The Landscape Design Blog

Mar 10, Winter Garden Art

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:32:35 GMT

More and more I'm inspired to create stunning winter gardens. In the upper Midwest, we're under snow for a good part of the year. Why not make it beautiful? This year, when you shop for that beautiful outdoor art piece -- make sure it will last through a Wisconsin winter. You'll get twice the value because you'll be able to use it year round. Plus, you won't have to find extra storage space for it. You won't have to throw it out when you forget to bring it in before frost. And... you and your family will love it. Start a trend in your neighborhood -- heirloom outdoor art pieces.

Mar 8, Container Garden Designs -- Colorful Plant Combinations

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:53:54 GMT

Container garden designs combine colorful combinations. What will you create? I've got a few annual garden ideas for you here.

Mar 5, Paver Patio Design Ideas -- Make Your Patio Unique

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:19:28 GMT

Paver patio design ideas -- Get inspiration from public spaces, the right designer, or just mixing materials.

Jan 20, Design Consultations -- Can You Believe It?

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:25:51 GMT

I've got my first Design Consultation of the year tomorrow. You know she's my kind of person -- calling me in January for her garden inspiration. I can't wait! Jan Paul and I have already had several estimates go out the door this year. If you're thinking of getting on the schedule, call now (before everyone else does!). You can schedule an estimate appointment with us months in advance. Beat the rush. Call Heidi at Get Creative 715-962-2668. Talk to you soon!

Jan 15, Landscape Design

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:03:55 GMT

Eau Claire landscaping and landscape design. Check us out for inspiration and installation! We offer landscape design , landscaping, and inspiration for the most creative gardens in the valley.

Jan 10, Flower Garden Design -- So Many Plant Choices!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:56:09 GMT

How do the designers choose plants for their flower garden design? Get the quick facts and tips so you can start to design your own garden.

Jan 10, Flower Garden Design -- Design a Flower Garden!

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:52:08 GMT

What should you know about flower garden design. Tips and ideas about texture, shape, color, and where to find the plants you'll need. Click here!

Jan 4, Outdoor Design -- January Looks at 2009 Trends

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:23:38 GMT

Tips for DIYers and an article on three 2009 trends -- Which trends will last? If you aren't signed up for Outdoor Design (our e-zine), sign up today! You'll have easy access to exclusive promotions and extra articles. You'll also find out whenever I add to the website. Just hit the "Outdoor Design" button to the left; it's easy!

Nov 27, Fire Pits

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:38:16 GMT

Click here to see Get Creative's newest fire pits. More family fun for you -- Get Fired Up!

Nov 27, Deer Resistant Plants -- The List

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:21:22 GMT

Deer resistant plants give your garden that edge. Don't invest in your garden before you see this list. If you live in 'deer country', it could save you hundreds of dollars and tons of frustration

Nov 27, Deer Proof Plants - Just a Myth?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:14:45 GMT

Quick tips and deer proof plants for reducing deer damage. Are you battling deer in your landscape in Eau Claire, WI? This landscaper has 'been there, done that'. Find out how to prevent deer problem

Nov 25, Outdoor Area Rugs -- 5 Steps to Select

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:19:32 GMT

Outdoor area rugs may surprise you. Think outside the norm. What about a stone tile rug? Oh, yes! Or a rug that looks like it would be at home in your den. Todays patio rugs are more than you expect.

Nov 17, Brick Patio Design

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:30:25 GMT

Are you longing for a luxurious brick patio design? If so, you know it's an investment worth making at any home. Plan well and enjoy!

Oct 31, Reader Survey Winter 2009

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 20:31:22 GMT

Reader Survey Winter 2009

Oct 23, Quick Tips for Curb Appeal

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:14:57 GMT

Does your house need curb appeal? Start here with some quick tips for sprucing up your front lawn. An inviting front lawn increases the value of your home. To top it off, you'll get to enjoy it every

Oct 21, Boulder Retaining Walls - Tips and Design Ideas

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:43:15 GMT

We love to build boulder retaining walls! Grab a few design ideas and check out our pictures here. With a few tips, your wall will look wonderful.

