landscaping ideas to keep you cool!
When summer temperatures soar in Colorado, effective landscaping can help create a cool, comfortable outdoor environment.
One popular idea is to incorporate native, drought-resistant plants like blue grama grass, yarrow, or Rocky Mountain penstemon, which thrive in Colorado's climate and require minimal water. Here are the ways using native plants adds value to your landscaping design. Need help with selections - we have staff that are experts!
- Water Efficiency: Native plants like blue grama grass, yarrow, and Rocky Mountain penstemon have evolved to thrive in Colorado’s arid conditions. Their deep root systems allow them to access water efficiently, reducing the need for frequent irrigation.
- Heat Tolerance: These plants are adapted to withstand intense sunlight and high temperatures. Their leaves often have waxy coatings or fine hairs that minimize water loss through transpiration.
- Shade Creation: As they grow, native plants create a natural canopy that shades the soil, preventing it from heating up excessively. This shade also benefits nearby structures and outdoor seating areas.
- Reducing water allows you to put more green in your pocket and in your yard!
Utilizing shade trees such as the quaking aspen or the bur oak can provide natural cooling and reduce your dependance on air conditioning. Shading your A/C unit helps it run more efficiently. Shading your house minimizes the heat effect allowing for your buildings to stay cooler.
- Canopy Coverage: Quaking aspen and bur oak provide broad canopies that shield your landscape from direct sunlight. Their leaves intercept sunlight, reducing the amount of heat reaching the ground.
- Transpiration Cooling: Trees release water vapor through tiny pores (stomata) in their leaves. This process, called transpiration, cools the surrounding air. Shade trees contribute significantly to this cooling effect.
- Windbreaks: Properly placed shade trees act as windbreaks, reducing wind speed and preventing rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil. This helps maintain a cooler microclimate.
Adding water features like a small pond or a fountain can also help cool the air through evaporation while providing a soothing ambiance.
- Evaporative Cooling: Water features like ponds and fountains release moisture into the air. As this water evaporates, it absorbs heat, effectively cooling the surrounding environment.
- Sound and Visual Comfort: Beyond temperature regulation, water features create a soothing ambiance. The sound of flowing water and the visual appeal enhance your outdoor experience.
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Additionally, consider installing pergolas or shade sails to create shaded areas for outdoor living spaces. Our craftsmen can create a unique design to enhance your outdoor space and help you be cool!
- Shaded Outdoor Spaces: Pergolas and shade sails provide relief from direct sunlight. They create comfortable spots for relaxation, dining, or entertaining.
Using light-colored, reflective materials for patios and walkways can further reduce heat absorption.
- Reflective Surfaces: Light-colored patios, walkways, and pergolas reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it. This minimizes heat buildup and keeps the area cooler.
- Reduced Heat Retention: Light-colored materials retain less heat during the day, leading to cooler evenings. This is especially beneficial for outdoor gatherings.
Remember, thoughtful design and a mix of native plants, shade, and water features can transform your landscape into a refreshing retreat during Colorado’s scorching summers! πΏπποΈ
January is all about resolutions and improving one’s life. Are you considering enhancing your outdoor living spaces? What are the best ways to make the time you spend at home in your outdoor areas fit into these goals? 2025 is the time for reinvention. Let Artistic Escapes apply this concept to your outdoor living areas. If your resolution is to spend more quality time with family and friends, you can add value to your home by developing an outdoor space that you are able to enjoy year-round. Add a pergola or other structure: Provide shade in the summer and buffer for the wind and snow in the winter. Create an outdoor kitchen: Make the outdoor space accessible so grilling and chilling become the norm. Just as your indoor kitchen is the heart (and stomach) of the home, an outdoor kitchen can extend these vibes and add depth to the way you connect with family and friends. Imagine the smell of the custom smoker slow-roasting that amazing locally sourced cut-of-meat while you reminisce over your favorite beverage, savoring the appetizer in anticipation of the main course. Makes your mouth water just envisioning it. Let Artistic Escapes design the perfect outdoor kitchen. Specialized lighting: Add drama to your outdoor spaces. The right lighting ensures your guests are never left in the dark, allowing you to enjoy those special times together even after “lights out”. Gather around the fire: If you don't have the “fire”, the designers at Artistic Escapes can help you create the gathering place that can be used in all seasons, making it the place everyone is drawn to. Google a good ghost story and grab the s'mores! If your resolution is to economize due to expected water bill increases, Artistic Escapes can help in several ways. Upgrade your irrigation system: By using technology, you could add water sensors, ensuring you are only watering when it is necessary. There’s an app for that! Hardier vegetation: If last year was hard on your landscaping, and you are looking for some hardier vegetation, the plant experts at Artistic Escapes are incredible at selecting the right plants to thrive in Colorado conditions. Let us help you find new selections that are not only beautiful but will also withstand the hot summers, cold winters, and enhance your outdoor areas. Synthetic turf or xeriscaping: Adding synthetic turf or xeriscaping can dramatically reduce your water requirements and lower maintenance. You can stop mowing and use the time to spend with family and friends. For those looking to add a touch of luxury to their landscaping: Modern water features: Incorporate sleek, modern water features with clean lines and minimalist designs, such as geometric-shaped pools, linear fountains, and cascading water walls made from materials like glass, stainless steel, and stone. Smart irrigation systems: Utilize advanced smart irrigation systems that use sensors and real-time weather data to optimize water use, ensuring your garden stays lush while conserving water. Outdoor entertainment areas: Create luxurious outdoor entertainment areas with built-in seating, outdoor kitchens, and high-end fire pits or fireplaces. Custom outdoor structures: Invest in custom-built pergolas, gazebos, or pavilions designed to match your home's architecture. Exotic plants and trees: Add a touch of exotic flair with unique plants and trees that create stunning focal points and add a sense of luxury. Garden art and sculptures: Incorporate high-end garden art and sculptures to add personality and style to your outdoor space. 