Bold is the watchword for beautiful outdoor decorating this year, and it’s easy to find items – from furniture to wallpaper – that play to this theme.

“Bright colors, bold patterns and showpiece accessories are top trends in outdoor decor this year,” says Dani Nichols, a design-trends watcher for wallpaper purveyor Murals Your Way. “Whether your personal style is modern and chic or country and homey, you can find design elements that both fit your style and follow this trend.”

If you’re looking to add pizzazz to your outdoor decor this year, here are some ideas for bringing the bold and beautiful trend to your patio, deck or backyard:

Fire and water

Celebrating the elements is a recurring theme in decor, both indoor and outdoor. Where better to fete two of the most powerful ones – fire and water – than in your outdoor design? Color is an easy-to-change, low-cost way to incorporate the appeal of these elements into decor.

Adding a fire pit or a water feature such as a fountain, however, can be even more satisfying. Whether you opt for a large, copper fire pit on tall legs or a simple clay chiminea, incorporating fire into your outdoor living spaces boldly creates warmth, drama and ambiance. A water feature, whether a wall-mounted waterfall or a free-standing fountain, is also a powerful statement – one that can generate calm or mirth, depending on the style, setting and circumstances. Home improvement stores now carry a variety of fire pits, chimineas and water fountains to enhance outdoor environments.

Wall power

In recent years, murals and wallpaper have been gaining popularity for outdoor spaces. Technology like Luxuriant Fabric-Backed Vinyl by Murals Your Way, makes it easy to decorate outdoors. The durable material goes on virtually any flat surface and can handle the elements when a layer or two of polyurethane is added on top of the outdoor mural.

This season’s wallpapers feature bright, saturated colors and eye-popping patterns. Whether you’re looking for an intensely hued geometric pattern or a striking nature scene, you can find wallpaper options that mesh well with the bold design trend.

Color and customization

 Color sets the mood, and can act as a foundation or accent in virtually any design scheme. This year, bold hues are popping up in nearly every element of outdoor decor, from vivid metallics and exotic reds, to lush blues and boisterous yellows. Orange is particularly hot this season, with everyone from paint makers to furniture designers incorporating every shade of orange imaginable – from tangerine to pumpkin – in their designs.

Color customization is another exciting aspect of the boldness trend. Homeowners wanting a profoundly personal outdoor environment can customize the interplay of color in their decor. Online, it’s easy to find companies that will create fabrics and upholstery from a color or pattern sample submitted by a homeowner. 

This season, if you’re seeking a look that’s both on trend and timeless, emulate Mother Nature and go bold. Your outdoor living space will be a celebration of nature, and the perfect stage for all your warm-weather celebrations.

Spring fever usually sets in well before the warmer temperatures and green grasses return, making this the perfect time to start looking for signs of the coming spring season with kids. These signs return every year, so teach children to experience Mother Nature using the five senses: touch, taste, sight, smell and sounds.

Touch:
For colder regions, winter must leave before spring can arrive. Melting snow is one of the very first signs warmer weather is around the corner. Rising temperatures is a big change everyone can feel. The earth slowly warms, bringing plants to life anew. For a “hands-on” experience, gather spring garden elements. Soil, water, seeds and light all work together to help plants grow – the basics of photosynthesis. Even if it is still too cold for an outdoor garden, get kids gardening indoors by planting a small tabletop garden. Miracle-Gro Kids has developed a series of small gardening kits for kids that make this process rewarding. Simply plant the garden, place it in a sunny area, water and watch for sprouts.

Taste:
Spring greens are some of the first tastes from the garden. Pot a “grown-up” table-top container garden or visit the first local farmers market selling home-grown ingredients for salads this spring. Maple syrup is another great taste of spring. The first maple tree sap flows right before the leaves appear, sometime between late February and early April. This is when maple sugar and maple syrup production is at its best. Celebrate by learning how to tap a tree or visit a sugar house. Kids will love seeing how much work goes into making the syrup they put on their pancakes, and might even get to sample maple candy or maple sugar for a delicious treat.