Oct 19, Wisconsin Garden

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 22:16:30 GMT

Gardening in Wisconsin? Plan for all four seasons! Best Wisconsin plants and tips here for your Wisconsin garden.

Oct 16, Garden Art Inspiration

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:44:19 GMT

Garden treasures put your signature in the garden. Stone pottery, bronze statues, find ways to feature your garden art.

Oct 13, Concrete Patio Designs -- Your Guide & Inspiration

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:09:52 GMT

Concrete patio designs -- Find fast facts for your yard. Ideas, designs, and guidelines for stamped concrete patios and more.

Oct 4, Outdoor Design for October

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 19:52:17 GMT

Outdoor Design was sent moments ago -- a bit of extra article regarding Shading Your Entertaining Space. For the winter months I'm considering giving book reviews. A good garden book is a resource we return to over and over -- whether it's about design, plants, structures, or a mix of everything. Another extra for subscribers!

Sep 28, APLD Here We Come!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:05:01 GMT

We've recently become a member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. APLD, look out! ...and because I'm constantly looking for great resources (and I find them), here is another. The following website is directed towards plants in the Northwest. Even so, it has great plant picks for our area, too. The pictures are nice and if you click on the 'printer friendly' link on the upper right corner, you'll get a lot of information on the plant. Have fun!

Sep 25, Grasses In Masses

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:35:56 GMT

With the autumn colors flurrying onto the scene, it's only natural that I mention decorative grasses. The garden designs are leaning heavily toward a 'right garden, right place' look. In other words, utilizing more native plants and understanding the surrounding area so that your design is well anchored. In Wisconsin, decorative grasses can help you to get that native feeling. Unfortunately, they're sometimes not used as best as they can be. Just one or three grasses is a nice look, but for big impact -- do a large sweeping area. If you have a larger property or larger home, larger groupings really can look great. In a smaller garden, limit the size of the groupings, but make sure to use the same plant more often. This will give unity. Now is the time to check out what grasses you might like. Many will be blooming, and you'll see how tall they'll get. Grasses look great with any style, require little water, and provide a nice winter texture. Doesn't get much better than that!

Sep 4, Chair Love

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 16:38:38 GMT

It has happened -- again. This chair is a must-have for me. The perfect pairing of old-meets-new, a galvanized side chair for outdoor use. Wow! I do like the setting that they used for one of the pictures, also. The wooden bench and table really show off the metal finish. I can see this in a very chunky, weathered table, also. Blended styles is one way to put your stamp on the space. This chair could help you to span the gap. Click on the link below to check it out.

Aug 27, Great Gardens Have Good Bones

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:03:41 GMT

Structure -- hardscapes -- may be the secret between a good garden and a great one. Unfortunately, it's one of the things that may be impossible to change later. If you're planning your garden, planning and installing a great hardscape -- walls, decks, patios, land contouring -- can be the most problematic. You won't want to tear out and upgrade a deck later. Once again, planning your garden is the best way to invest your budget wisely. There can be great differences in the quality of landscapers. Find one that shines -- one that loves their job. I started a new design recently -- and the home is gorgeous. This log home obviously had a design and installation team that loved what they do. The quality is excellent -- from the flagstone front steps to the kitchen design. Yet, sometimes people expect to 'get by' with any landscaper. While many people can install a plant, many do not understand grading, retaining walls, contouring, or design. Don't rush through your landscape planning. Your exterior should be just as beautiful as the inside.

Aug 7, How to Get More Out of Your Favorite Plant

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:27:30 GMT

If you're a gardener or plant enthusiast (or designer), you know when it happens. A delight to the eyes -- the beautiful plant jumps out at you from the garden. What I'm really seeing, though, is it's more a matter of plant combinations that inspire me. That beautiful red daylily would show off even more in front of a dark evergreen shrub. Or, take a deep green yew with Sum & Substance Hosta which has a lime green leaf of large proportions. Red Switch Grass/Panicum vigatum 'Rotstahlbusch' has a burgundy tinge to the leaves -- pair it with another burgundy like Diablo Ninebark/Physocarpus 'Monlo' and they both will sparkle. If you've got a plant (or color) that you love in your garden. Explore the possibilities for showing it off. Get more out of your favorite plant.

