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Denver Front Range​Landscaping Resources

Home gardening with raised planter beds

5/25/2023

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Denver Landscaping Gardens

Denver, CO has a short and intense growing season, but planting some veggies and fruits at home increases your sustainability and self-sufficiency while maximizing use of our region's most precious resource: water.
50% of the water used by local single-family homes is spent outdoors, on average, according to Denver Water.

Why not grow food with that water? 
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Benefits of Home Gardening:
  • It's fun and connects you with nature.
  • Produces food that tastes better than store bought produce. 
  • Uses outdoor water efficiently and sustainably. 
  • It's one way to strengthen community resilience and self sufficiency.
  • It is part of our nation's heritage, especially during challenging times (keep reading to learn about "Victory Gardens.")​
Denver garden bed landscapers
Tomatoes grown by Arterra Principal in 2021
Garden Bed ​Design Solutions For Best Results: 
If you've ever tried container gardening in individual pots or planters, you know the disappointment of seeing plants wither and sizzle in Colorado's baking summer sun as the soil dries out.
Raised planter beds are by far the superior option for successful home gardening. 
Why Raised Garden Beds: 
  • Aesthetics: raised beds are far more attractive than planting directly into the ground. 
  • Health & Soil Quality Control: avoid toxins, heavy metals, and dense clay in yard soil. Control soil health by filling raised garden beds with fertile, amended soil and compost derived nutrients to for a thriving garden. 
  • Convenience & Ergonomics: reduce back and knee strain from stooping low, and enjoy more ergonomic accessibility for planting, weeding, and harvesting with planter boxes that are 12-24" inches tall. 
  • Built In Seating: depending on your bed construction, you could enjoy added moments of nature therapy and maximize outdoor seating using sturdy, flat borders on the tops of your raised garden beds. 
  • Resource Sustainability: growing some food instead of all grass or ornamental plants with the water you use outdoors is ecologically responsible in a semi-arid climate like Colorado. Also, the less we buy all of our produce from mass production sources that require extensive transportation and refrigeration to reach us, the better for the planet and local economy. 
  • Increased Self Sufficiency: when you plant a few things for yourself and your family to enjoy, you rely a little less on the availability of foods and fluctuating prices at the big box grocery stores while getting a bit more connected to nature. 
Imagine if the abundance our neighborhoods could see if we all grew a few edible things like herbs, tomatoes, zucchini, berries, or fruit trees, etc." 
Interesting Food Facts: (Did You Know?) 
During World War I, facing the threat of food insecurity, President Woodrow Wilson publicly called for Americans to grow food at home. Americans responded to the call considering it a civic duty as they planted and cultivated what we history books have referred to as "Victory Gardens."​
Read more about this moment in history from the Smithsonian's online library or this 2020 article from the New York Times.
Why wait for a Presidential call to increase community resilience?
Grow food and share your abundance with friends and neighbors this year.
More Gardening Facts: 
  • Plants store carbon. Growing more plants reduces your carbon footprint. 
  • Home grown produce often tastes better than anything available at the store because so much of our food is grown in nutrient depleted soil by producers who embrace short term profit over regenerative practices like crop rotation to maintain soil health. At home, you control soil's health. Depending on where you live in the Denver metro, resources like Compost Colorado, Scraps, Denver Compost Collective and Wompost, make it easy to participate in resource looping for high quality composted soil amendments.
  • Composting reduces methane gas that organic material would produce in the anaerobic conditions of a landfill, so you can feel good on many levels when you use and support a local composting service or try a DIY method at home. Explore classes from Denver Urban Gardens if you feel inspired.
Raised Garden Box Design & Construction: ​
​Our licensed landscape architect primarily uses wood to construct custom dimension raised garden beds for homeowners in the Denver metro.
Denver Garden Planter Bed Landscaper
Wooden Raised Planter Bed
​Other design options we recommend include: 
  • Dry stacked Siloam stone creates beautiful artisan, light brown tones elegant for any front or side yard. 
  • Galvanized tubs are an industrial and efficient option that we can help customize for drip irrigation. 
The materials we recommend for your project will depend on a variety of factors like your home’s style, HOA constraints, budget, and sensibilities for durability and style. 
Denver Garden Landscaper
Programmable drip irrigation saves time, money, and water.
Automated Watering Systems: 
Home gardening should be made as low maintenance as possible.
That's why we design and install zoned and programmable drip irrigation systems to keep plants thriving without daily hand watering needs, saving you time and often money in the long run. 

Irrigation Design & Installation Features: 
  • Multi-zone and WiFi-controlled irrigation systems
  • Drip irrigation tube zones
  • Micro-spray features with adjustable nozzles 
  • Zoned irrigation for other landscaping features with varied water needs (like lawn and trees).
Green House Installation
If you really want first rate efficiency with home gardening, investing in a green house or hoop house can help extend the growing season and buffer against abrupt temperature swings and weather occurrences (like snow and hail storms) common in Colorado each  Spring and Fall. 

