Winter Landscape Ideas to Make the Season Bright

Leaves and flowers are mostly gone, but your landscape can still look good in the winter if it’s designed properly. Here are some winter landscape ideas that will keep your yard lovely to look at this winter. 

Plants That Perform

You can always count on evergreens to provide steady color throughout the winter. Implementing bushes and trees with berries like crabapple trees will also add vibrance to your landscape. Flowers like Sweet Peas will bloom throughout the winter if planted in the late fall. Other plants that will stand out in the snow are trees with interesting bark like river birch, Japanese flowering cherry or the paperbark maple. 

Accessories for Charm

When the overall colors outside are brown and gray, it’s a pleasant surprise to see color and flashes of life in your landscaping. Look for accessories like yard art to liven up your landscape in the winter. Reflective surfaces bounce winter’s light around. Bird feeders and houses will bring birds to your yard along with signs of life. Incorporating a comprehensive exterior lighting plan into your landscape will brighten up your yard on long winter nights and welcome friends to your door. 

Winter Maintenance

There are a few maintenance chores you can put on your winter to-do list that will keep your landscape looking fresh. Being cautious about not spreading ice-melting salt on your lawn will prevent bare spots from forming in your grass. Keeping your hanging baskets and window boxes filled with sticks, pinecones, berries and lights will liven up your curb appeal as well. 

Choose a Landscaper That Values Landscaping During All Seasons

At Seiler’s we know how important it is that your landscape looks lively year ‘round. That’s why we offer Seiler’s 360 Landscape Maintenance to care for your yard all year long. Contact us today to get started with your landscape design. 

The Best Patio Heaters for Your Outdoor Living Space

The nights are getting colder but you might still want to spend time in your outdoor living area. So what are your options for heating an outdoor space? We’ve put together a list of the best patio heaters for your outdoor living space.

Fuel Sources

As you start to look at your options, keep in mind that patio heaters operate on a few different fuel sources.

• Propane: Propane heaters warm up spaces very quickly and are ideal for larger spaces. They are typically portable with wheels. Use caution, though: They should not be used in enclosed spaces where they might cause carbon monoxide buildup.

• Natural Gas: Because they are connected to a home’s natural gas line, natural gas heaters are more permanent. They may require a licensed plumber to run a natural gas line to the patio. Natural gas is typically a less expensive power source compared to propane.

• Electric: You won’t need to buy fuel for an electric heater but you will need to replace heating lamps occasionally. Because they have no open flame they are considered safer for some families. Most electric heaters will have a power cord so you’ll want to make sure you have outdoor outlets or plan to have an electrician install one in a good location before you buy.

Large Spaces

If you’re looking to heat a larger outdoor space, a propane heater is the way to go. This propane heater from AZ Patio Heaters provides you with a 10 to 12-foot diameter of warmth and has wheels for portability.

Photo Courtesy of AZ Patio Heaters

An alternative option would be a pyramid-style heater. It doesn’t heat quite as much space but it does spread the warmth more evenly.

Photo Courtesy of AZ Patio Heaters

Small Spaces

For smaller outdoor spaces, you may want to consider a tabletop heater. Table top heaters are typically secured to a patio table, usually where an umbrella would fit. They are easily portable and are great for smaller gatherings.

Photo Courtesy of AZ Patio Heaters

Electric Patio Heaters

Electric patio heaters are safe to use in enclosed spaces and have the option of being mounted on ceilings and walls so they take up less floor space. They are easy to use as you just plug them in and flip a switch.

Photo courtesy of BBQGuys.com

Electric heaters can also be freestanding and come in tabletop sizes as well.

Photo courtesy of BBQGuys.com

Best Patio Heaters and Safety

Some safety precautions come with the use of any heater powerful enough to warm a patio. Make sure your heater is away from walls, patio furniture and flammable objects in the case it tips over. Keep a fire extinguisher handy and never walk away with it still on. You’ll also want a cover to go over your heater when it’s not in use to keep bugs, dirt and debris from getting into it, which can cause fires. 

Design Your Outdoor Living Space With Seiler’s

Want to design an outdoor living space with a heater? Contact us to get started on your plans.

How to Budget for Landscaping Projects

Thinking about a landscape project or an entire landscaping renovation? Budgeting is obviously a major element in decision making. Consider this rule of thumb: The money you put into your landscaping should be equal to about 10 percent of your home’s value. It’s a worthwhile investment, considering a good landscape design can add up to 15 percent to your home’s value. Of course it’s important to pick the right landscaping partner for your project that also fits your budget. Here we offer details on the process, elements and budget for landscaping projects.