2025 is going to be the best year yet. Artistic Escapes wants to bring your outdoor dreams to life. Contact us now to get ahead of the spring rush! It’s never too early to plan for the lush landscaping of summer., click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
Winter in Colorado brings a unique charm to your landscape, transforming it into a serene and picturesque wonderland. Even in December, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and enhance your outdoor space. If your outdoor space is not living up to its winter potential, let us help you enhance your space next spring. Here are some ideas to make the most of your outdoor living spaces in the winter. 1. Do you have "Winter Interest" Plants? ππ² As the snow covers the ground and transforms your outdoor vibes, take inventory of the trees and plants in your landscape. Could you add evergreens like pine, spruce, and juniper to add a splash of green to your garden all year round? These hardy plants provide structure and color, even when everything else is covered in snow. Adding about ornamental grasses and shrubs with colorful bark, such as red-twig dogwood, can add visual interest and texture to your winter landscape. If you don't know a pine from a locust, allow our plant experts develop a unique plan to create a space you can enjoy all year long. 2. Festive Lighting it's not just for Christmas! π‘ Adding string lights to trees and shrubs can transform your garden into a magical winter wonderland. Not only do they create a festive atmosphere, but they also allow you to enjoy your outdoor space during the shorter days. Adding lighting to pergola or other outdoor structures add a touch of flare and intimacy. Choose energy-efficient LED lights to keep your garden bright and eco-friendly. Let Artistic Escapes show you how to design a lighting plan to enhance your landscaping features. 3. Add features to attract our feathered friends. π¦π§π₯ Add action and life to your outdoor space, by creating feeding stations and water features that provide the birds a place to roost. Providing food for birds not only helps them survive the cold months but also brings life and movement to your garden. Watching birds flit around can be a delightful and calming experience. 4. Cozy Outdoor Spaces π₯ποΈ Don't let the cold keep you inside. An outdoor fire pit is perfect for cozying up with a hot drink and enjoying the crisp winter air. Make sure to bundle up with warm blankets and comfortable seating. This setup can create a cozy retreat where you can relax and appreciate the beauty of your winter landscape. Ready to upgrade your space? Contact Artistic Escapes for a plan that can be implemented to enhance your space. What steps can I do now to get ready for spring? Here are some steps you can take to ensure your garden is ready for a fresh start: 1. Contact Artistic Escapes to get a plan on how to upgrade your outdoor spaces. Use this time to plan your landscaping projects. Sketch out ideas, research plants, and decide on the layout. Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and water availability. - Artistic Escape is your local expert, let us do the work so you can relax and just enjoy your outdoor space. 2. Soil Preparation Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. This will give your plants a healthy start in the spring. 3. Clean Up Remove any dead or diseased plants, fallen leaves, and debris from your garden. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and spreading in the spring. 4. Mulch Apply a layer of mulch to protect your soil from erosion and temperature fluctuations. Mulch also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. 5. Prune Prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or damaged branches. This encourages healthy growth and improves the overall appearance of your landscape. 6. Protect Plants Wrap vulnerable plants with burlap or other protective materials to shield them from harsh winter conditions. This is especially important for young or newly planted trees and shrubs. 7. Maintain Tools Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Properly maintained tools make your work easier and more efficient. 8. Plan for Irrigation If you plan to install or upgrade an irrigation system, now is a good time to design and plan it. Consider the water needs of different plants and how you can efficiently deliver water to them. Artistic Escapes is an irrigation expert. Allow our experience to determine how to optimize your irrigation system. 9. Order Seeds and Plants Start browsing seed catalogs and order seeds or plants for spring planting. This ensures you have everything you need when the planting season arrives. Artistic Escapes has plant experts! Allow us to provide the best, most suitable plant selections for your outdoor space. 10. Stay Informed Keep learning about gardening and landscaping. Read books, watch videos, and join gardening forums to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. Conclusion Winter in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to enjoy your garden in a different light. By incorporating winter interest plants, festive lighting, bird feeders, and cozy outdoor spaces, you can make the most of your landscape even in December. Embrace the beauty of the season and let your garden be a source of joy and inspiration all year round.
