Case Studies
Custom Water Feature with a Unique Challenge
Pushing the envelope on what could be done with a water feature took on a different meaning with this project. Not only did the client want the sound of water, they also wanted the upper pond to come right up to the patio’s edge. This was accomplished by excavation and installing a massive concrete retaining wall underneath the patio to hold up the 2,200 sq. ft. patio. To provide a different element to this water feature, a 25’ long stream connected the upper pond to the lower pond. The pond contains two pumps, one being the primary and one being a secondary pump. The secondary pump is controlled by a remote control and can be turned on to provide the sound of white water during social events. Beside the infinity edge on the upper pond, the other focal point of the design is the stone footbridge that takes you over the creek into the back yard.
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Landscaping and Construction for Fine Outdoor Living
The outdoor structure provides the client with outdoor entertaining space as well as a cooking area. Our client requested an outdoor area where they could entertain in various weather conditions. They also wanted to feel nestled into the back yard space, but open to the pool area of the back yard. The covered structure was designed to incorporate a two-sided fireplace that can be enjoyed from within the structure as well as on the outside of the structure near the water feature. The design of the structure’s roofline and arched elements were pulled from the existing home in order to complement its architecture. The flooring inside the structure is mortared bluestone to provide a visual separation from the main patio and pool areas. The kitchen is fully functional with a built-in grill, cabinetry and a dry sink. The client has furnished the outdoor living space with area rugs and comfortable furniture for three-season enjoyment!
Residential LandKeeping and Landscaping
We began new landscape construction and maintenance of this Springboro residence in 1998. The property receives a seasonal clean-up and bi-weekly service visits throughout the year. The seasonal clean-up includes the turning of the existing mulch, weed removal, edging of all beds, and the installation of a new layer of shredded hardwood mulch applied at a depth of no more than two inches. Maintenance includes irrigation startup and winterization, lighting and irrigation checks, pond opening and closing, lawn fertilization, seasonal floral displays, and mowing. Spray applications are only used if needed and a team of trained professionals inspects all plant material and turf at each visit.
Due to the longevity of maintaining the client’s property, a strong relationship has been built, allowing for many design/build projects to occur. These have served to update and enhance the property over the years as well as increase the property‘s value. Recently the existing concrete driveway gave way to a new paver drive and an entrance pergola to the backyard. This spring, the existing pond was renovated.
Commercial Property Landscape Design and Build with LandKeeping
Landscape design-build and management began on this 130-acre property in 2007 with the installation of over two thousand woody and herbaceous plants. The client is Aileron, a unique organization that provides inspiration and guidance to entrepreneurs of privately-owned busineses. All of the grounds, including turf, landscaping a sixty-acre prairie two miles of walking trails, and an island, which requires a boat for access, are the responsibility of Grunder Landscaping Company. The client’s desire to maintain a creative and contemplative environment for visitors, using a theme garden, prairie, and gently meandering woodland trails requires meticulous attention.
The greatest challenge is that the majority of the maintenance must be completed after 5:00 PM and on weekends. It is the request of the client that there is no noise or distractions during the business hours so that their visitors may concentrate on learning.
As part of the landscape management schedule, this property receives a spring clean up, which is comprised of edging all beds and applying a balanced fertilizer to all applicable planting areas. At this time, plus two additional times per year, the mulch is turned to promote aerobic activity and improve appearance. If necessary, additional mulch is added to maintain a depth of two inches in accordance with industry standards. No formal shearing is performed; instead all ornamental plants are selectively pruned by hand to provide a natural appearance. A local certified arborist is on call to administer the pruning of trees, which is supervised by Grunder Landscaping Company. The turf area, except for the grassroad pavers, receives five nutrient applications annually and is aerated in the fall.
The unique solution to overflow parking was the installation of a two-acre parking lot constructed of grassroad pavers using a blend of tall fescue ideally suited to the region. The restricted root zone and unpredictable traffic pattern requires continual monitoring of moisture, nitrogen, and other nutrients in order to maintain the desired lush green appearance. The irrigation system is fed by a pond and a wetland stream helps to filter the water. The sixty-acre native prairie is now in its third year of development. A regional restoration company provides guidance for the continued management and improvement of this area. These are a few elements that support the client receiving the distinguished certification of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
The Passion Garden includes more than 40 plant species. These plants have red foliage and/or red flowers to fuel the passion to become a leader. Walkways give the visitors an opportunity to spend time considering their personal goals. Perennials are inspected continuously and any necessary cultural practices are performed at this time.
Wildlife continues to be a challenge at this site. Environmentally friendly pest control is used as well as the enthusiastic efforts of a Border Collie named “Blue.”
