Summer is a great opportunity to get outdoors, but often it’s just too hot! The good news is that a little shade can go a long way to make your backyard a more comfortable and enjoyable place to relax. There are many natural ways you can incorporate shade into your landscape so that you can make the most of the warm summer weather. Shade Trees. One of the best ways to incorporate shade is to plant fast-growing shade trees, such as oak, maple, or birch. Start with a moderate-

With our hot and humid Virginia Beach summers, having a pool in your own backyard is the perfect way to beat the heat. But not all pools are created equal. Poolscapes with inspired design and great functionality can turn your run-of-the-mill pool into a gorgeous backyard oasis. Whether you’re installing a brand new pool or ready to revamp an existing one, consider these upscale features to create your own luxurious poolscape. High-End Decking Decking, the hard surface that s

Want to boost your home’s curb appeal but don’t have much space to work with? No problem! With intentional landscape design, you can cultivate a beautiful and welcoming front yard that will make your home one of the most attractive on the street. Make use of every square foot your front yard has to offer by focusing on these key design elements: Layout With a small space, it’s best to pick one focal point, such as a tree, small garden bed, or rock, and design your landscape a

Patios can be used in so many different ways: to enjoy your morning coffee, to eat a delicious meal off the grill, to entertain friends and family, and countless others. If you’re considering adding a patio to your home this year, you’re in for some good times ahead! As you plan your outdoor retreat, take a moment to consider all the design possibilities that can be achieved with patio pavers—there’s more than you think! Patterns A great way to add visual interest to your pat

While it may be cold and dreary now, before you know it, spring and summer will be here, beckoning you and your family to spend time outside. Whether you want to cultivate a beautiful blooming garden, create a relaxing oasis, or turn your yard into a top-tier entertaining space, now is the time to start really thinking about your ideal outdoor space and how to achieve it. By preparing early, you can enjoy your yard as soon as warm weather arrives. Garden Beds When it comes t

A lush, green lawn is what every homeowner wants; however, it’s often hard to achieve for more than a few weeks of the year. Weather can be unpredictable, maintenance often takes a back seat due to busy schedules, and of course, seasonal changes cause grass to lose its color and sturdiness. If you’re tired of your lackluster lawn, artificial turf is the perfect option to enhance your yard so you can enjoy beautiful grass all year long. Winter While natural grass goes dormant

You don’t have to have a big yard to make a big impact with your landscaping; small spaces can be turned into gorgeous outdoor retreats, too. With an eye towards the multi-functional, smart material choices and attention to detail, you can create an oasis that will make you want to head outside every chance you get. Need some inspiration? Consider these landscaping ideas that are perfect for small yards. Dwarf Plants To maximize the impact of a small yard, focus on planting

After weeks, months, or even years of dreaming, you’ve finally decided to pull the trigger on your landscape project. Congratulations! Whether you’ve been dreaming of adding a patio to your home, upping the game on your curb appeal, or enhancing your outdoor atmosphere by adding a water feature, the first step in starting your project is an important one—choosing a landscape designer. Landscape designers vary in their skill sets, aesthetics, costs, and communication styles, a

Dreaming of a stunning patio or a welcoming walkway that enhances your home's curb appeal? Look no further than concrete pavers. These versatile building blocks offer a myriad of benefits, making them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to elevate their outdoor living areas. One of the most compelling advantages of concrete pavers is their affordability compared to natural stone. While natural stone boasts undeniable beauty, its cost can be prohibitive for many projects. C

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade, fall presents a wonderful opportunity to refresh and enhance your outdoor living spaces. Preparing your front yard and backyard for the cooler months not only boosts curb appeal but also creates inviting environments for enjoying the crisp autumn air. From practical improvements to aesthetic touches, there are many ways to upgrade your landscape and make the most of the season: Artificial Turf: One practical upgrade for any yard

Hardscaping can transform your yard into a more usable and enjoyable space year-round. It's a favorite among Dreamscape clients who want more livable outdoor areas to complement their Hampton Roads area homes. Check out these creative ideas we love incorporating into a front or back yard! Built-In Seating. Built-in seating crafted from durable materials like stone and concrete offers unparalleled resilience. Unlike portable furniture, these integrated seating options become

Artificial turf has become an increasingly popular choice for backyard landscapes thanks to its low maintenance, water conservation benefits, and evergreen appearance. However, some homeowners are concerned that synthetic grass might lack the natural feel of real greenery. The good news is that artificial turf and natural plants can work beautifully together to create a lush and functional outdoor space. With thoughtful design, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: clean, gr

Updating outdoor living spaces continues to be a top home improvement project for homeowners in 2025, and for good reason. Not only does a well-appointed deck, patio, pool, or garden make spending time outdoors with your friends and family more enjoyable, but a beautiful and functional outdoor area can also increase your home’s value. If you’re looking to elevate your outdoor space this year, consider incorporating these top trends: Multiple Zones Creating different zones—ent

Between balancing chemicals, skimming debris, and inspecting equipment, there’s a lot that goes into maintaining a pool. The last thing you want to have to worry about is taking care of the landscaping surrounding your pool. Choosing low-maintenance plants to border your pool can help you achieve the poolscape you want without putting in extra work. The most pool-friendly plants and trees are those that do well in full sun, can stand getting splashed with chlorinated water, a

Do you love the idea of a waterfall in your backyard but are not in love with the upkeep that goes along with a pond? No problem! While many people picture a waterfall ending in a body of water, that doesn’t have to be the case. Pondless waterfalls are a low-maintenance and versatile option for those who want the beautiful look and calming sound of a waterfall without all the work. What are pondless waterfalls? A pondless waterfall is a water feature that recirculates water

Recently, we wrote about the benefits of artificial turf for a green lawn, year-round. Artificial grass ensures that your lawn looks...

When the sun sets at 5 pm, the best way to keep your home bright is to light it up! No, we don’t mean leaving your holiday lights up...

Your backyard should be your own personal outdoor space to use for all of the activities you love, without having to leave your house....

Nothing is more beautiful than Virginia in the autumn, when the leaves turn orange and begin falling, and the air becomes crisp and cool....

Unless you’re using your own landscaping features to frighten your neighbors and mailman this Halloween, your yard shouldn’t be scary!...