Picket Fences | Landscape Edition 2011

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Bucks country Gardens landscape issue

landscape portfolio projects | ideas | inspiration

picket fences

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ns2 215.766.7800 1057 N. EastoN Road, doylEstowN, Pa | buckscouNtRygaRdENs.com | #PA020339

Bucks Country Gardens


Landscape Design/Build

Outdoor Seating Always Available.Reservations never required.

gaRdEN PlaNtiNgs coloR PlaNtiNgs sPEcimEN tREEs watER gaRdENs coNtaiNER gaRdENsPERgolas, aRboRs & dEcks custom gaRdEN FENciNg sEasoNal maiNtENaNcE

laNdscaPE lightiNg stoNE, bRick & FlagstoNE walks, walls & Patios FiREPits & FiREPlacEs

It’s simple. We design. We build. We manage. We guarantee.Outdoor spaces created just for you.

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3215.766.7800 1057 N. EastoN Road, doylEstowN, Pa | buckscouNtRygaRdENs.com | #PA020339



Landscape Design/Build

Outdoor Seating Always Available.Reservations never required.

gaRdEN PlaNtiNgs coloR PlaNtiNgs sPEcimEN tREEs watER gaRdENs coNtaiNER gaRdENsPERgolas, aRboRs & dEcks custom gaRdEN FENciNg sEasoNal maiNtENaNcE

laNdscaPE lightiNg stoNE, bRick & FlagstoNE walks, walls & Patios FiREPits & FiREPlacEs

It’s simple. We design. We build. We manage. We guarantee.Outdoor spaces created just for you.

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C O n t e n t s

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landscape issue

7 Bucks country Gardens Our Company History

8 Bucks country Gardens Landscape Portfolios 8 Bedminster, PA 19 Doylestown, PA 34 Buckingham, PA 40 Warrington, PA 47 Central Bucks YMCA

12 Get to Know Us! Meet Our Landscape Design Teams

13 What’s Your Garden style? 6 Common Styles Defined

17 did You Know? Learn About Our Extra Services

23 outdoor furniture 101 The Basics

26 outdoor living From the Ground Up

30 perfect plants Tried & True Plants for Every Landscape

39 landscape design/Build process How It Works

43 Water 3 Ways to Add Water in the Landscape

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43ON THE COVER:An informal entrance garden highlighted by accent evergreens and a curvilinear bluestone sidewalk. See page 19 for the full story.

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1057 n. easton road, doylestown, pa 18902215.766.7800 | buckscountrygardens.com

#PA020339

picket fences Bucks Country Gardens

Welcome...Bucks Country Gardens has been creating beautiful gardens in Doylestown and the surrounding communities for more than 50 years. We began as a small wholesale nursery and landscape company and have grown to be the area’s most complete garden center and landscape design/build firm. Over the years we moved a few times, changed our name a few times, but we’ve remained true to our roots and our passion for creating inspiring gardens and exceptional outdoor living areas that enrich the lives of our clients and friends.

Our projects range from small townhouse gardens to estate property development, with a concentra-tion in backyard living areas for mid-range properties. We take great pride in our attention to detail and our focus on creating truly livable gardens respectful of the environment and appropriate to our client’s lifestyle, taste and budget.

Perhaps more important than what we do is who we are. You expect an educated, experienced and tal-ented team and we deliver. But we also deliver dependability, respect and courtesy. Our people work with you to make every project our priority and every client our friend.

We invite you to experience the Bucks Country Gardens difference; experienced professionals creating exceptional landscapes and lasting relationships.

Tom Hebel, President, Bucks Country Gardens

to Bucks Country Gardens!

thomas l. hebelpublisher

adriene Vesci ricegraphic designer

gregory hebelcontributing photography

gregory hebeltom hebel

gregory ormecontributing writers

gregory hebelmary kline

advertising sales

landscape issue©2011 Bucks Country Gardens

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Homes & Garages

Pergolas & Decks

Additions & Renovations

Kitchen & Bath Remodeling

John S. McIlvaine • General ContractorOttsville, PA PA HIC# 053541 | 215.859.7187

BefOre

ExpEriEnCE • SErviCE • Quality

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It was founded by C. R. Royer as a production nursery and landscape

contracting company and was named Royer Nurseries. In 1974, the business was moved from its original location on West Street to the Cross Keys business district just north of Doylestown. The company replaced production with a small retail garden shop and greenhouse, and the name was changed to Royer Nurseries and Greenhouses.

Thomas L. Hebel, a Landscape Architecture graduate from The Pennsylvania State University, joined the company in 1981 as manager of the Landscape Design/Build department. The business outgrew the Cross Keys location and, in 1984, was moved two miles north on Route 611 to the 35-acre Porter Farm, its present location. The new garden center included a modest garden shop, two hoop style greenhouses, a plant

sales yard and a gravel parking lot for about a dozen cars. The existing bank barn was used for warehousing and the carriage house for landscape offices. Mr. Hebel took ownership of the business in 1993 and changed the name to Bucks Country Gardens. In 1999, the entire garden center was rebuilt and expanded. The original Garden Shop, which became the Gift Shop, is the only part of the old garden center that remained. In addition to a 60-car parking lot, the garden center expansion included a warehouse, barn-style garden shop, rigid gutter-connected greenhouse, covered perimeter canopy, and outside plant display yard. Improvements implemented over the next few years included an atrium-style greenhouse and shade house. Today, the garden center totals approximately 24,000 square feet of enclosed space and occupies about seven acres and is home to a full service Lifestyle Center and Landscape Design/Build firm.

