I love landscaping.  In fact, sometimes it’s a little strange how much I love the different aspects of it.  Sure, it’s normal to love a beautifully planted flowerbed, or a majestic tree.  But, I even love the smell of freshly wetted base rock before concrete is pumped onto it.  I love to see a structure take shape and move from idea to rough materials to the finished focal point of a yard.  It’s not hard to understand the joy of watching sod go down like rolls of organic carpet only to be knit together over a matter of days as the sun works its magic.

There are so many things to love about landscaping.  But there are two things that are by far at the top of my list – Water and Light.  Here is why: water in a yard makes you go wow.  Whether you install a big water feature or a little one, it gives you a sense of awe and inspiration.  Now, not to diminish the value of a nice lawn or a well planted flowerbed, but they don’t compare to the impact that water can have.  Water brings life by animating its surrounding.   It reflects light.  It bounces sound around.  It provides rhythm.  It commands attention and at the same time it blends into the surroundings.  Take a look at these photos for a few samples:

Purple Cow Landscaping

Remember the Sesame Street song – “One of these things is not like the other, One of these things just doesn’t belong…… “  Ever find yourself singing this song as you watch the tourist in front of you at the check out stand?  It’s all a matter of context.  If you were in Europe, buying groceries at the market, someone behind you would be singing the Sesame Street song about you – albeit in French or German.

The same thing is true with plants.  It’s all a matter of context.  In fact, contrary to popular opinion, there are no bad plants.  There are, however, bad locations for plants.  Put a cactus in a tropical zone – Nope.  Put a shade plant in the direct sun – No way.  And yet, it happens all the time.  People choose plants because they are attractive, have pretty flowers, or, nice leaves.  Then, they scratch their head when the plant doesn’t live, or worse, it lives but just barely.

When you see a beautifully combined group of plants with colors that compliment each other, textures that contrast and cause you to take a longer look and give you a distinct sense of place, thank a landscaper.  If you know how to do this yourself, you are either gifted, have worked very hard, or, probably a little of both.

Purple Cow Landscaping

First, let me say that I am not here to convince you to put a BBQ or an outdoor kitchen into your landscape.  You either understand the limitless value of having a counter top complete with a place to plug in your margarita blender, or you don’t.  I don’t have to convince you because you already know that there is no better way to get your boss to loosen up outside of work than to serve him a few blended beverages of conversation lubrication.  I am not here to convince you that one of the strongest aphrodisiacs known to the opposite sex is the sight of you confidently working your meat mojo at the grill.   You know all this and more.

I am here to give some advice on what elements to include in your outdoor entertainment area.  As far as fire goes, if you are a purist, get a wood fired set up for cooking your carne.  If you aren’t sure – you’re not a purist – put in a gas grill.  Also, if you install a gas grill, WHATEVER YOU DO, MAKE SURE YOU INSTALL A WARMING DRAWER.  You will never be sorry.  You can cook things and keep them warm so you can stage your meal, or, keep things warm for late friends.

Outdoor sinks are nice but something you can live without.  They require additional work to install the drain, venting and water.  If you do put in a sink, definitely include an insta-hot for the water.

A fridge is nice for keeping spoilables handy.  Other refrigeration can come in handy.  For instance, if you drink a lot of beer, have an outdoor beer chiller included in your set up.  Unless you drink a lot of beer, though, keeping some cold ones in the fridge is going to be plenty.  Of course, if you are a wine drinker, you need a wine cooler.

There are many other options that can be included.  I suggest avoiding things like TV’s outside simply because they cut down on personal interaction, which for me, is one of the main reasons for enjoying a meal outside with friends and family.  Now, having said that, keep in mind that I would love to install your outdoor theatre for watching movies after the grill has gone cold.  If you don’t want the video, please consider audio.   In my mind, nothing goes better with meal under moonlight than a little jazz.   And, this is easier to do than most people realize.

Purple Cow Landscaping