Assessing the Site

When your designer first begins the planning process, he or she will do what’s called a “site analysis.” This assessment includes a few different elements. The designer will take an inventory of the plant life you already have growing on your property. Most people have no idea what’s really growing on their property. There could be plants that may have gotten lost in overgrowth that can be relocated, pruned, thinned or weeded. The plan should also call for taking care of any dead trees, toxic plants and tripping hazards like protruding roots. 

Your designer will also assess any current hardscaping on your property and evaluate what can be salvaged and what can’t. Can any damaged walls, walkways or patios be repaired or is it more cost effective to replace them? Your designer will help you make all of these decisions.

What Do You Want?

Of course, when you budget for landscaping projects you want to make sure you’re getting the main things you really want. Sometimes, deciding on your own desires can be one of the hardest parts. Some questions you might want to consider are: Do you want fresh flowers year ‘round? Do you want to be able to enjoy the presence of wildlife or do you plan on growing your own fruits and vegetables and want to install wildlife barriers? Will you want to take advantage of a pool or hot tub at some point in the year? Maybe you want to leave green space to play family games like volleyball, cornhole or bocce ball. When thinking about your desired landscape you’ll want to also consider the features that will get the most use or you will enjoy the most like a patio, outdoor kitchen or living space.

Hiring a Professional

Avoid paying for mistakes. Hire a professional to map out a master plan who will also make sure to cover any drainage issues your property may have. Make sure you understand the costs. To do this you’ll want to get at least three estimates from different contractors.

Considering Your Return on Investment

Now that you know your landscaping can add up to 15 percent to your home’s value, you’ll want to consider your return on investment when you budget for landscaping. Curb appeal adds to the perceived value of a home. Some things to consider are: How long do you plan to live in this home? If you plan to be there for a while, will you be affected by any long-term maintenance costs your new landscape may require? Depending on the features you put into your design you’ll want to consider if it makes more financial sense to do everything at once or build in phases over several years. It’s also important to note that most trees and shrubs will increase in value over time so don’t worry about planting young plants if you plan to live in your home for a while.

Choose Seiler’s to Help You Design and Budget for Landscaping

You know how important landscaping is to the value and enjoyment of your home. That’s why you want to choose a partner you can trust. At Seiler’s we will work with you every step of the way to help you design and execute the landscape of your dreams, because you deserve it. Contact us today and tell us about your project goals.

Why Fall Is the Perfect Time for Landscape Design

When the weather starts to turn cold, spending time outdoors might be the furthest thing from your mind. But fall is actually a great time to start planning a landscaping project. Here’s why: 

Top of Mind

How did you enjoy your yard or landscaping this past spring and summer? Did you wish it had more shade, more color or more spaces to entertain? Maybe you noticed your deck was showing its age or some of your shrubs or trees were looking more and more overgrown.

Maybe you’re wanting to extend the season outdoors and wishing you had a fire pit or the exterior lighting to make your yard more welcoming on chilly nights.

With these ideas fresh in your mind, take the time now to write them down. They will help your landscape designer create the perfect outdoor setting for you.  

Planning Takes Time

Start by thinking about your dream outdoor spaces: Who will use them and when? Would you like to eat outside, entertain friends, grill or prepare meals or gather people around a fire? Or maybe you want to start or expand your garden space. Maybe it’s time to spruce up your home’s curb appeal. How much yard work do you like to do? Is it time for an exterior lighting plan to add interest and safety to your landscaping? Take the time to consider all these factors as you envision your new space.

Now’s the time to rough out a budget for your landscaping project, too. Will you need to finance the project? Talk to a lender about your options now. Unlike interior renovations, it’s easy to tackle a landscape makeover in phases. We’re happy to create your overall plan this fall or winter, then start creating one area at a time. 

Take Advantage of the Off Season

Like most landscape design companies, our schedules tend to be a bit more open in the fall and winter. Let’s talk about your vision now and start sketching out a plan. We’ll go over your ideas, look at photos that you like and discuss your budget. Then, we’ll visit your home to look at the site and take measurements.

 After visiting your site, we’ll draw up a preliminary plan and provide a cost estimate. Over the next few months, you can review and revise the plan until it fits your needs exactly. If your plans include building a deck, pool or other structure, we can arrange meetings with contractors so they are on board and prepared.   