Our cOmpany histOryBucks Country Gardens

Clockwise from top left: Royer Nurseries, circa 1980s; Bucks Country Gardens, circa 2000s; Bucks Country Gardens President Tom Hebel; Annuals in the Atrium & Outdoor Furniture.

Bucks Country Gardens has been operating in

Doylestown continuously since 1961.


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Bedminster, PAportfolio | bucks country gardens

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The landscape installation at Valley Run Farm included hand dug and spaded specimen Oriental Spruce, Yatsubushu Pine, Serbian Spruce, Paperbark Maple, Little Leaf Linden and Ginko in groupings, formal hedging and as focal accents.

The creek side property is home to expansive gardens and inviting outdoor living areas featuring stately fountains, ivy covered stone walls, intricate brick walkways, arching pergolas, leaded boxwood planters and intriguing statuary.

AClassic Beauty

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Constantly changing seasonal color displays begin in spring with masses of Tulips and Daffodils, Flowering Cherries, Forsythia, Azaleas and Rhododendron. Summer highlights include Rose and Hydrangea gardens and vibrant displays of Impatiens, Geraniums, Marigolds and Ivy. Fall is aglow with the warm colors of Burning Bush, red Maples, Winterberry Holly, hedge Maples and Dawn Redwood.

Perhaps most important of all are the bones of the gardens: Towering Boxwood specimens and trimmed hedges, accent Hollies and Cypress, Junipers and Yew groupings all connected with perennial masses of Ferns, Hosta, Hellebore, Pachysandra, Sedum and Lilies.

This property is a feast for the eyes.


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the landscape desiGn/sales team AT BUCKS COUNTRY GARDENS Owner Tom Hebel is joined by Landscape Division Manager Geoff Simpson and Designer/Salesmen Joe Koenig, Greg Hebel and Jeff Weed. Every member of the team has had years of field experience providing a tremendous foundation for creative yet workable design and comprehensive project management. We’re proud to design what we build and build what we design.

the landscape desiGn/BUild team AT BUCKS COUNTRY GARDENS It takes a great team and a ton of teamwork to produce award-winning landscapes. Managers, designers, salesmen, crew leaders and crew members work together on every project. Bucks Country Gardens Landscape Crew Leaders Tom Deacon, Kelly Morishita, Bill Slawter, Dave Donaghy... and Kilder Gusman-Valdez have over 100 years of landscape project installation experience between them and are the key players on a staff that swells to beyond twenty in the peak spring season. Four to six crews are scheduled daily working specifically on construction, planting and garden maintenance projects from early March through late December.

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Get to Know Us

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he forms our gardens take are as varied as the individuals that make up our communi-ty. Our gardens are a representation of who

we are and what we enjoy doing. What some of us may not be aware of is that there are distinct forms that all gardens are based upon. Are you a gardener that wants an intricate landscape garden such as a

Formal/Renaissance garden? Do you enjoy cooking with your own home-grown vegetables and herbs picked right from your Kitchen garden? Maybe you like the informality of a Cottage garden, or you may like to keep it simple with Rock gardens. Here’s a look at some different garden styles.

What’s Your

Garden Style?

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The Formal/Renaissance Garden that is most recognizable comes from the Persian and European design traditions. These gardens are often rectangular in shape and based on axial symmetry, essentially a mirrored effect down an imaginary line through the garden. The plants in a formal garden are carefully selected and placed in specific locations throughout the garden and are continually maintained and shaped to achieve a desired effect. It is not uncommon to find fountains or sculptures as focal points within the garden itself. In its simplest of layouts, formal gardens would contain an evergreen box-trimmed hedge carefully laid out to enclose a mass planting of one specific variety of annual or perennial. This style can be easily adapted to front foundation or entrance gardens as well as gardens surrounding outdoor living areas. These gardens will put on a show for sure and will certainly impress passers by, however, be ready for constant care and maintenance for they can get out of shape quickly.

The English Garden is really not what one might expect. While these gardens are filled with eye catchers such as ruins, teahouses, pavilions, and statuary, the main features of this style of gardening are gently rolling terrain, water–such as ponds and streams, and clumps of trees. Other features you may find are mass plantings of shrubs and perennials, gravel and mulched walkways, and sweeping bands of color from annual flowers and bulbs. The key to this type of garden is to mimic nature. It is well adapted to expansive back yards on larger properties. There is little variation in plant material, using only a few species and repeating them throughout the landscape. The benefit to these gardens is that they require little maintenance, but don’t expect to be blown away with color as design elements are meant to be subtle.

Cottage Gardens are informal in design using little to no symmetry in layout. The design depends heavily on grace and charm versus the formal structure and grandeur of the Victorian English estate gardens. Early Cottage gardens were more practical in nature then their modern counterparts, emphasizing vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, beehives, and if space allowed, live stock. Flowers were used in these gardens to fill open voids whereas today’s approach is based heavily on flowers and foliage. The beauty with modern day Cottage gardens is the variety of personalization of the layout. While they offer great beauty, they will require constant care–so one must enjoy working in the garden.

Left to Right: A formal Renaissance Garden, a tranquil English Garden and a charming Cottage Garden.

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The Contemporary Garden has become more and more popular over the last decade with the increase in housing with little garden space and a more contemporary, architectural layout. The main focus of these gardens is hard landscaping materials such as stone and hardwoods used to create ‘clean’ design lines. The plant palette is small, with usually only a few types of plants used repeatedly throughout. This makes orna-mental grasses a popular choice. Lighting also plays a key role in this style of garden. Carefully placed inconspicuous lights can really pull a design together. A great garden choice for those who have little space to work with, especially city dwellers or those wanting a rooftop garden.

