TAME THAT GARDEN - Turn Your Yard Into an Oasis

It’s an easy bet that gardening or some kind of property upgrade or maintenance held a spot on your spring to-do list. And while some of you are indeed weekend warriors – never missing an opportunity to dig your gloves, shears and spade out of the shed – for some of us, life happens. Whether it’s a busy work schedule, soccer practice or any other of the million errands that can occupy our days, if your yard was put on hold, Mother Nature is already in full swing. Still looking to tame the great outdoors? We sat down with Rob Miller, owner of Ecological Design Concepts, to get a few tips on how to make your outdoor spaces look a little more Bucks County and a little less Amazon.

What Dreams May Come
All great ideas start from one simple seed: a well-laid plan. “The design always comes first,” says Miller. “You should really concentrate on how everything will work in harmony. In my work, I take into account my clients’ wants and needs, likes and dislikes and how they’ll work with the space and the contour of the land.” And for Miller, who brings over 20 years of experience to his company as well as Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design from Delaware Valley College, that’s knowing what plants will thrive in light or do better in the shade; determining the areas can sustain certain varieties; taking soil samples to determine the best things to plant; or even reshaping the land – raising vegetable gardens or eliminating drainage issues – so that the design will flourish.

Miller has one more trick up his sleeve: patience. “I spend as much time as needed so my customers know exactly what they’ll be getting,” he says. “I even go to the nursery with them so they can get a better idea of what we’re discussing. Sometimes it helps to actually see it.” Along with his attention to detail and customer service, Miller also provides a full rendering and proposal, estimates covering both costs and time and, he adds, “I’m always open to suggestions.”

If You Build It, They Will Come
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring some help, be prepared: It takes a lot of upheaval to go from exotic to enchanting. “Some of my clients can be shocked the first day, because it will be a mess,” Miller says. “Our crews clean up at the end of the day, but there’s still usually a ton of dirt. You have to keep the design in mind rather than just judging it as it looks at the moment.”

For those who rely on professionals, it helps to have them there should questions arise. In Miller’s case, he has his clients covered. “I’m on the job every day,” he says, “talking with customers and doing the work. I’ve kept my company small so I can remain hands-on. I’ve found that when clients have concerns and they’re not dealing with the owner or the boss, things can get lost in translation. I’m trying to avoid that.”

Life is Beautiful
You’ve crafted the perfect backyard visage, felt or watched the sweat that pours into every job and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of all that labor. Did I mention that maintaining your suburban oasis takes a bit of work too? Knowing what and when to do it can be just as important as the design and build itself. If your confidence or free time is a factor, Millers and his crew can keep you covered. “We offer full maintenance services as well,” he says. “We have seasonal, monthly and weekly packages. We even do some properties a couple of times a week. It’s whatever the customer and their needs demand.”

To contact Ecological Design Concepts,
call 215-230-4270 or 215-696-8592.