Sight:
In spring, flowers bloom, leaves bud, birds build nests and the backyard fills with life. One of the most obvious signs of spring’s arrival is the appearance of flowers. Even before the snow has melted, tiny crocuses can often be seen peeking out, making the statement that spring is, indeed, approaching. Make a scrapbook or photographic diary of which flowers are spotted first in your area.

Flowers and blossoms are only part of the colorful sights. Many animals are returning from migration. Most people are not aware that earthworms migrate, so be on the lookout. Earthworms make one of the shortest annual migrations, coming above ground only when the earth begins to thaw and the soil is ready for new root growth. Their appearance above ground is a gardener’s reminder that the ground is almost warm enough for planting. Animals and birds will then return to gobble up these tasty morsels as quick forms of protein. To further explore the underground world of gardening, try the Kids Root Viewer by Miracle-Gro  to let kids experience what goes on underground in spring before plants appear above ground. Children can watch as seeds germinate and roots grow right before their eyes.

Smell:
Spring brings soothing scents like lilacs, apple blossoms, hyacinth and daffodils. Sweet aromas turn a stroll through the garden into a delicacy for the nose. The smell of fresh, cool air wafting into an open window or the scent of laundry that’s been hung out to dry in the sun are some of the greatest moments of spring. And, of course, the pleasant smell of freshly cut grass after that first mowing of the year is a reminder of all the summer fun just around the corner.

Sounds:
In the spring, birds returning from long migrations are busy building nests, looking for food and laying eggs. Their singing and twittering are a welcomed signal that spring has truly arrived. Set up a bird feeder in the backyard or patio and take turns documenting which feathered friends visit most frequently.

In addition to the birds, frogs are also making their spring appearance in many parts of the country, filling the night air with song. Listen for their high-pitched calls in the evenings, especially around wet areas like lakes and ponds.

The signs of spring are popping up all around. Using your five senses to discover them will lead to hours of fun for the whole family. With a little luck, it may actually help make the time go a little faster and spring come a little sooner.

The drought and heat of last summer, combined with uncharacteristic winter temperatures in many regions, may have taken a toll on the lawn, but getting it back on the road to recovery is easy. Moderate temperatures and increased precipitation in spring are perfect for repairing, seeding and feeding grass. Well-nourished grass withstands harsh conditions better, and provides a lush, durable place to play while squeezing out unwanted weeds by blocking access to sunlight. Follow these tips to take your grass from tired to terrific.

Seed
Fill in bare or thin spots with grass seed to encourage a thick lawn, helping prevent weeds from invading your lawn by blocking access to sunlight. Use a high-quality seed appropriate for your region, like Scotts Seed to fill in thin spots and thicken the lawn. To repair larger areas, you may use Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed with WaterSmart coating.

Feed
Grass needs nutrients to grow strong, deep roots that can endure harsh conditions and grow in thick to help block access to sunlight for weeds. If the lawn does not need reseeding, use a high-quality lawn food like Scotts Turf Builder. This lawn food can be used in any season on any grass type, and delivers balanced nutrients for strong, thick grass. Use a starter fertilizer when planting new grass to promote root growth and seedling development.

When seeding or feeding, use Scotts DLX EdgeGuard Broadcast Spreader for larger areas to direct lawn food only where desired – on the lawn and off hard surfaces – and out of storm sewers. This spreader combines the accuracy of a drop spreader with the speed of a rotary spreader.

Mow
Set your mower at the highest setting and leave grass clippings on the lawn. Mow frequently to avoid removing more than one third of the grass height, and do so when grass is dry to avoid damp clumps that could smother grass. Leaving clippings on the lawn recycles nutrients stored in the clippings keeping the soil cooler, encouraging deeper root growth and enriching the soil with organic material.

Keep these simple mowing tips in mind every time you head out to trim the grass: Mow your grass at the highest setting, keep grass clippings on the lawn and water only when needed.

