It's freezing outside, the ground is hard ... the perfect time to plan spring landscaping projects. Designing new garden beds or privacy plantings, or installing a new walkway, patio, pool, or outdoor kitchen all require serious advance planning, permits and landscape redesigns in some way. The winter months are ripe for this advance work and allow homeowners to take a fresh look at the entire property.

 

At Borst, we have all the professionals in place to help homeowners prepare for their spring landscape or hardscape projects. Our design/build teams can walk you through the various steps necessary once you set your budget. We recommend that homeowners consult with one of our professional landscape architects to create a comprehensive plan that includes layout, aesthetic details, and a timeline for obtaining all the necessary permits.

 

Our landscape designers suggest that clients look through home and garden magazines for ideas of the overall look they want to achieve before embarking on a full-scale design. Then the designer can work on the plan over the winter months, and get to know the property owner and understand his/her needs better.

 

Winter is also the time for determining if any construction will have to be done on the property to accommodate the project. The installation of retaining walls, laying of foundations, terracing of sloped property, or addressing drainage issues all require special equipment, personnel and permits; take the cold weather months to plan all this out and get the applications in before the soil warms up enough to break ground.

 

The permitting process can be very time consuming and a bit confusing, so working with a reputable, seasoned firm can be a tremendous help, especially when there is ample time to plan ahead. A professional can help navigate the different town regulations and adjust plans accordingly so as not to lose valuable time when the project is underway. Planning ahead also provides time to source out the most suitable materials and plantings for the job.

 

If the project is part of new construction, it's even more important to consult with the landscape architect or design/build team as early as possible so that the end result has an organic look, with the landscape, hardscape and home all tied together visually.

 

Give us a call to discuss your ideas for enhancing your home with a beautiful landscape or hardscape project now ... we'll get you ready in time for spring.

In October, Mark Borst was honored as a Trailblazer by The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). He was cited for his longevity and success in the landscape and hardscape arenas, and his deep commitment to giving back to the community. This is the second time Mark or the company has been recognized by PLANET for excellence in the landscape industry; he is one of only three professionals nationwide to earn the Trailblazer designation in the Design/Build/Installation category. Read the article

here.

 

Joe Tuttle Wins PLANET Award

Congratulations to Joe Tuttle, a Borst landscape designer, who recently was honored with a Distinction Award by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) in its 2010 Environmental Improvement Awards program. Joe received the award for a large-scale design/build project in Wyckoff, where he and his landscape/hardscape teams turned an expansive but plain backyard into an outdoor entertainment space with bluestone patio, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and more ... with beautifully landscaped space to spare for the homeowners' children to play. The project also entailed relocating the driveway, creating a new entryway to the home, and installing new garden beds and landscaping.
 

Borst Recognized by Leading Trade Publication
Mark Borst was recently named a Landscaper of the Year finalist by Total Landscape Care magazine, a leading trade publication.  In the feature article about Mark's rise in the landscaping industry, he attributes his success to the Borst staff. As he says, "This job is not about landscaping; it's about people and personalities." Thanks Mark ... and congratulations on your honor! 

 

 

Quoted in the Record for Snow

Did you know that Borst also manages snow removal for commercial accounts in northern New Jersey? Mark Borst was recently quoted in an article about the big snowfalls we've had in the area and the impact that has on snow management firms. Read the article from The Record 

here.

 

 

Shannon Savage New Hire

Also in October, Shannon Savage joined our team as garden maintenance supervisor/designer, reporting to Gail Tunis. Shannon supervises the garden maintenance crews on a daily basis and assists Gail with the perennial and annual flower garden designs for our residential and commercial landscape accounts. She graduated from Rutgers University with a B.S. degree in landscape architecture. Shannon is trained in the use of auto CAD (Computer Assisted Design) programs used to render landscape architecture plans and garden designs. Read the announcement here. 

 

 

Upcoming Speaking Engagements
 

February 22nd    7:00pm  ·  Closter Library       

Creating a Backyard Retreat

 

March 8th    6:45pm  ·  Ramsey Garden Club      

Garden Tips for Creating A Backyard Retreat & Front Yard Design

 

March 15th    7:45pm  ·  Glen Rock Garden Club  

Garden Tips for Creating A Backyard Retreat & Front Yard Design

 

March 22nd    7:30pm  ·  Waldwick Library 

Organics

 

March 29th    7:00pm  ·  Franklin Lakes Library 

Front Yard Design