Consider whether you are just trying your hand at gardening or seriously investing in long term sustainability with a custom green house for garden control and outdoor winter meditation time. Ask us about pricing and options for your home's style and your budget using the link below. 
Complimentary Landscaping consultation
Tips for What To Plant: 
A few of our favorite veggies for first time home gardeners living in the Front Range include: 
  • Tomatoes (select an heirloom variety for the best flavor)
  • Peppers of all varieties, especially Hatch and Chile peppers
  • Hardy greens like kale and spinach
  • Squash (zucchini and Delicata) and corn (note that these take up space)
  • Culinary herbs (like basil, rosemary, and parsley)
  • Strawberries and raspberries
If you are a bit more comfortable with gardening and want to plan for future abundance, fruit trees like apples, pears, and cherries are another great investment. Our licensed landscape architect can advise about the Espalier method for space-conscious fruit production. 
DIY Gardening Resources: 
Many local garden centers offer their expertise on plant cultivation, and there is also a plethora of online resources for gardening in High Desert Zone 5 (the Denver Metro's gardening zone). 
  • Garden in a Box: the CSU extension program offers Garden in a Box annually. 
  • Individual Starter Plants: Nurseries like Echter's Nursery and Garden Center, O'Toole's Garden Center, and more will also offer high quality starts for vegetables that grow well in our region. Also watch your local farmer's market for starts at the beginning of the season. 
  • Soil Health Support: CSU extension also has a resource and free consultations, soil samples, etc. to help you navigate pesticide free ways to navigate pests. 
Not Ready to Try Your Green Thumb? 
Other Sustainable Ideas: 
Consider searching for a local CSA to support small local farms in community, adding resilience to the local economy and ensuring a source of income for small farmers who steward local fertile land, preserving it from development. 

You can also explore cultivating a drought tolerant pollinator garden, or xeriscape design to reduce water consumption and cultivate pollinator friendly native plants. 
Denver Xeriscape garden designs
Water Wise Flower Garden Designs
Pollinator & Xeriscape Gardens
Self Sufficiency & Clean Produce
During times of increasing uncertainty and growing environmental crises, growing some of our own veggies and fruits increases our self sufficiency, connects us to neighbors and nature, and reduces transportation emissions.

Home grown produce also gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what potentially harmful  chemicals and additives been used or avoided in the process of growing tasty treats like tomatoes and berries. 

Know What Conventional Produce Is the Most Toxic: 
Learn about the "Dirty Dozen" List of fruits and vegetables that should be eaten organic due to their absorption of pesticides and sprays. 
Let us know what questions you still have in the comments below! Will you be trying your hand at home gardening this year? 
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maximizing spaces with retaining walls

8/21/2020

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Denver Retaining Wall Projects

When Retaining Walls Make The Most Sense For Your Space
Regardless of size, if your outdoor space has sloped grades or a lackluster entryway, retaining walls add depth and functionality to your landscape design. 
Landscaping retaining walls
Some of our past clients have come to us out of frustration maintaining a lawn that is hard to mow on a steep incline, or wanted to maximize a small space by adding perennials or raised garden beds. 

Just like any project, we start by visiting your space, hearing how you want to enjoy your time outside your home, and then crafting a hand-rendered landscape design customized to your space and needs. ​
​​We often work with individually selected siloam stone and river rock to create grand steps and entryways for stately homes in the Denver Metro Front Range.

​We also have a wide variety of high quality paver stones we choose from when creating retaining walls for modern and cottage homes, gardens, raised flower beds, and more. 
Photo of rustic siloam stone path and steps for a mountain xeriscape in the Denver metro of Colorado.
Photo of an elegant cream colored stone retaining wall for a tall, backyard raised flower bed with roses and tulips in Denver, Colorado.
Photo of a terraced front yard using river rock retaining walls and custom outdoor stepped staircase for a stately mountain mansion using ground covering for a drought resistant landscape in Arvada, Colorado.
Hardscape Designs
Email us today to schedule an appointment for your free consultation and estimate.

Please note that Spring and Summer are peak season for landscaping construction, and we do work all year (as long as snow isn't on the ground). Reach out with plenty of lead time in advance of your project for a first-come-first served reservation on our books. 
​
free landscaping consultation
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Custom Deck Design

7/24/2020

1 Comment

 

Backyard Renovation Landscapers

The perfect deck or patio invites you to relax and restore outside after a stressful day. 