Be Ready to Roll

Another advantage to jumping on your landscape design now is that everything will be ready to go when good weather comes around. In the spring, we can start removing any unwanted plant life or existing structures. Then, we’ll do preliminary site grading to get ready for hardscaping like patios, walkways or walls. Once those are in place, we’ll be ready to bring in your plants and you can start enjoying your beautiful new landscape. 

Are you thinking of a landscape facelift or complete makeover? We’d love to hear about your ideas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Fore You! Designing a Home Putting Green

Thinking about installing a home putting green in your backyard? From size, to shape, to outdoor lighting, here’s what you need to know. 

Size and Shape

The first thing you’ll want to do is measure the dimensions of the area where you want to install your putting green. Most residential putting greens are about 150 to 500 square feet. The size of your green will also depend on the number of holes you want to include. Remember, cost is typically calculated by square footage. 

Home putting greens commonly come in circle, kidney bean or hourglass shape. If you also want to practice your short game at home,  you’ll need to add a bunker or rough grass into your design.

Assessing the Site

It is important to take into consideration if the site of your putting green will need any work before it is installed. This could include levelling, filling or draining. Assessing your site and creating the ideal conditions for your putting green is part of the service Seiler’s is happy to offer. We can also help you decide what turf is right for you.

Seating, Style and Accessories

As you consider your home putting green design, remember to add all the creature comforts, both for the golfer and anyone just watching. A nearby patio, pergola or raised deck could offer a spot for spectators. In addition to seating, designing the landscape around your putting green will add to the overall look and experience. Do you want lots of color and greenery, or a more simple look? Do you prefer the putting green to be mostly shady or have ample sunlight?

Accessories like flags, putting cups and bunker rakes (if your green will include a bunker) are some fun aspects to consider as well. If you intend to putt around at night, you’ll want to install helpful outdoor lighting.  

Ready to bring your putting skills to the next level? Contact us to get started on your home putting green.

Getting to Know You: Meet Christian Ossenfort

We at Seiler’s are thrilled to announce our newest team member, a landscape architect, Christian Ossenfort! Christian officially started with us in August as a sales/design professional, and we love having her passion, knowledge and joy for landscape design. Get to know a little bit more about Christian’s background, her favorite designs and where you’ll interact with her in the landscaping process.

Southern Background

Christian originally hails from Alabama where she received her Masters in Landscape Architecture from Auburn University. After visiting her brother in Cincinnati, she fell in love with the city and knew she wanted to be here. Her interest in landscape design was its own kind of romance, too: Though she originally started school in Auburn’s engineering program before switching to architecture, a professor from the landscape design program convinced her to take some landscape classes. There, she discovered her new passion. 

After working in land development for a home builder, Christian wanted to get back into design. She felt most drawn to Seiler’s for “the same reason customers choose them,” she says: A higher level of quality and commitment to character. 

Design Favorites

So what exactly is Christian’s favorite thing about landscape design? The ability to transform a space into an experience. Both residentially and commercially, Christian loves how good landscaping can not only make a space more aesthetically beautiful, but also how it can “really make people’s lives better” through connecting socially with each other and to the environment around them. She is committed to helping clients absolutely love their space and converting landscaped areas to personal oases and sanctuaries. 

While Christian meets the preferred aesthetic of any client and counts their happiness as the biggest goal, she loves doing designs that take advantage of how plants will change with the seasons and utilizing that to create a light, airy and flowing space that’s fun to be in. If you wanted more proof that she’s perfect for the Seiler’s team, one of her favorite plants to use is the Japanese maple (a big Seiler’s favorite as well). She loves “anything that weeps” like weeping willows, red buds and even ornamental grasses that all give structure while keeping things loose and flowing. 

Some of her favorite landscape projects include the Lurie Garden in Chicago and the High Line in New York City. These pocket gardens in the middle of cities create a sudden and beautiful retreat. Outside work, Christian loves being in the water, taking care of her many plants and playing with her son. 

Where You’ll See Christian 

Though Christian may still be new, she’s already working on projects with designers. Once she spends a little more time at the company, she’ll start managing projects for clients and seeing things through from initial visits to the end of the project. As a design/sales professional, she’ll be a part of the entire process, designing and interacting with clients and working with other members of our team behind the scenes. She’s excited to be part of the higher standard and commitment to quality that Seiler’s is known for and ensuring clients are thrilled with their spaces. 

If you’re ready to meet Christian or some of our other designers, contact us today to start talking about your landscape project.