Water
Grass that is fed and kept at a taller height develops deep roots which are better able to conserve water and withstand periods of heat and drought. Rely on rainfall as the primary source of water. During periods of drought, the lawn can go without water for an extended time. Even though the lawn may look brown and wilted, it will recuperate after the rain returns. If you do choose to irrigate the lawn, water less frequently for a longer period of time rather than short frequent waterings.

These tips for a great lawn will provide a foundation for a fun-filled summer in your own backyard. For more information on seeding and feeding this spring, visit www.scotts.com.

Make outdoor spring cleaning a breeze with these four simple tips to ensure that you’re ready for warm weather fun:

1. Get the grill ready – Barbecues and picnics are as much a part of summer as baseball and trips to the beach. Your grill is central to the fun when you’re cooking and dining outdoors, so get it ready with a good cleaning. If you were diligent about cleaning the grill after every use last year, a good cleaning with a wire brush may be all the cooking grates need. If your grates have a lot of build-up and burnt-on food, remove and soak them in warm soapy water to loosen the debris. Use a wire brush and a little soapy water to clean out the inside surfaces of your grill, including the inside of the lid. Check the hose connection for the propane tank and repair or replace it if needed.

2. Clean outdoor surfaces without scrubbing – Over time, wood and composite decks, concrete, railings, awnings and outdoor furniture can accumulate mold, moss, mildew and algae. An environmentally-sensitive mold and mildew cleaner like Wet & Forget works over time to gently remove outdoor stains on virtually any exterior surface without scrubbing. Perfect for mildew and mold removal, the non-caustic, non-acidic and bleach-free, biodegradable formula can be easily applied with a pump garden sprayer instead of a more labor-intense power washer. The multi-surface outdoor cleaner reduces water usage and is designed for use around landscaping plants.

3. Spruce up your view – Clean windows not only brighten the interior of your home, they can make the exterior look fresher, too. Spring is a great time to remove screens (if you haven’t stored them for the winter) and give them a good cleaning. Hosing them off should do the trick, but if they’re very dirty try cleaning with a little soapy water and a soft scrub brush. Before you replace the screens, give the windows a good cleaning. Arm yourself with lots of paper towels and a good glass cleaner. One that contains vinegar will be effective and eco-friendly if you’re concerned about exposing your landscaping to harsh chemicals. Be sure to clean the outside of your windows first. It will make another popular spring cleaning chore – washing the inside of windows – a bit easier.

4. Taking care of your tools – Yard work and gardening are realities of warm weather. All your landscaping maintenance chores will be easier if your tools are clean and in good repair. Unload the tool shed or garage of all the equipment you’ll use this summer – from rakes and hoes to lawn mowers and trimmers. While you probably cleaned your garden tools before you stored them for winter, they’ll still have accumulated dust – and possibly rust – from sitting idle for so many months. Clean rust spots and dirt from metal tools, and use a coating of mineral oil to ensure the rust doesn’t return. Clean lawn mower and trimmer blades, and replace the line on string trimmers. Get blades sharpened if necessary, and run through all the maintenance tasks recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook for your power equipment.

Paver Patio Contractor

 Beat the winter blues by taking the first steps to create a summer backyard oasis. By preparing now, you’ll be ready to install – and enjoy – a dream outdoor living patio, hardscape or landscaped area once warmer weather arrives. 

The outdoor living experts at Legendary Landscape recommend checking these outdoor projects off your “to-do” list early in the year.

Create a distinctive design – Start thinking about the style, shape and color scheme of your outdoor space. Are your tastes country cottage or mostly modern? Do you desire a basic paver patio or one that spans multiple areas and includes a retaining wall or planters for vibrant plants?  Perhaps you are thinking of a pond or walkway? A pergola or outdoor terrace is also great if you plan a lot of entertaining and want drama. Now is the ideal time to view product samples and seek advice from a seasoned landscape designer and planner.