Jul 16, Design Use

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:27:07 GMT

Use of designs by Get Creative, LLC and The-Art-of-Landscape-Design is permitted only at your own risk.

Jul 16, New Home Page

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 11:05:37 GMT

Hey, the home page is all new! Check it out!

Jul 15, Rain Garden Plants -- Perfect Picks For Your Rain Garden Design

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:35:46 GMT

When choosing your rain garden plants, design it! Check out our website for a list of favorite rain garden plants. Quick tips from a designer will have you started on the right foot.

Jul 15, Rain Garden -- Your Quick Guide to Green

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:14:10 GMT

A rain garden is good for the land. Confused about how to start? Check out our Quick Guide to get you started. Find out how big your garden should be, how to locate your garden and avoid mistakes.

Jul 11, Outdoor Design Newsletter, Tips, Advice -- Delivered to You!

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:24:27 GMT

Outdoor Design delivers the latest tips, advice, and articles to you! Sign up today for our free newsletter!

Jul 6, Outdoor Design July Edition -- Don't Kid About Safety

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:59:03 GMT

Outdoor Design went out a day late this month due to the holiday. You'll see it in your e-mail today -- and it's full of links to our new articles. It also has a new free resource just for subscribers. You'll see that our Outdoor Design page will get updated soon to show off this new addition. Outdoor Design -- Don't Miss a Single Issue!

Jun 30, Local Secret Artisan

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 01:44:37 GMT

I love it when I find beautiful things for a garden. Recently, I found a local artist -- virtually right under my nose! Situated in Eau Claire, WI, Laurie Bieze is as charming as she is talented. I visited her in her studio and was immediately struck by her smile. We spent over half an hour talking art and gardens in her studio. Every once in a while, I'd have to walk over to another piece for close inspection. The large stained glass art pieces are amazing in color, line, and texture. I've visited both her website and her studio -- and if you're considering something for your home or garden, visit the studio. You'll love it. The texture of the pieces is what stays with me even today. The ripples of the glass, the rounded glass pebble pieces... If you'd like one of these outstanding pieces for your garden, the only caution is wind. Laurie cautions that high winds could dislodge a panel of glass after a long period of time. The brilliance of putting stained glass in a garden -- so the sunlight can take full advantage -- is perfect. Laurie is on my list of great Eau Claire resources. Check out her website at the link.

Jun 26, Thinking About Landscaping Costs? Landscape Pricing? or Your Landscape Budget?

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:38:46 GMT

Landscaping costs don't have to be confusing. Get an idea of where your landscaping budget should be before you call the contractor. How should you invest and is the landscape pricing out of line?

Jun 26, Another Designer Blog

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:17:10 GMT

Whilst researching for an article, I happened upon a blog. A South African garden designer + blog + plenty of pictures and inspiration. Grab your coffee and click the link!

Jun 18, Jan Paul Schreiner, Eau Claire Landscaper, Hardscape Specialist

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:15:17 GMT

Jan Paul Schreiner is the Eau Claire landscaper for you. A man of many talents, he specializes in hardscapes and your peace of mind. Your retaining wall or patio will be a fun experience. Call today!

Jun 18, Parade Home Goes Mod

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:38:49 GMT

If you're attending this year's Eau Claire Parade of Homes make sure you see #15. The interior was done by House Blend and One of a Kind design studios. The modern styling is awesome! So, from the front entry to the third floor loft, I had to make sure that my mouth wasn't hanging open. My favorite room (ironically) were the bathrooms. Definitely some items there that I would love to see at my home. Good work, designers! The Parade only runs to the end of the week, so stop by today after work. You can pick up your tickets at the home.