Asian Gardens are designed to be a spiritual shelter where people can escape their social lives and reconnect with nature and themselves. Chinese gardens have very specific elements that need to be included in the design, such as: walls enclosing the space, small individual sections, rocks, water, trees and other very specific plants, and chimes. All together there are 17 design elements that must be included in this style of gardening. Rock gardens and Japanese gardens rely more heavily on rocks, open spaces, water, and pavilions. Asian garden styles are most appropriate on properties with modern or contemporary style architecture. As a group, these gardens require little maintenance and focus on getting back to nature in a small scale.

The Kitchen Garden is traditionally a seasonally used space representing a miniature version of the old family farm plots. Today, many Kitchen gardens are more commonly used as centerpieces of a year round landscape. While it is a great source of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, it is still a very structured space designed around repetitive geometric patterns. It is not uncommon to incorporate permanent perennials or woody plantings into the design, as well as masses of annuals to provide visual interest. These gardens are great projects to involve kids in gardening. Plus, they are also an excellent source of healthy, fresh, and organic foods for the family.

You may find it challenging to identify your style as one of these listed. Perhaps it’s more natural to define a garden by words such as: formal, informal, natural, manicured, colorful, exciting, peaceful, reflective, evolving or permanent. The Landscape Designers at Bucks Country Gardens will always work with you to find your style no matter how you describe it.

Left to Right: A spiritual Asian Garden, an edible Kitchen Garden and a space- conscious, minimalist Contemporary Garden.

Gregory Hebel, Landscape Design/Sales

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landscape design/build Our professional landscape division offers customers the most talented designers, experienced technicians and award winning projects. We focus on the client relationship to perfect the design/build experience. Our commitment to our clients and the success of each of their projects from the drafting table to the final touches is unsurpassed. We offer an initial site visit at no charge. Plans and Specs start at $299. Plan fees rebated at 5% of project cost.

we design, you dig If you have a Do-It-Yourself attitude, our landscape designers will hand pick plant specimens and design a landscape for your home–then turn it over to you. Stop in and pick up our design brochure to get all the details! Fees range from $149 through $499 and include a 10% purchase discount.

plant & bulk deliVery Can’t fit that tree or shrub in your car? We’ll bring it out for you. Need bulk materials like mulches, stones or soils? We’ll bring it to your home. We will deliver bulk materials to your door for minimum quantities of 3 yards/3 ton (depending on your materials). Delivery fees can vary depending on the type of delivery and destination. We MapQuest your delivery destination to assure the lowest delivery fee per customer (no broad range fee). Delivery Fees range from $7–$11 per mile and are calculated according to your specific destination with a 5-mile minimum charge.

planting We will professionally plant trees and shrubs and ex-tend the plant guarantee to two full years. Fees for planting are 50% of the original cost of the plant plus delivery fees. Delivery fees vary by delivery distance and size of the planting project.

fountain setup Purchase one of our many fountains and we will deliver and set it up for you. Prices for delivery and set-up vary based upon fountain purchase and delivery distance.

soil testing Bring us a sample of your soil (equivalent to a coffee can size), and we’ll test your soil right at our pharmacy desk. If you require additional soil testing, we sell soil testing kits, or we can send your soil sample to Penn State University for detailed testing for a fee of $10-$12.

house calls Having a problem with a sick or needy plant at home? One of our professionals will come to your house and diagnose your plant problems. Horticultural House Call fee is $99 which includes a 1 hour consultation or assessment. Each additional ½ hour is $49.

furniture deliVery & setup Whether it is an umbrella for your existing patio set or an entire new set of outdoor living pieces, we will deliver, assemble and arrange your new furniture–ready for you to enjoy! Delivery fees vary depending upon the purchase and destination for your delivery. Our furniture specialist will give you an exact delivery fee at the time of your order.

white gloVe christmas tree setup This seasonal service takes the guess work out of setting up a live or artificial Christ-mas tree. We will deliver and set-up one of your most treasured Christmas symbols. White glove delivery and fees vary based upon tree size and delivery distance.

CHECk OuT sOmE Of BCG’s ExTRa sERViCEsDid You Know?


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greenhouse | nursery | garden supplies | boutiquehome dècor | outdoor furniture | christmas | landscape design/build

Great gardens.Can you dig it?

Bucks Country Gardens1057 n. easton road | doylestown, pa | 215.766.7800 | buckscountrygardens.com | open daily

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This property was transformed through several phases of installation which addressed the homeowners’ desire to create inviting spaces in the front entrance to the home, the side entrance to the backyard and within the backyard itself.

The first area of transformation occurred in the front of the house. A key design element was the reuse of existing specimen plants. The Hinoki Cypress, Japanese Laceleaf Maple, Montgomery Blue Spruce and several other plants were transplanted to new locations throughout the en-trance gardens. The welcoming front walk was designed to flow between the plants harmoniously.

Another feature on the wish list was a courtyard feel to the entrance of the home. A small area was added to the walk-way near the front door to accommodate a small gather-ing area. A sense of enclosure for this space is provided

with a custom spindle fence. Low voltage lighting was used to provide safety and security when approaching the home at night.