If your outdoor spaces need revitalizing, we can help. Offering more than 18 years of experience creating custom designs for Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, and beyond, Our award-winning licensed landscape architect takes the uncertainty and guesswork out of your project with proven expertise. 
Custom Deck Design Denver
Lakewood Custom Deck Design
Denver Custom Deck Design
Arterra Landscape Design/Build delivers excellent customer service and high-quality workmanship while serving as a general contractor to reduce communication between builders. 
​
Whether you want a new wood or composite deck, stamped concrete walkway, or brick inlaid patio, we’ll create the perfect design to suit your home's needs and see that it is built to last. 

Request a free consultation for your project today.
Request a free consultation
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Selecting the Best Fence

6/11/2020

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Denver Fencing Landscapers

What kind of statement does your property’s perimeter make, and how do you feel seeing it when you come home? Fences and gates add personality and safety to your home. Check out the custom fence gate we designed and constructed for a Denver metro homeowner.
Different Fences for Different Folks
If you are part of a Homeowners Association, you may face requirements around fencing styles for your home.  As a dog guardian, a well-built fence is necessary to keep your four legged friend out of trouble. Homeowners in urban and metro areas might also simply want more privacy or security from a well designed fence.

Denver Fence Landscaper
We are here to help you wade through a sea of options and consider what fencing style fits your needs, family, and budget. Here are a few the residential fence styles we like best:
Fencing Styles for the Front Range
Wooden fencing
From the traditional white picket fence, to the rural split rail, or privacy slat fence, wooden fencing is some of the most versatile. Split rail fences with wire backing works with many HOA restrictions and keeps pets contained while deterring bunnies from munching on your garden. 
​
However, wooden fences need periodic conditioning in order to maintain aesthetics and integrity in the Front Range’s extreme weather patterns, low humidity, and intense sun.  
Denver Fence Landscaper
Vinyl fencing
High quality vinyl fences replicate the look of painted wood from a distance and require less maintenance, but they can also become brittle during cold snaps and may acquire weathering stains over time.
Metal fencing
​
Wrought iron and mild steel fences provide sturdy, rust-free protection with practically no maintenance required. The look of this black glazed metal compliments modern homes, elegant manors, and brick cottages. Brick and stucco bases can also be integrated into these fence designs to compliment your home for added flair. 

​Are you thinking about replacing a fence or building a new one around your property? 

Take the guesswork out of home improvement projects with design consultation and support from an award winning landscape architect. 

Reach out for a free estimate of your project today. Arterra books projects on a first come, first served basis. 
Denver Fence Landscaper
Schedule A Complimentary Estimate
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Quintessential Fire Pits

4/30/2020

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Fire Pit Landscaping Designs

Why We Enjoy Fire
Any patio in the Front Range is made complete by an outdoor fire feature to warm your morning or make sunset watching even more cozy and enjoyable. 
​
Outside Fire Features For Home
Outdoor fire features add comfort, style, and function to home. Whether you pride yourself in creating warm and welcoming spaces, or simply cherish personal time outside with something to drink and a good read, the perfect fire feature helps you enjoy outdoor living when temperatures dip low. 
outdoor fireplace
Modern gas burning patio fireplace.
Styles of Patio Fire Features
There are a variety of ways to safely incorporate fire elements into your outdoor oasis. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor fire features for Front Range homes:  
Fire Pits
Traditional Wood Burning Options:
​
Fire Pits and Fireplaces
Perfect for rustic mountain homes styles, people who enjoy a hands-on connection to building fires, and those who appreciate the old fashioned allure of a campfire -- stand alone fire pits or built-in wood burning fireplaces provide a finishing touch that adds joy to time spent outside. 
Fire Pits
Gas Fire Features:
​
Stand-Alone Gas Fire Pits 
Providing fuss-free heat for hand warming, s'mores roasting, and gathering with family and friends, gas fire pits will never overflow with ash or produce high floating sparks like a wood fire. They are easy to use and can be covered or stored during any period of nonuse. 
Fire Pits
Patio Heaters (Flame Heaters)
Often tall and sleek, these easy-to-move gas burning elements compliment modern home styles and eliminate smoke for satisfying flames with a few clicks of a button. Depending on the model, these might produce less radiant heat than a traditional fire pit. However, the heat output is more easily controllable than wood burning fires. ​
Considerations For The Best Fire Feature For You
  • Space Size: Consider the size of your space, whether you’re more comfortable starting a wood or gas fire, and who will be sharing your space with you. Needless to say, hot objects and open flames always require alertness to prevent accident or injury.
  • People and Pets: The habits and needs of young children, people who are unsteady on their feet, and household pets should be considered when choosing the fire feature style that’s best for your situation. 