Jun 16, What's Your Outdoor Furniture Future?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 13:28:05 GMT

Outdoor furniture should be the exclamation point of your garden, not the question mark. Plan for family parties or private get togethers. Ideas and tips -- click here!

Jun 16, Garden Path Design 101

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:27:56 GMT

A beautiful garden path design does more than look pretty. Check this list for inspiration, material ideas, and important safety tips.

Jun 15, Heidi Schreiner Landscape Designer

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:05:16 GMT

As a landscape designer, transformation is what I'm about. Change your landscape into an expression of who you are. Your garden is an investment into your life and home. Make it special.

Jun 12, Outdoor Area Rugs -- 5 Steps to Select

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:28:07 GMT

Outdoor area rugs may surprise you. Think outside the norm. What about a stone tile rug? Oh, yes! Or a rug that looks like it would be at home in your den. Todays patio rugs are more than you expect.

Jun 11, Disabled Gardening, The Senior Garden-- Landscape Design Ideas

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:50:23 GMT

If you're wishing that you could still pick peonies and dig in the dirt... frustrated that you can't bend down that far... stop into check out the disabled gardening page. Lots of tips and ideas!

Jun 11, Outdoor Patio Tile and Patio Tile Ideas

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:35:03 GMT

Outdoor patio tile transforms your outdoor space into the outdoor room that you've always wanted. Slate, travertine, concrete -- and we're just getting started. Get inspired here!

Jun 6, What's Important? What's Not?

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:19:17 GMT

Budgeting your landscape -- it's a common concern and rightly so. Many folks are updating their outdoor spaces this year and want to make the budget work out the best for them. How can you spend in a smart way?

Get your design plan all together and stage your installation over a few years. Make sure that you have the plan that you want first so it doesn't look jumbled together.

Know when to invest and when to save. You aren't going to want to upgrade lighting later on BUT a crushed granite patio could get upgraded to pavers later on. (Plan for the right size right away, though)

Make sure the grading and retaining walls are done well. Do not risk disaster by doing this step wrong. Negative grade could push water into your basement, and retaining walls do collapse if they're done incorrectly.

Be realistic about what you can do. Plan for the experts where you need extra help. Grading & retaining walls are critical items. Shoveling decorative rock is hard work. Planting plants, though, can be fun and done over a few weekends.

I hope these tips help you start on the right foot. Best of luck!

**Outdoor Design will be out on Sunday. Don't miss our latest exclusive promotion!

Jun 3, How Do You Like Your Modern?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 02:05:14 GMT

So many people have been talking to me about Modern Design lately -- and putting their own spin on it. Every time I hear modern, my heart skips a beat. Yes, it's true. Take modern and put your own flavor into it. I've seen Modern/Industrial -- awesome in a garden! Of course, having your own bridge beams does help.... Then there's Rustic/Modern -- in my own place. I admit, it's a tricky balance for me. Luckily, I have some recycled items (read: rusted tin squares) that have brought things together Recently, the 'Cool Club' designers from Chippewa interpreted their design style as Elegant/Modern (or was it Elegant/Industrial?) Either way, it really works. Rustic beams above modern furniture and elegant lighting... So, how will you interpret Modern design for you? Oh, and just because I'm a Google fanatic and found a great spot.... if you like Modern, check out the link.

May 30, Rethink, Recycle, Reuse

Sat, 30 May 2009 13:19:48 GMT

I felt like I was on a treasure hunt. Our good friends let me check out one of their large storage sheds. Before long, I knew I had found it -- cool metal chairs and old washtubs. Perfect for my garden. Oh, they'll need some work. A bit of paint, a bolt or two. Thing is, this is the fun way to recycle. The tubs are ready to be filled with flowers. Can't get any easier than that. If you're stumped for unique garden items, hit the antique shops, junk stores, thrift sales, .... or your own stuff. Can you use it outdoors? Rethink things a bit. Of course, you need to know that it will work in your space, but you might find that you've got a few treasures, too. Your friends will oooo and ahhh over the unique garden items and only you will know that you found it in a flea market. Thanks to my generous friends, I've got the coolest garden chairs on the block.