The final phase of the installation was to create a warm and inviting space in the backyard. The client’s wish list included features such as areas for relaxing, dining, and entertaining guests. We began by creating a welcoming entrance to the backyard with a Clematis covered arbor

Doylestown, PAportfolio | bucks country gardens

Home Sweet Home

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and concrete paver walkway that winds its way to the entertain-ing area. Easy access to and from the space through a sliding glass door into the eat-in kitchen was enhanced with a wrap around E.P Henry staircase with custom wood railings. Upon en-tering the space, you are greeted with a warming fire pit capped in thermal bluestone with ample seating to gather around on those chilly fall nights. Coming further into the outdoor “room” you will find a raised patio area intended for sun bathing and relaxing. Privacy fencing was used to create a feeling of seclusion. The entire outdoor living space is surrounded with lush plantings that provide interest throughout the year. Low voltage lighting sets the mood perfectly as the sun goes down and invites you to use the space long into the night.


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Offering yOu the widest

selectiOn OfGas Grills • Charcoal Grills

Table Top Grills & AccessoriesPortable Grills • Smokers

Built-in Grills

215-249-0182

Grates & Grills inc.105 S. Main Street, Rt. 313, Dublin, PA 18917

Between Doylestown & QuakertownMon. thru Fri. 9–6; Sat 9–5; Sun. Closed • www.gratesandgrills.com

rock ‘n’ stone | 6350 easton road | PiPersville, Pa | 215.766.0144

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Are you dreaming of the perfect vacation getaway? Maybe you’re ready to add a room to your home? Before you book that flight or call your contractor, take a fresh look outside. Is it your front porch, your deck, your patio? Believe it or not, your dream family room or luxury resort is waiting just outside your door. All it takes to get started is finding the right furniture for you.

Today’s casual furniture offers more colors, materials and fabrics than ever before. Maybe you want the classic look of wicker greeting visitors at your front door, or the warmth of wood Adirondack chairs for a relaxing read on your deck. Whatever your needs or heart’s desire, there is outdoor furniture to fit your style and lifestyle.

We’re here to help you sort out which outdoor furniture is right for you.

Outdoor Furniture 101

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aluminumAluminum furniture is a wonderful and practically maintenance-free choice for outdoor or indoor casual spaces. There are two basic types of

aluminum furniture–wrought and cast. Wrought aluminum is typically a lighter weight product because of its hollow tubular construction. On the flipside, cast aluminum is heavier because of its solid construction. Because of the nature of aluminum and its ease of moldability, both wrought and cast aluminum can be made with interesting and intricate details. Styles in this category range from contemporary to tropical to traditional. Different manufacturers offer a variety of paint finishes and colors, many of which include final UV protecting topcoats.

wickerOver the years, wicker has been a staple in casual furniture and is as timeless as ever. Natural wicker can still be found in the market today but the majority of “wicker” furniture is actually synthetic

and made of resins or vinyl. The result is the look of natural wicker, just like your grandparents had, but with much greater durability and less maintenance. High quality synthetic wickers have built in UV protection to keep the color from fading as natural wicker would. Also, because these pieces are made of resins and/or vinyl products, you won’t have to worry about your furniture drying out and becoming brittle. Today’s wicker comes in a fantastic variety of colors, styles, and weaves.

woodA great option for any furniture is wood. As a natural product, it complements virtually any outdoor setting. Various woods are

commonly used to manufacture outdoor furniture including eucalyptus, teak and Brazilian cherry. Teak is probably one of the best options when it comes to wood patio furniture because of its strength and durability. Both teak and eucalyptus start out a warm red-brown and age to a lovely soft grey patina. The patina can be slowed and prevented by applying oil annually. Wood is definitely affected by the weather, sun, etc. so it is important to know how to care for and maintain your wood furniture.

wrought ironA classic choice with vintage styling is wrought iron. One important feature of iron furniture is it’s weight. Unlike some of the lightweight materials used for outdoor furniture by the “big box stores”, you certainly don’t need to worry about this furniture going anywhere in an area with a lot of wind! Additionally, you get a very classic and traditional look at a very nice price.

accessoriesOnce you’ve decided on the furniture that is right for you, it’s time to really inject your personality into the mix with accessories. Choose cushions, throw pillows and umbrellas in fabrics that really show off your style. There are virtually an endless array of colors, styles and patterns from which to choose. Plus, many companies are offering custom monogrammed throw pillows to really customize your look. Don’t forget an outdoor area rug and lamps to complete your outdoor room.

When you’re ready to make that outdoor room a reality, the talented and knowledgeable Lifestyles Team at Bucks Country Gardens is here to assist you along the way. Whether you want to select from our many in-stock items or order something special, we are

here to help. We even offer on-site design services. So stop in and get started on that dream vacation or bonus room right in your own backyard.

Gregory Orme, Lifestyle Team

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it’s always nice to be recognized by our business associates here in Doylestown, around the state and across the country. We have been fortunate over the years to be awarded commendations from:

American Nursery & Landscape Association Garden Centers of America Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association Garden Center Magazine Today’s Garden Center Magazine Casual Living Magazine Boy Scouts of America Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce Bucks Beautiful The Intelligencer

Recent landscape projects receiving special recognition include the Beans residence, Ferraro residence, Greyling residence and the Repasy residence. More important than these, is the thanks and loyalty we have received from our landscape clients for over 50 years.

recOgnized lOcally & natiOnally


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Outdoor Livingfrom the ground up

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in today’s world, the variety of products avail-able for the flooring of your outdoor room is quite extensive. Even with the vast choices available, they can be divided into several categories. Today, the most commonly used materials are clay brick pavers, concrete pav-ers, natural bluestone, stamped concrete and composite decking. How do you decide which product is right for you?