Plan a useful and eye pleasing area- Long before any pavers are installed, it’s crucial to create a strong plan for your outdoor living space. A quality product such as Eagle Baywill increase the value of your patio, while improving overall appearance. This ultra-durable patio paver and interlocking block system manufactured in Virginia will not wear or crack – unlike traditional concrete or wood substructures – and its stability creates a remarkably flat patio surface. Eagle Bay’s limited warranty offers additional peace of mind.

“Homeowners often don’t realize that much of a patio’s performance and aesthetics depend on what’s underneath,” says Chad Hurry, owner and designer of  Legendary Landscape, a landscape company serving Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and surrounding Virginia areas. “A high-quality paver product offers a strong return on investment and adds years to the life of a patio. Just remember to build this additional – and essential – step into your project timeline, so that you are ready for those spring/summer months.”

Research local contractors – One of the most important parts of planning an outdoor living space is selecting the right contractor. Look for a professional who’s been specially trained to install the type of products you’ve chosen. Inquire about loyalty to product and training, liability insurance and length of experience. Request references – and make sure to call them. We personally enjoy hearing what our clients have to say about us, so make sure you call. If there is something wrong with a company or contractor, you will know before you hand them a check!

Upgrade outdoor furniture – Take a look at the outdoor furniture currently stored in your garage for the winter. Before warm temperatures hit, consider replacing old, worn-out tables and chairs with stylish and durable wood-alternative pieces that won’t rot, crack or splinter and never need to be sanded, stained or painted. If you’re not ready to invest in all new furniture, update upholstery and cushions with colorful, weather-resistant fabrics.

For more outdoor living tips, project ideas and design resources, visit www.eaglebay.com or contact us at Legendary Landscape. We are happy to answer questions by phone or we will stop by for a free visit.

Landscape Planning

 Does the bitter cold weather have you dreaming of warm days spending time with friends and family in your backyard? The cold may keep us indoors, but professionals in the landscape and remodeling industry are still thinking about the outdoors and use the winter months to plan spring projects, and so should you.

Winter months provide the perfect opportunity to prepare your outdoor space for the warmer months. Planning and prepping now will ensure that you get full use of your outdoor space for the entire season once warm weather arrives. Get a head start by planning some of these spring projects now:

Grass
Before you know it, you’ll be peeling off your wool socks and walking around your yard feeling the soft grass between your toes. To ensure a lush lawn, spend time this winter researching grass seed options so you can repair any sparse areas in your yard. Planting grass seed early gives the seed plenty of time to germinate which will give you a healthy, green lawn in the spring. In addition to research, you can also chat with someone at your local nursery for help choosing the appropriate type of grass to plant in the early months of spring.

Bulbs
Some bulbs grow best when planted in the early spring when the ground is still cool. Do some research to figure out the best bulbs for your region so you can determine the ideal planting time. There’s nothing better than having a yard full of colorful flowers providing great curb appeal early in the season. 

Patio
Sitting on your patio enjoying warm, sunny days or cooler evenings is something everyone looks forward to. Adding a new paver patio to your home or replacing an existing one adds value to your real estate investment. Homeowners have been consistently choosing paver patios over concrete slabs or decks over the past several years because paver patio products such as Eagle Bay is high performance and low maintenance, unlike concrete or wood which can splinter and crack, and often requires staining and sealing. Paver patios are long-lasting, durable, made of quality material, and are easibly repaired by replacing the one paver that needs repaired instead of an entire concrete slab or deck. According to Remodeling magazine 2010-11 Cost vs. Value Report, adding a paver patios to your home has a 80 percent return on investment.

You can have Legendary Landscape come out for a free visit to help you plan your new paver patio and landscaping project during winter months. Visit www.legendarylandscape.com to schedule an appointment. Before you know it, you’ll have the perfect plan for your dream patio so when warm weather hits, you’re ready.