May 26, Privacy, Please!

Tue, 26 May 2009 15:29:14 GMT

Privacy in a garden is a beautiful thing. It's especially true if you work in the city all day -- suddenly your garden is your retreat. Gaining this privacy is easier said than done, however. If you live in the city and all of the back yards are open, a privacy fence may put your neighbors at odds -- wondering why you suddenly don't like them. Fortunately, a few well-placed plants can really help. A garden that I designed a few years ago had this problem -- if they used their deck, they were wide open to see half a dozen neighbors decks, too. Not a cozy place to relax. When I was in the lawn, I noted their concern that the neighbors might take offense if they were to install a privacy fence. Instead, we planned for some island plantings that would block the view between their deck and the neighbors. I also planned a trellis around a lower patio -- and the space was suddenly much more private. Remember, not every view needs to be blocked. A few large plants in certain places -- or a bit of trellis acting as a wall -- and your back yard entertainment can again be in full swing.

May 8, DIY and Design

Fri, 08 May 2009 12:24:07 GMT

If you are a DIYer, landscape design is a great idea. Get your plan ready ahead of time and tackle the projects in small pieces. You won't be frustrated at the end of your work because everything will be well-coordinated (like you had hoped). Get Creative is my design/install company. We're committed to quality landscape designs. Thing is, we know you love to do it yourself. That's not a problem, either. Invest in a quality landscape design with us. The money that you spend will more than be made up for in the confidence that you gain. You'll save thousands on installation and can know that it will be beautiful in the end. Our designs are not just a pencil sketch. They're detailed, computerized plans. Each plant is noted. Dimensions (like for your patio) are all on there. You can find companies that will give you a design for much less. Consider what you're getting. Will you have the tools to build a beautiful garden? Quality landscape design IS an investment. Invest in quality, confidence, and beauty. If you'd like to talk about a landscape design for your home, use the Contact Me form at the bottom of the Home page. I look forward to hearing from you.

May 6, Your Half of the Bargain

Wed, 06 May 2009 18:54:51 GMT

I can design a beautiful garden -- complete right down to the fountains and the furniture. There is one thing though that can just about ruin any one of my designs -- forgetting maintenance. From the first, I always take into account what maintenance you'll have to do. There is no such thing as a 'no maintenance' garden, though (unless you hire someone else to do it). Luckily, my clients love their gardens. They make sure that things are carefully clipped and cleaned (or they hire us to take care of it). This keeps their gardens in top shape. Tailoring your maintenance to the jobs that you enjoy the most is the first step to making it easy. Your half of the bargain? Keep your garden sparkling. Regular maintenance is great for you and your flowers.

May 3, The Special Mulch Special

Sun, 03 May 2009 00:21:11 GMT

Outdoor Design Subscribers -- Don't forget to check your May edition (tomorrow) for the Special Mulch Special. This offer is only for you and only for a limited time -- very limited.

May 3, How to Customize Your Maintenance

Sun, 03 May 2009 00:13:56 GMT

I don't think I've ever had anyone ask for a high maintenance garden. Low maintenance is the name of the game. Before you plunge forward with your garden improvements, think about a couple of things... What are your favorite outdoor chores? (or ones that you hate less?) I know some families who have no problems mowing... and mowing, and mowing. Huge lawn? No problem. Me? I don't mind deadheading too much. It's just another excuse to be among the flowers. Ok, what chores do you hate? Is it a pain when you have to get out the string trimmer? Do you hate trying to keep the decorative rock clean from pine needles? Now, customize your landscape so that you can avoid the chores that you despise. Hate string trimming? Make sure your garden has the right edging so that your mower takes care of it all. Pine needles relentless? Use mulch and let it blend in.... or hire a maintenance crew to take care of it. After all, that's one way to have your cake and eat it, too. I hope you're enjoying the beautiful weekend. I know I am. Heidi