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Clay brick pavers are a traditional material which has been around for centuries and continues to be a mainstay in the modern outdoor living environment. They hold up very well to heavy foot traffic as well as severe temperature and weather con-ditions. The standard paver size is 4” x 8”, therefore, the patterns can be somewhat limited: the most common are herring-bone, basket weave and running bond. There are variations in color and textures, but most brick pavers are produced in red hues which makes them a great choice for historic properties. Installation is avail-able in either dry or wet laid applications.

concrete pavers The appearance of concrete pavers are similar to their clay counter parts, however they have some very distinct differences. Due to the fact that they are made from concrete, the variations in size and shape is virtually unlimited. The range of colors is very diverse as well, with each manufacturer offering many options. Other differences include texture and finish–from very smooth with sharp edges to tumbled pavers with a soft,

worn or aged appearance. This product can be up to 50% more expensive then clay pavers, however, the standards in the production process are well worth the added expense. Concrete pavers are almost always dry laid, allowing for the movement of freeze and thaw with-out creating the cracking often seen in traditional concrete installations. Minor repairs can be made easily, but tiny joints can also be home to weeds, especially in shady damp areas. Periodic applications of herbicides will keep concrete paver installations looking its best.

stamped concrete For those looking for a less expensive alternative, stamped concrete will fit the bill. With advances in technology and methodology, stamped concrete has come a long way in the past few decades. It is available in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes–from grays and blues to mimic the look of bluestone, to browns and tans that look like irregular flagstone, to reds for the brick-like look. By simply pressing large rubber stamps into lightly cured concrete, any number of patterns such as squares, circles, irregular joints, can easily

be created. Stamped concrete will last as well as any paving option provide it has a good base, regular expansion joints and a regular surface sealing. Installations should always be performed by an expe-rienced stamped concrete installer.

composite decking Composite decking has all but replaced the pressure treated pine decks of yester-day. Today, there are more then 60 brands of composite decking, each with its own style, color and pattern. Most of these materials are made from a combination of recycled plastic and wood shavings. The strict standards in manufactur-ing make installing composite decks a snap–sometimes, quite literally. However, the manufacturing process also makes this product much more expensive than standard pressure-treated decking. In addition, decking also requires a building permit from your local municipality. But when your outdoor living space is off the ground, there may be no other choice. As far as maintenance goes, it can’t get any easier–simply wash your deck with a hose from time to time and forget about ter-mites and splinters.

clay brick pavers

claY BricK pavers

concrete pavers stamped concrete

composite decKinG

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Patterson Iron works

QualIty FabrIcatIon Custom Rails, Gates, oRnamental items...

DaviD L. Patterson5158 applebutter road | Pipersville, Pa 18947 215.766.0142

pennsylvania bluestoneNatural Pennsylvania bluestone is a great choice in Bucks County because of its rich farming heritage. The natural stone blends perfectly with most building stones and is a wonderful complement to the traditional Bucks County farmhouse. But this material is not just for older homes–it works well almost anywhere the feel and look of natural beauty is required. Pennsylvania bluestone is commonly available in combinations of blue/blue, random blue/grey/rust, and lilac purple/red. Because it is a natural product, there will be variations in color from piece to piece, regardless of the color choice. Bluestone is available in standard sizes of rectangular cut stones from 12” x 12” to 24” x 36”. Irregular bluestone are random in size and shape and provides a natural look. Both styles of bluestone can be installed either dry or wet laid and are more costly than clay or concrete paver bricks.

Chosing from all of these options commonly comes down to two factors: appearance and cost. There are, however, existing conditions that often lead to choosing one product over another. And when there aren’t any, cost may still play a back seat. Sometimes it simply comes down to personal preference. A good landscape designer will help you identify yours.

Gregory Hebel, Landscape Design & SalespennsYlvania BlUestone

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The most common element in any landscape is the garden. The most common element in any garden is a plant and there are thousands of options when it comes to plants. The Hosta Handbook provides comprehensive reviews on 278 significant Hosta varieties. Multiply that by hundreds of perennials, shrubs and trees and you’ve got a ton of options… actually, way too many options to begin making choices.

When it comes to landscape gardens, the choices for guaranteed performers appropriate to the site and the conditions become quite limited. The following lists identify the species and varieties we have come to trust and our clients have come to appreciate. They are the backbone of almost every project we undertake. Some are chosen for size, some for form, others for texture, or for color… and all for performance. There are other choices and other favorites, but there are no better landscape plants than these.

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Pin OakRed Sunset Maple 1Village Green ZelkovaNorway Spruce 2Kwanzan Cherry 3Aristocrat PearPaperbark MapleEastern Redbud 4Kousa Dogwood 5Sweetbay MagnoliaGreen Giant Arborvitae 6

Endless Summer Hydrangea 7Sunburst HypericumLittle Princess Spirea 8Cherry LaurelWinterberry Holly 9Blue Princess HollyDiablo NinebarkKnockout RoseMiss Kim Lilac 10Blue Muffin ViburnumGreen Mountain Boxwood 11

Astilbe FanalSedum Brilliant 12Coreopsis ZagrebDianthus Ruby StarOrnamental Grass Hybrids 13Geranium Rosanne 14Hemerocallis HybridsHosta Francis WilliamsLeucanthemum Shasta Daisy Becky 15Liriope Big BlueNepeta Walkers LowEchinacea Kim’s Knee High 16Perovskia Russian SageHeuchera Plum Pudding 17Rudbeckia GoldstrumSalvia Blue Hill


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toolsfelco Bypass Hand Pruners, felco Folding Pruning Saw, oXo Hedge Shears, dramm Bypass Loppers, oXo Garden Trowel, radius Garden Pro Round-tip Shovel, Edging Spade & Pitch Fork, robert histand Metal Leaf Rake

clothinGwest country Garden Gloves, tommyco Knee Pads, slogger Garden Clogs, Dorfman Pacific Garden Hat, blu bandoo Neck Cooler

sUppliesearthway Hand Spreader, delta 1.5 qt Hand Sprayer, hudson 1gal Pump Sprayer, swan Soft & Supple Hose, dramm Water Wand, ray padula Hose Shut Off, all-in-one Garden Bucket, rush creek 2gal Watering Can, springfield Rain Gauge