​Professional Consultations
Still not sure which fire feature style would be best for your home? We provide consultation to help you weigh the pros and cons of various fire features for your circumstances and home’s design style.  ​​
Yard Consultations
Designing Deluxe Landscapes
Arterra not only specializes in designing spaces with fire features, but also low-voltage outdoor lighting, water features that wow, dog friendly spaces, and drought-tolerant xeriscapes and gardens. 

Ask for a free consultation for our licensed landscape architect today. ​
Request a consultation
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Trees for Colorado's Climate

12/30/2019

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Denver Tree Landscaping Companies

Trees For Style And Sustainability
Trees are often an important part of landscape design since they offer benefits for people and the planet: trees add cooling shade and privacy to outdoor spaces, and they also help improve air quality by producing oxygen and storing carbon. However, not all trees are created equal when it comes to thriving in the Front Range. 

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Our Favorite Evergreens
We love working with trees to add wind and privacy screens. See which ones are our favorites and read about their respective merits below:
Denver Tree Landscapers
Photo credit: Pro Gardens
​The Emerald Arborvitae For Shade
Our top choice for suitability to Colorado’s landscape is the Emerald Arborvitae. This narrow, dense evergreen is great for creating privacy with added screening to buffer thee rail-and-wire fencing that is popular in neighborhoods from Arvada to Cherry Creek. It also tolerates shade well when planted in East or West facing configurations.  

​The Spartan Juniper For Full Sun

For spaces bearing the heat relentless direct sunshine, the Spartan Juniper is a narrow and upright evergreen to weather hot summers and add a cooling layer of shade to help you and your pets enjoy your space more comfortably.
Denver Tree Landscapers
Aristocrat pear tree. Photo credit: Lolita Baker
A Few More Favorites
Some of our landscape architect’s favorite non-evergreen trees are the Aristocrat Pear, Serviceberry, Autumn Blaze Maple, Amir Maple, Winter King Hawthorn, and Newport Plum.

Trees like these add beauty during seasonal changes with budding leaves and flowering blossoms.  



​Trees We Typically Avoid Planting

There are a few shortcomings of trending favorite trees out there to be aware of. For example, oak trees are a trending favorite by appearance, but they take years to grow to maturity (a consideration especially when renovating landscape to increase home resale value). ​​
​Another signature look in Colorado is the Aspen tree, beloved for their subtle bark color and delicate leaves. While this native species thrives naturally in the mountains, we do not recommend planting these seedlings unless working with a sizable property that provides ample space for these invasive root systems to sprawl. Planting saplings near homes and in smaller spaces can lead to plumbing and foundation disruptions over time. The variety of Aspens that flourish at the Denver metro elevations are also limited.  

The Takeaway
Include the right trees for your space to reduce wind, dust, excess heat, and street visibility in your outdoor space. We can help you hand select the right varietals to thrive in your space and the best design placement to help you enjoy your space whether you want comfortable patio time during the summer months or an added layer of privacy between your home and property line. 
Landscaping Estimates
Looking for the best support for maintaining your trees in Colorado? Consult a certified arborist. The Rocky Mountain chapter of ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) has tips and an online directory to support your search. 
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Gorgeous Custom Designed Gates

8/26/2019

10 Comments

 

Denver Landscaping Yard Gates

Well constructed gates and fences are an integral part of an overall landscaping plan, adding style and utility (keeping dogs in and intruders wildlife out). But gates and fences can add so much more than function and safety to a home when they are custom designed and built to last. 

Symbolic entry ways
These symbolic entry points and property boundaries set the tone for the experience of coming home and transitioning from wherever the day has taken us to the relaxation and restoration of being home. What do your home's entry points symbolize for you, and do you feel soothed by beauty when you approach your home?

Custom Designed Gates
Custom gate design for a Denver home.
Custom Designed Gates
The finished project.
Arterra’s Principal, John Majeski designed the above custom privacy gate for a family near Denver’s botanical gardens. 

The difference is in the details
The sealed natural pine wood with touches of western red cedar accent and classic metal handle add style and contrast for visual appeal against a plain stucco fence. 

Materials we prefer 
Some of our favorite materials for creating fence gates are ornamental iron and wood. Western red cedar has a beautiful tenor and ages well with our treatment of a high quality oil based sealer to prevent splitting and shrinkage in Colorado’s dry climate. Composite fences may also be a durable option for those who want a maintenance free fencing solution. 

Check out some beautiful gate ideas on Arterra Landscape Design/Build Pinterest. 
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  • Home
  • Portfolio
  • Services
    • Xeriscape Designs
    • Dog-Friendly Landscaping
    • Irrigation Installation
    • Smart Landscape Systems
    • Landscape Lighting | LED Low Voltage
    • Hardscapes
    • Irrigation Efficiency Evaluations
    • Fire Pits
    • Xeriscapes & Pollinator Gardens
    • Gardens
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    • Renderings
  • Contact Us
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