How Masonry Contractors Choose Materials to Complement a Garden Design in the Branchville, NJ, Area
Spring is the time of year when homeowners get really excited about landscape renovations—this is when any planning and design decisions made over the colder months can be put into action. One hurdle to overcome is making material choices because there are so many, all with their own unique charm. If you are wondering how masonry contractors choose materials to complement a garden design in the Branchville, NJ, area, here are some factors to consider during the decision-making process.
Related: How a Landscape Designer Chooses Materials for a Natural Landscape Design in the Green, NJ, Area
Site Considerations
Every project is different. The choice of landscaping materials is inspired by nature and the site itself. The masonry contractor will take note of whether the site is mostly wooded or primarily lawn with trees and shrubs around the perimeter. Is your current landscape surrounded by nature, or is situated in a more densely built newer neighborhood with basic landscaping? Are there existing prominent features on the site, such as a creek, rock outcrops, or boulders, or is it essentially a blank slate (i.e., new construction)?
Wherever possible, a nature-inspired landscape design can incorporate materials that look as though they truly belong in this exact location. Familiar with the types of stone found in the area, the masonry contractor may focus on stone sourced locally in order to preserve the priority of making the final look of the landscape appear as natural as possible.
Complementing the Home’s Exterior
You may want your garden design to harmonize with the look of your home. For that reason, existing stonework on the home could potentially influence the choice of materials used for your fine garden and other landscape features, whether stone is a current part of the home’s foundation, or you have a prominent external chimney or existing accents such as porch pillars or steps. Even if the stonework on the home uses engineered stone and not natural stone, skilled masonry contractors can choose materials that closely complement these materials, if that is the preference.
Harmony with Existing Landscape Features
Existing hardscape materials may also need to be complemented with new stonework if these features will not be replaced. This includes wood or composite decking or masonry features such as outdoor fireplaces and fire features.
Complementing an existing material involves choosing colors, textures, and shapes that work harmoniously together to create a pleasing effect. The materials could be similar, or the landscape designer could opt for a bold look with contrasting materials. For example, an existing smooth teak deck could be complemented by rough-textured stonework that draws attention to the differing textures, shapes, and colors. Or a stacked-fieldstone retaining wall could offer an interesting contrast to a smooth-textured granite slab patio.
For a “been there forever” visual effect, masonry contractors are meticulous in their selection of natural stone, with the goal of bringing out the beauty of your new garden as well as other elements that nature has provided. Whether your new garden calls for a beautiful stone fountain, a stone privacy wall, or a stepping stone walkway that lures you to explore your beautiful plantings and cut some flowers, stone selection is one of the most exciting aspects of the landscape design process.