Garden pharmacYmaster nursery Bud & Bloom, rootmaster & master start, round-up Pump ‘n Go, liquid fence, bayer Rose & Flower Insect Killer, bonide Wasp & Hornet Spray, tecnu Poison Ivy Hand Cleanser

Every landscape needs a little TLC to keep it growing and glowing. This is what we keep in our garden shed. You’ll want them in yours, too.

o f t h e t r a d e

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Buckingham, PAportfolio | bucks country gardens

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Before

Like many suburban prop-erties, the entrance to this home consisted of a sidewalk from the driveway to the front door. Guest parking was limited to the apron in front of the garage which required a lengthy walk down the driveway and back up the walkway to the front entrance. Not uncomfortable, but far from welcoming. The homeowners were looking to create a focus on the front of the home, a convenient place for guests to park, and a truly welcoming feel to the entrance and surrounding gardens. 1

Luxuriously Simple

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Poor drainage conditions in the front yard, including lawn inlets and a swale across the entire property, needed to be addressed. Compounding the permitting process was the need for an additional driveway to be made onto a township roadway. Also taken into consideration were the dark stucco and rich architectural details of the home, as they required a simple yet bold and colorful landscape treatment to harmonize the home and gardens.

After removing the existing plantings and concrete paver walkway, the entire front lawn was regraded to direct runoff to a more desirable location. The new driveway lined with cobblestone, now accommodates parking for guests and ample room for traffic. A drain pipe was added to the swale at the driveway and was finished with natural stone, creating a great landscape accent. A generous, wet laid bluestone walkway matching the natural stone and stucco on the house, borders the parking area and directs guests to the front entrance. Plantings on this project include bold masses of flowering perennials, roses, and boxwood hedges which highlight pathways and the driveway entrance. Concrete urns with dwarf spruces flank either side of the front door. As a finishing

touch, landscape lighting accents several trees and illuminates the walkway leading to the home, providing a welcoming feel at night. Bucks Country Gardens

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JanUarY & feBrUarY • Landscape Design/Sales team available 9am–5pm weekdays• Have your spring & summer projects finalized & scheduled

march• Landscape production resumes• Spring clean-ups begin: Pruning, edging, fertilizing & mulching • PreSeason Early-Order Patio Furniture Sale at the Garden Center• Free Tree Planting Sale at the Garden Center

april• New garden installations & spring color plantings begin• Spring clean-ups continue• Cool season annual flowers available• Impatiens Festival at the Garden Center

maY• Maintenance, plantings & hardscape installations continue• All annual flowers, perennials, flowering shrubs & trees available• Peak of the busy season: Planting backlog four weeks, project backlog twelve weeks

JUne• Planting prime time. Last minute spring clean-ups & annual flower plantings. • Bonus Bucks Redemption at the Garden Center

JUlY• Landscape production continues. Spring plantings completed. • Landscape vacation week for R&R

aUGUst• Landscape production continues with emphasis on hardscape & drainage projects • Seasonal garden maintenance with remulching touch ups• Summer Clearance Sale in the Garden Center• Fall seasonal color available

septemBer• Plantings resume including seasonal flowers, perennials, flowering shrubs & trees• Fall Planting Festival at the Garden Center • Lawn installations & renovations begin

octoBer • Fall garden maintenance, including pruning & fertilizing, and shut-down begins• Plantings & hardscape installations continue• Lawn installations & renovations end• Nursery clearance at the Garden Center novemBer • Fall garden maintenance, including pruning & fertilizing, and shut-down continues• Leaf clean-up, pond shut-downs, deer proofing and winter spraying• Landscape plantings & hardscape installations continue• Christmas Open House at the Garden Center

decemBer • Landscape project wrapup & production shut-down for winter• Final garden maintenance completed

L a n d s c a p e C a l e n d a r Bucks Country Gardens

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171 South Main Street, Dublin, PA 18917

landisfence.com 215-249-3132 HIC#PA019640

LANDISF E N C E C O.

Residential

Commercial

Vinyl

Aluminum

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Wood Board

Picket

For over 50 years, we have been serving

do-it-yourself homeowners and contractors alike. And

whether you are looking for a quality fence supplier or someone to install your

fence, we do both.

Only the Highest Standards!

Straw Mulching Fine Grading & Hydro Seeding

Turf Establishment & Lawn RenovationsSilt & Super Silt Fence Installation

All Forms of Erosion ControlDrainage Solutions

www.kCHyDRoSEEDInG.CoM

215.766.0988 • 215.766.7776

1057 N. EastoN Road, doylEstowN, Pa | 215.766.7800 | buckscouNtRygaRdENs.com | oPEN 7 days


Contain Yourself

Easy. Simple. Beautiful.Create your own container garden~

the perfect patio accent piece or colorful mini garden.

In a hurry?

Pick up a Ready-to-Go planter

created by our container designers.

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What is design/build? Very simply, it is both the design and installation of a landscape project being performed by one company. The alternative to design/build involves the design and specifications created by one company (Landscape Architect or Designer) and the installation performed by another (Landscape Contractor).

At Bucks Country Gardens, each Landscape Designer works directly with their clients from the beginning of the project to the end–literally manages the installation in addition to creating the design. The result is a seamless process, based on direct accountability and personal relationships.

