High Atop The Mountain

Sometimes the most rewarding part of a project are the breathtaking views. We have been busy up on the mountain this week installing a Mega-Arbel patio by Belgard in the Sable blend with a Millstone set as the focal point. On the left side of this photo is a seat wall (backless) and on the right is a chair wall. The chair wall will also be utilized as a windbreak. The wall is constructed of Matryx block in Toffee/Onyx with a double-sided cap on Onyx/Natural to echo the color of the patio. We expect our clients to enjoy it for years to come, but for now the crew enjoys it on their well deserved lunch break.

Tuckahoe Clubhouse At Stoney Creek

We are actively teaming up with the Wintergreen Property Owners Association (WPOA) for the first phase of the outdoor renovation of the Tuckahoe Clubhouse at Stoney Creek. The multi purpose event/meeting space is complete from the drainage improvement on up. The landscaping is next on deck & will be installed in May. If you are in the area be sure to pop by 37 Stone Orchard Drive, Nellysford, VA 22958 & check it out.

Drainage Improvement With Style

Drainage improvement doesn’t have to mean ugly. We are seeing an increased need across our service area for such upgrades due in part to shifting weather patterns that can bring on unpredictable amounts of storm water without warning. Through many methods the water can be conveyed out of sight permanently. Foundation applications can be as equally aesthetically pleasing as severing a practical role. Vegetation can even be incorporated into the majority of designs. Some can even have boulders placed in such a way that they could be used to extend a play area or provide an artistic outlet for rock stacking. The possibilities are endless & the improvement priceless.

Working With A Smile

Even on an overcast day while troubleshooting a pond our Senior Foreman Jeff Thompson can be found smiling & cracking jokes. His positive attitude, sparkling sense of humor, & contagious laugh always makes the work day a brighter place. He brings over 25 years of experience along with him to every jobsite & has been described recently by one of our clients as a ‘absolute maestro’ on equipment. We are fortunate to have him as the keystone of our team.

A Fool’s Spring

Fortunately for the plants that need a period of solid dormancy we are poised to dip back down into winter temps this weekend, but the past few days sure have offered a nice respite from the cold. The daffodils are already crowning through the mulch in this mild winter, brining with them the promise of beautiful days to be spent outdoors just ahead!

Community Progress in Charlottesville

We made an appearance & progress on the Ivy Corridor Improvement Project this week. Where we have teamed up with Faulconer Construction on this multi year, critical infrastructure improvement project, in part with The University of Virginia (UVA). There are both private & public facets to this upgrade that is projected to finish in 2024. We have been an active participant in the project since 2022 & are currently installing some of the Permeable Pavers, manufactured by Hanover, & provided by Allied Concrete.

We are always curious & utilize any commercial or private jobsite as a learning opportunity. The trees were of particular interest on this day. It will be a real study to see how they fare in the urban environment. The perpetual a challenge to be a city tree!

Forget Paving

Asphalt paving is not the all to end all anymore. There are numerous alternatives to, and permeable applications for, to be considered. We are putting the finishing touches on an interlocking paver driveway for a lovely home here in Nelson County. The Villagio pavers installed above are produced by Techo-Bloc and are shown in the Shale Grey color. The Herringbone pattern creates a strong bond that can be easily be driven over. The entire driveway is being held in place with Jumbo Granite Cobble curbing. The project is even more stunning in person. We hope our clients enjoy it for many years to come. Their vehicles certainly look smashing parked on it!

Winter While We Work

Hope you all had a full & happy holiday season from start to finish! We are stepping back onto our jobsites with renewed enthusiasm and anticipate a busy & productive winter. Although we are between planting seasons there are still numerous types of hardscaping applications that can be installed this time of year.

This dry-set irregular bluestone path is going to tremendously improved the accessibility to the homeowner’s new pool. Believe it or not the stairs shown in above in this progress shot are a manufactured concrete product from Cambridge. They are called 48″ Cast Stone Steps, shown in Bluestone Blend to lend just a wee bit of color contrast for increased safety. The Sigma cheek wall, with Ledgestone cap, in Onyx/Natural in the lower portion of the photo are also by Cambridge. Proof that natural & manufactured products can be utilized effectively together.

 

Fall Has Landed

It is official! Our first load of material for our fall planting projects arrived just ahead of the rain. It is a gorgeous mix of natives & native cultivars (nativars). A huge thank you to Shreckhise Nursery in Grottoes for the delivery. Their plants are stunning & the delivery guys are always full of laughter & ready to help. The plants are all sure to be well watered over this coming weekend.

Where’s Pauldo?

The first wave of native perennials for the second phase of the Monticello Burial Ground for Enslaved People arrived from North Creek Nursery this week. Paul was front & center to unpack and greet the plants.

Can you spot him in the picture?