New Construction Landscaping: Before and After

We know our readers love to see before and after photos of our Cincinnati landscaping projects. A new construction home makes for dramatic photos, but even more exciting, it allows us to create exactly what a homeowner wants right from the very start. For this home, that meant playing off the charming style of the painted brick home with stone and shingle accents.

First Impressions

Right at the front door, we played up this home’s already strong curb appeal with curved beds filled with flowers and evergreen shrubs. To the right of the front porch entry, a Japanese maple adds rich color. The front walkway, which is lined with pavers designed to look like cobblestones, is illuminated at night with path lights.

Softening the Edges

A lot that slopes down away from the right side of the home allowed us to include low stone retaining walls that give structure while defining the beautiful planting beds. Trees, shrubbery and perennials all come together to anchor the home on its site and surround it with color.

Drive Time

A special home calls for an out-of-the-ordinary driveway. The homeowners selected pavers that resemble cobblestones to give their driveway and front walk Old World charm. The inset in the photo below shows the layer of gravel that we installed below the pavers to keep them level and beautiful for years to come.

Side Show

The side entrance is just as pretty as the front, thanks to painted posts and curved beds with pops of color. Disguising necessary items, like air conditioning compressors, is a perfect job for landscaping. Here, we chose evergreen shrubs and ornamental trees to shield the compressor from view.

Designing Your Dream

If you’re inspired by this new home (see even more photos here), we’d love to hear about your vision for landscaping. Whether it’s for a new house or an existing home, landscaping design can provide a fresh new look you’ll love.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cincinnati Landscape Designer

You’ve oohed and ahhed over the neighbor’s outdoor living spaces, seen gorgeous patios on HGTV and “liked” dozens of photos on Pinterest. Maybe you’re finally ready to treat your home to new landscaping. So how do you narrow down the field to find the right Cincinnati landscape designer for you? 

Start by looking for potential landscaping companies online or by asking friends and neighbors for referrals. Compare the companies’ past work to see what appeals to you. Once you have a short list of candidates, consider asking each company the following questions.

1. Are you the right company for my job? In other words, you need to find out if a landscaping firm can provide the services you’re looking for, whether it’s design, lighting, construction, hardscaping, plant selection or something else. If a firm you like offers everything you need, talk with them about how they manage projects to ensure they’re done on time and on budget. 

2.  What’s your vision for my landscaping? You probably have plenty of ideas, but a professional designer can call on years of experience to suggest possibilities that you might not have thought of. A landscape designer will also assess your specific property to let you know which of your ideas might work or might not be suitable. 

3. Can I see your previous work? As you look at photos of each company’s past projects, keep in mind that if you don’t see your preferred style, don’t rule the company out. For example, a firm might not have had a homeowner asking for an English cottage style garden before, but they could still be able to create one. 

4. What will the project cost? When you see each company’s estimate, take the time to ask questions if something’s not clear. Choosing the lowest bidder might not be the best move: That estimate may not include everything a higher-priced company might provide, or their material quality could be lower grade. 

5. What is the process? The answer to this question will give you an idea of how each company works and what they might expect from you in terms of design review, materials selections and payment schedule.

6. What about the “what if’s”? Talk to each company about their policies concerning plants that die or work that needs to be repaired. Things happen; what’s important is that the company responds quickly and professionally to the unexpected. 

7. Can I change my mind during the process? Changing materials or design direction midstream in a project will have ramifications, usually in cost or timeline. However, sometimes adjustments are worthwhile. Ask each company how they handle change orders. How would you be billed for things that veer away from the original plans? 

8. How long will it take? A professional landscaping company should be able to base time estimates on previous experience with similar projects. Still you can ask what types of circumstances might delay a project. Find out how you as the homeowner will be updated on your project’s progress.  

9. Do I need a permit? If you do, who takes care of requesting it from your local building agency? 

Before You Begin Your Cincinnati Landscaping Project

It’s exciting to start meeting with landscape designers to see how they would beautify your surroundings, but to respect everyone’s time, it’s important for you to establish a budget for your project first. What amenities are most important to you? Can you afford to pay for the entire renovation this year, or would it be better to take a phased approach to your plan?  

Once you have some clarity around your wants and needs, we hope you will reach out to us. We would be happy to answer any and all of your questions.

New Home Landscaping Is Golfer’s Dream

A putting green is just one of the special elements of the full landscaping plan Seiler’s Landscaping did for this client who built a custom home in Maineville. New home landscaping provides a blank slate, which is always both challenging and exciting. 