Here’s how it works:1. A client phone call or completed Landscape Services Request Form from the Garden Center starts the process. One of our Landscape Designers will discuss with you both your needs and our services.2. A site visit will be scheduled to review the specifics of your project and how we can provide the most appropriate service. Immediate on-site sketch plans and cost estimates may be used to address simple projects and determine feasibility. In most instances, a complete site analysis and client interview is conducted from which a design is created. 3. Detailed, professional landscape plans and specifications are required on most projects. We do charge a separate fee for our design services which can be credited towards the installation of your project. Clients, with whom we have worked in the past and new clients who have committed to working with us, will not be charged design fees. We will show you examples of our work and provide referrals to help you decide if you and Bucks Country Gardens are a good fit. More than 80% of our projects are refer-rals and repeat clients. 4. The landscape design and project proposal will be presented. This will take place at the Garden Center where you will have the opportunity to review and approve plant selections and person-ally select the key pieces for your project. Modifications, amend-ments and additions to the plan are finalized and the project is approved and scheduled.5. The installation of your project will be supervised by our pro-duction manager together with your designer. Experienced and certified Bucks Country crews and our selected contractors will complete the project professionally, courteously, on time and on budget.6. Your project will be reviewed and approved and the regu-lar care needed to insure your success will be presented to you along with our seasonal maintenance services.

Should you have any questions or additional needs at a later date, our Garden Center is open seven days a week for your con-venience. Trained horticulturists, designers and outdoor living specialist are always on staff to help should your designer be unavailable. At Bucks Country Gardens, we have everything you need to add your personal touch to the project–from seasonal planters and garden décor to casual furniture.

Landscape Design/Build ProcessMaster Planning

Project Management

Permitting & Administration

Client Representation

Foundation Plantings

Formal Gardens

Perennial Gardens

Raised Vegetable Gardens

Specimen Trees

Evergreen Screens

Water Gardens

Fountains & Statuary

Container Gardens

Fire Pits & Fireplaces

Pergolas & Arbors

Cabanas

Fencing & Decks

Outdoor Kitchens

Landscape Lighting

Stone Walls

Stamped Concrete

Bluestone, Paver & Brick Patios & Walkways

Seasonal Maintenance

Color Planting

Winter Protection

Deer Repellants

Bucks Country Gardens Services


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Warrington, PAportfolio | bucks country gardens

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After adding a concrete paver patio to this home, the homeowners found they were left with very little usable outdoor living space. The adults had a place to entertain friends and family, but due to a steep slope in the backyard, the children were left with nowhere to play. This left the patio cluttered with toys and furniture. The homeowners wanted to create more usable space and to make the little space they did have feel bigger and more inviting. 1

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Coming directly off the back patio, the steep grade ele-vation of over five feet left little to no usable space. We quickly realized the large hill remained on site for good reason. Just beneath the surface were large rocks and boulders, which required the use of heavy equipment to remove. Because the house was at a lower elevation than the backyard, proper grading became an important issue to prevent water from entering the basement.

The existing hillside was cut back over twenty feet allow-ing for the installation of a four foot high E.P. Henry Coventry Block retaining wall. By building the wall we were able to level a large area of lawn in the backyard and create a small swale to alleviate the drainage issues the homeowners were facing. The wall arced where it was closest to the patio to create a greater feeling of open space. To either side, we terraced the wall so as not to make it so dominating in the landscape. This terracing allowed for masses of flowering perennials and shrubs to be planted to soften the wall and provide wonderful color throughout the year. Carefully placed landscape lighting highlights specific plants and different aspects of the wall, but is not obtrusive in the landscape. Opening up the space allowed the family to have an area for entertaining friends and family while still having ample room for a swing set and play area for the children.


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ADDING WATER to your garden creates a relaxing atmosphere to come home to after a long day at work. Something about the sound of running water puts people into a relaxed state of mind. Short on space? Fountains are a great way to add a water feature into your space, while taking up little real estate in your garden. For those who have plenty of space, your options increase immensely. Other features include pondless waterfalls and streams, full-scale pond ecosystems, or the latest trend… rainwater harvesting systems. All of these options are excellent ways to increase the value of your landscape and the enjoyment you will get from it.

Water IN THE LANDSCAPE

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FountainsFor those with smaller landscape sites and tighter budgets, fountains are becoming a popular element in residential landscapes. Fountains offer the relaxing sound of running water, provide a draw for birds and other wildlife, and are a much less time consuming to install than other water features. Options in this category range from small table top fountains to container water gardens to larger, stand alone fountains, bubblers and spitters.

PondsOf course there is always the option of turning your backyard into your own private oasis with a complete ecosystem pond or pondless waterfall/stream. Nothing quite like coming home to relax to the sights and sounds of water in a garden paradise. Contrary to popular belief, properly designed and installed water features actually require little maintenance. The circulation system, filtration system, fish, plants and gravel all work in combination to provide the perfect balance for these micro ecosystems. An occasional filter cleaning and a complete spring cleaning is basically all that is needed to keep your pond in great shape. Pondless waterfalls/streams are good options for people who prefer the sounds of running water without the pond environment of plants and fish.

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Rainwater Harvesting As the push for our communities to become more envi-ronmentally friendly continues, many people are search-ing for ways they can do their part, too. New products and technologies emerge every day in the race to become green: from solar electric generation to wind electric turbines to electric and hydrogen-powered automobiles. What about water? What can we do to conserve one of our most precious natural resources? The answer… rainwater harvesting. This process collects rainwater that falls on roofs, driveways, sidewalks, and other impervious surfaces, for use later in irrigation practices. Wouldn’t it be nice to lower utility bills by not wasting drinking water to water your plants, lawn, or even wash your car? That is exactly what these systems can do for you.