Trees and shrubs
As you’re deciding on the patio, or retaining wall consider a plan to plant trees and/or shrubbery to provide a more natural outdoor atmosphere. The right type of landscaping will not only be visually appealing, but will also provide privacy and shade. Planting your selections early can have many benefits including time for each tree or shrub to establish a strong root system so that it flourishes for many years to come.

Stop dreaming of warm weather and put that energy into planning your outdoor space. From hardscape to landscape updates, your efforts during the winter months will bloom into big results once the spring thaw hits.

Retaining Wall Company

 Front-porch entertaining is making a comeback in America’s neighborhoods, thanks to homeowners’ renewed interest in beautifying the front entries of their homes. The days of uninspired concrete front stoops have passed, giving way to elegant combinations of freestanding walls, columns and matching pavers to create welcoming entrances that also serve as gathering places.

Front-entry makeovers that are both eye-catching and functional are one of the hottest trends in landscape design these days.

“Decades ago, neighbors would often retire to their front porches in the evening and gather together for conversation with neighbors up and down the street,” says Chad Hurry, designer at Legendary Landscape in Fredericksburg, VA. “That practice is returning as families spend more time entertaining at home and getting to know their neighbors. A creatively designed front entryway can help facilitate that.”

It doesn’t have to be extravagant either. “Doing something as nominal as adding a paver walkway and freestanding wall – along with a new take on plants to accent certain areas – can do a lot to freshen up your curb appeal on a modest budget,” says Hurry.

New concept, old look
Many homeowners face the challenge of updating a home that looks a bit stuck in the past, but a front entry facelift can be an easy solution. Legendary Landscape transformed a rambler’s small and mundane concrete-slab front stoop into a sweeping paver patio and pergola-covered entryway defined by Eagle Bay retaining walls and columns. The stunning result changed the entire look of the home.

“The original house had a 4-foot-wide step to access the front door,” explains Hurry. “The owner wanted to provide more useable space for traffic flow through the front door while creating a sense of an old-fashioned front porch. In addition, he wanted to use materials that would complement the existing home and also be low-maintenance.” 

Eagle Bay retaining walls in a earthtone-blend color were used for seat-height freestanding walls and columns to create the new porch space. Paving stones in a matching color were used for the patio and walkway surface. The formerly boring square front stoop was transformed into an attractive rounded step that protrudes from the patio, flanked by two columns and faced with a veneer made from slicing off the back of a retaining wall block. The curved lines of the step are repeated in the walkway and in a round raised-bed garden.

The pergola extends from the front of the house, supported by white pillars mounted inside freestanding columns.

“What began as a cold and somewhat clumsy entrance to the house is now a bright and inviting gathering place that adds a contemporary look to what could have been a dated home,” Hurry concludes.

Front-yard entertaining 
Hurry gave a another family’s home a facelift with a handsome hardscaped front-entry courtyard graced with fresh plantings. A plain concrete sidewalk was replaced with matching pavers to create a fresh look for the home with a new, more neighborly entertaining space.

“The entry had overgrown plants in some areas, bare spots in others. While it’s a beautiful house, it had lost its curb appeal and was in dire need of attention,” explains Chad Hurry. “Besides sprucing up the look of their home, the clients also wanted to have a spot out front to sit and chat with the neighbors as they passed by.”

The solution was a raised patio that extends from the existing front step to the middle of the yard. The patio is buttressed on the outer sides by freestanding Eagle Bay retaining walls accented at two corners with stylish matching columns.

The patio and sidewalk are paved with Eagle Bay paving stones in a cobblestone pattern and color scheme that complements the walls and the home’s existing brick exterior. A variety of new plantings around the wall and patio soften the hardscaping.

“We come out here in the evening and it’s not 10 minutes before someone sees us and stops over,” one of the homeowners beamed. “We just love it.”

For more information on how you can give your home a front-entry makeover, contact Legendary Landscape Retaining Wall System Experts at (540) 379-8930, or visit www.legendarylandscape.com.