The plants may be going dormant, but you don't have to. Ideas for your fall/winter landscaping.
Transform Your Landscape: Fall to Winter Tips for a Beautiful Yard π
Warm up the crisp evenings with some Autumn inspiration!
The Buzz - A no fuss repellant for skeeters and flies without the spray
π Caring for Your Landscaping in Northern Colorado in July πΏπ§ ο»Ώ
January is all about resolutions and improving one’s life. Are you considering enhancing your outdoor living spaces? What are the best ways to make the time you spend at home in your outdoor areas fit into these goals? 2025 is the time for reinvention. Let Artistic Escapes apply this concept to your outdoor living areas. If your resolution is to spend more quality time with family and friends, you can add value to your home by developing an outdoor space that you are able to enjoy year-round. Add a pergola or other structure: Provide shade in the summer and buffer for the wind and snow in the winter. Create an outdoor kitchen: Make the outdoor space accessible so grilling and chilling become the norm. Just as your indoor kitchen is the heart (and stomach) of the home, an outdoor kitchen can extend these vibes and add depth to the way you connect with family and friends. Imagine the smell of the custom smoker slow-roasting that amazing locally sourced cut-of-meat while you reminisce over your favorite beverage, savoring the appetizer in anticipation of the main course. Makes your mouth water just envisioning it. Let Artistic Escapes design the perfect outdoor kitchen. Specialized lighting: Add drama to your outdoor spaces. The right lighting ensures your guests are never left in the dark, allowing you to enjoy those special times together even after “lights out”. Gather around the fire: If you don't have the “fire”, the designers at Artistic Escapes can help you create the gathering place that can be used in all seasons, making it the place everyone is drawn to. Google a good ghost story and grab the s'mores! If your resolution is to economize due to expected water bill increases, Artistic Escapes can help in several ways. Upgrade your irrigation system: By using technology, you could add water sensors, ensuring you are only watering when it is necessary. There’s an app for that! Hardier vegetation: If last year was hard on your landscaping, and you are looking for some hardier vegetation, the plant experts at Artistic Escapes are incredible at selecting the right plants to thrive in Colorado conditions. Let us help you find new selections that are not only beautiful but will also withstand the hot summers, cold winters, and enhance your outdoor areas. Synthetic turf or xeriscaping: Adding synthetic turf or xeriscaping can dramatically reduce your water requirements and lower maintenance. You can stop mowing and use the time to spend with family and friends. For those looking to add a touch of luxury to their landscaping: Modern water features: Incorporate sleek, modern water features with clean lines and minimalist designs, such as geometric-shaped pools, linear fountains, and cascading water walls made from materials like glass, stainless steel, and stone. Smart irrigation systems: Utilize advanced smart irrigation systems that use sensors and real-time weather data to optimize water use, ensuring your garden stays lush while conserving water. Outdoor entertainment areas: Create luxurious outdoor entertainment areas with built-in seating, outdoor kitchens, and high-end fire pits or fireplaces. Custom outdoor structures: Invest in custom-built pergolas, gazebos, or pavilions designed to match your home's architecture. Exotic plants and trees: Add a touch of exotic flair with unique plants and trees that create stunning focal points and add a sense of luxury. Garden art and sculptures: Incorporate high-end garden art and sculptures to add personality and style to your outdoor space. 2025 is going to be the best year yet. Artistic Escapes wants to bring your outdoor dreams to life. Contact us now to get ahead of the spring rush! It’s never too early to plan for the lush landscaping of summer., click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.