Speaking of challenges, because the home was designed in 2020, the landscape design process was all done virtually. Revisions made over video calls moved the design closer and closer to the homeowners’ dream of creating curb appeal in the front and beautiful outdoor living spaces around the home. In the end, we were able to present a plan that the homeowners truly loved. 

“We wanted to make sure all the outdoor elements worked well with one another and complemented the beautiful stone and brick on the house,” said Will Seiler, president of Seiler’s Landscaping. 

One major challenge was the steep slope of the site. Our plan for the landscaping included building a retaining wall to create a flat backyard space that would be perfect for the putting green. A curving bed and plantings soften the look of the stonework and blend the retaining wall with the sloping side yard. 

A screened outdoor living area overlooks the level backyard, which is ringed with curving plant beds.

A cobblestone driveway and walkway to the side porch echo the home’s French country style. Special ordered from Canada, the cobblestone pavers create a charming look and make a memorable impression.  

The client and Will Seiler share a love of golf, so creating a putting green right in this home’s backyard was an exciting project. A flagstone patio creates a spot to sit and watch the family golfers practice their short game.

Just outside the screened outdoor living space, a bubbling water feature appeals to the senses with textured rock columns surrounded by river rock, the sound and feel of splashing water and colorful pockets of seasonal plantings.

Along the side of the home, a stacked stone wall borders a bed and complements the stone accents around the windows and porch post supports.

Seiler’s landscape design for this new home included shrubs and perennials that thrive in the Cincinnati climate, select trees and LED lighting to make sure the home continues to shine after the sun sets.

A curved cobblestone walkway runs along the front of the home, adding even more curb appeal. “It takes a village to build a project like this,” Will Seiler says, praising everyone on the team from the front office staff to the construction foreman to the material acquisition point person to the crew.

From Design to Reality

Are you in the market for new home landscaping or ready to renovate your current landscape? We’d love to discuss your options in a free consultation. Contact us today. 

Making Landscape Design Fun

One thing that might surprise you about the landscape design process? How fun it can be! The truth is that landscaping with Seiler’s is a way to flex your creative muscles, and the end result is an outdoor space you love.

Express Yourself

Get your creative juices flowing! The sky’s the limit in dreaming up your perfect landscaping space. A landscape project is a fun opportunity to bring your HGTV dreams to life by finding an aesthetic and vision that perfectly express your personality. It’s also a way to supplement your interests and hobbies: an outdoor kitchen for those who love to cook, a pocket garden for book lovers, shady exercise areas for fitness gurus and of course, gardens for those with green thumbs. 

A landscape project means you get to explore the many color palettes and themes found in flowers, pavers, stone, furniture and other materials. Whether you’re looking for something modern, cottage-core, sophisticated, family-friendly or even a traditional English garden, this is the time to let your imagination roam. 

Personal Planning Committee

After the dreaming comes the strategizing, an important step in the creative landscape process. Any great burst of ideas should be solidified with plans. Take pictures of any spaces you come across that you like as well as other elements like trees, furniture, walkways or walls that catch your eye. Create a modern-day mood board using Pinterest and Houzz to collect your favorite inspiration photos in one place. This is also a time to do some fun research. Drive around your favorite neighborhoods to get extra inspiration and ask your friends and family for any ideas. 

An important part of this step is setting a budget and determining what all can be included within it. If one giant landscaping project seems a little overwhelming, consider a phased landscape design. Study your space to gain a deeper understanding of any patterns, including where the sunlight falls and for how long. Are there any shady spots or places where water pools after a bad rain? Also figure out how much maintenance you’re willing to do: If you want something low-maintenance, a pool may not be the best choice for you. Now is the time to set your dreams up for a successful reality. 

Enter the Professionals

This is where we come in and keep the fun going. Show us around your yard and share your great ideas and photos with us. Be open to suggestions from us, including the best trees and plant life for local climates and ideas on what will and won’t work as envisioned. One of our experienced landscape design professionals will work with you to translate your vision to paper in an achievable plan. This is the time to ask lots of questions! Get a better understanding of what we’ll be doing and take the time to look over preliminary plans and see your ideas captured in a landscape plan. Remember that it’s much easier to change aspects in the design stage rather than during installation. 

Take lots of “before” photos because the final step is watching your creation come to life. Our professional crew will make your ideas a reality, and you can start enjoying the fruition of your creativity. 

Read to Get Started?

Already have ideas firing? If you’re ready to flex your creative muscles, contact us today to get started.