There are several different ways to collect excess rainwa-ter runoff. The easiest is rain barrels. Tanks or barrels are placed beneath the gutters on your home to collect the water that runs off of the roof. Attached to these collec-tion tanks is a spigot to connect a hose to use the water for irrigating containers and other planted areas. Rain barrels in sizes ranging from 50 to 100 gallons. While the designs and styles of the barrels have come a long way since first being introduced, you may not want to look at large collection tanks at the corners of your home.

If that’s the case, an underground storage tank may be more appropriate. Based upon the same principles as the rain barrel, this system involves burying a large tank un-derground and running pipes from downspouts and other water collection facilities on your property. Components can be added to filter the water and pump back out for use on lawns, planting beds and containers.

Irrigating your landscape with rain water provides sev-eral key benefits: rich nutrients decrease dependency on fertilizers; helps avoid strict watering guidelines during drought periods; decreases utility bills including city storm sewer charges, and lowers the demand on munici-pal water systems.

Gregory Hebel, Landscape Design & Sales

Did Y

ou k

now

?

• One inch of rainfall over a residential roof of 2,000 sq. ft. can generate 1,250 gallons of recyclable rainwater. A home that receives 32” of rain per year can collect 41,000 gallons of water.

• The average household with a lot size of 10,000 sq. ft. uses 5,000 gallons of water per week for landscaping purposes.

• Running a sprinkler for two hours will use up to 500 gallons of water.

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When 14 companies join forces, wonderful things happen. That’s exactly how the YMCA entrance gardens came to be in October, 2010. “Every single

company we approached was not just willing, but happy to participate” says Tom Hebel, coordinator of the project. “When I told Gene Smith [former President/CEO of Central Bucks Family YMCA] he could count on us, I had no clue what that meant. All I knew for sure was when our horticultural community comes together, we get things done.”

A plan was created using the input of the Y staff, the project architect and an entire class of Temple Landscape Architecture students. 1

Perennials, shrubs and river rock create an inviting walkway which meanders between the new YMCA facility and the original farmhouse. It leads to a courtyard with benches and is paved with bricks engraved with names of YMCA supporters and donors.

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Thirteen area companies supplied top soil, mulch, river stone, boulders, landscape fabric, sod and more than 1000 flowering shrubs, perennials, seasonal flowers and trees, while Bucks Country Gardens supplied the equipment and labor for the installation. Today, the gardens inspire over 1500 daily visitors to the YMCA and stand as an example of people coming together in small ways to accomplish big things. Bucks Country Gardens supports the commu-

nity with various landscape plantings annually. The Boys Scouts of America and Central Bucks Chambers of Commerce, both located in Doyle-stown, are examples of recent installations.


The plant palatte of the courtyard gardens are carried throughout the YMCA gardens. This farmhouse, built in 1807, is known as the Nathan J. Homestead building. It was the original administration building for the Y–it is now used as the maintenance headquarters.

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participating suppliers:

architectural stone Douglasville

Bountiful acres Buckingham

central Bucks farm New Hope

coles nurseries Lahaska

clearview nursery Souderton

Bromm’s lullaby farm Fountainville

feeney’s nursery Buckingham

laurel valley farms Avondale

landscape design Group Doylestown

leck’s family Greenhouses Hilltown

rock ‘n’ stone Plumsteadville

traumuller nursery Doylestown

turco nursery SellersvilledesiGned and installed BY

BUcKs coUntrY Gardens DOYLESTOWN

Large trees provide privacy and beauty, offer screening and add shade to increase indoor and outdoor comfort. Spruce up your yard by planting large trees from our nursery or move existing trees on your property to create a new look or promote better growth.

Trees have long been symbolically associated–they beautify our surroundings while nourishing and protecting our environment.

Commemorate a special event by honoring or memorializing a friend or loved one with a meaningful gift that grows with each passing year.

Large Tree Installation, Sales & Transplanting Specialists

215.766.TREE (8733) | www.americantreescapes.com | 5496 Old Durham Road, Pipersville, PA

American Treescapes Instant Beauty

APPLE happinessASH sacrifice, sensitivityBEECH toleranceBIRCH new beginningsCEDAR healing

CHERRY death and rebirthELM strengthHOLLY protectionMAPLE balancePINE creativity

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BROOKS & BARBERtree management

complete tree careTree Pruning & Removal • Insect & Disease Management

Tree & Shrub Fertilization • Certified Arborists

Serving Bucks & Montgomery Counties for over 20 years!

Bedminster215-249-3999

Doylestown215-345-6969

Spring House215-646-5730

www.brooksbarber.com

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BROOKS & BARBERtree management

complete tree careTree Pruning & Removal • Insect & Disease Management

Tree & Shrub Fertilization • Certified Arborists

Serving Bucks & Montgomery Counties for over 20 years!

Bedminster215-249-3999

Doylestown215-345-6969

Spring House215-646-5730

www.brooksbarber.com

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Earthborne160 Titus Avenue,

Warrington, PA 18976

Test drive a new BOOMER™ Tractor from New Holland at either of Earthborne’s two locations:

Introducing

Southeastern PA’s Newest Full Line Dealer

Earthborne35 Easton RoadWarrington, PA 18976

24hr Heavy Duty Towing & Road Service Truck & Equipment Service Hours 7am–10pm

www.earthborneinc.com215-343-2000

Earthborne is also a Full Line Sales & Service Dealer for:

Documents

Picket Fences | Landscape Edition 2011