Winter in Colorado brings a unique charm to your landscape, transforming it into a serene and picturesque wonderland. Even in December, there are plenty of ways to enjoy and enhance your outdoor space. If your outdoor space is not living up to its winter potential, let us help you enhance your space next spring. Here are some ideas to make the most of your outdoor living spaces in the winter. 1. Do you have "Winter Interest" Plants? ππ² As the snow covers the ground and transforms your outdoor vibes, take inventory of the trees and plants in your landscape. Could you add evergreens like pine, spruce, and juniper to add a splash of green to your garden all year round? These hardy plants provide structure and color, even when everything else is covered in snow. Adding about ornamental grasses and shrubs with colorful bark, such as red-twig dogwood, can add visual interest and texture to your winter landscape. If you don't know a pine from a locust, allow our plant experts develop a unique plan to create a space you can enjoy all year long. 2. Festive Lighting it's not just for Christmas! π‘ Adding string lights to trees and shrubs can transform your garden into a magical winter wonderland. Not only do they create a festive atmosphere, but they also allow you to enjoy your outdoor space during the shorter days. Adding lighting to pergola or other outdoor structures add a touch of flare and intimacy. Choose energy-efficient LED lights to keep your garden bright and eco-friendly. Let Artistic Escapes show you how to design a lighting plan to enhance your landscaping features. 3. Add features to attract our feathered friends. π¦π§π₯ Add action and life to your outdoor space, by creating feeding stations and water features that provide the birds a place to roost. Providing food for birds not only helps them survive the cold months but also brings life and movement to your garden. Watching birds flit around can be a delightful and calming experience. 4. Cozy Outdoor Spaces π₯ποΈ Don't let the cold keep you inside. An outdoor fire pit is perfect for cozying up with a hot drink and enjoying the crisp winter air. Make sure to bundle up with warm blankets and comfortable seating. This setup can create a cozy retreat where you can relax and appreciate the beauty of your winter landscape. Ready to upgrade your space? Contact Artistic Escapes for a plan that can be implemented to enhance your space. What steps can I do now to get ready for spring? Here are some steps you can take to ensure your garden is ready for a fresh start: 1. Contact Artistic Escapes to get a plan on how to upgrade your outdoor spaces. Use this time to plan your landscaping projects. Sketch out ideas, research plants, and decide on the layout. Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, and water availability. - Artistic Escape is your local expert, let us do the work so you can relax and just enjoy your outdoor space. 2. Soil Preparation Test your soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels. Add compost or other organic matter to improve soil structure and fertility. This will give your plants a healthy start in the spring. 3. Clean Up Remove any dead or diseased plants, fallen leaves, and debris from your garden. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering and spreading in the spring. 4. Mulch Apply a layer of mulch to protect your soil from erosion and temperature fluctuations. Mulch also helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. 5. Prune Prune trees and shrubs to remove dead or damaged branches. This encourages healthy growth and improves the overall appearance of your landscape. 6. Protect Plants Wrap vulnerable plants with burlap or other protective materials to shield them from harsh winter conditions. This is especially important for young or newly planted trees and shrubs. 7. Maintain Tools Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Properly maintained tools make your work easier and more efficient. 8. Plan for Irrigation If you plan to install or upgrade an irrigation system, now is a good time to design and plan it. Consider the water needs of different plants and how you can efficiently deliver water to them. Artistic Escapes is an irrigation expert. Allow our experience to determine how to optimize your irrigation system. 9. Order Seeds and Plants Start browsing seed catalogs and order seeds or plants for spring planting. This ensures you have everything you need when the planting season arrives. Artistic Escapes has plant experts! Allow us to provide the best, most suitable plant selections for your outdoor space. 10. Stay Informed Keep learning about gardening and landscaping. Read books, watch videos, and join gardening forums to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques. Conclusion Winter in Colorado offers a unique opportunity to enjoy your garden in a different light. By incorporating winter interest plants, festive lighting, bird feeders, and cozy outdoor spaces, you can make the most of your landscape even in December. Embrace the beauty of the season and let your garden be a source of joy and inspiration all year round.
The plants may be going dormant, but you don't have to. Ideas for your fall/winter landscaping.
Transform Your Landscape: Fall to Winter Tips for a Beautiful Yard π
Warm up the crisp evenings with some Autumn inspiration!
The Buzz - A no fuss repellant for skeeters and flies without the spray
π Caring for Your Landscaping in Northern Colorado in July πΏπ§ ο»Ώ
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