permeable paver patio around pool

The way the permeable paver system works is the base of the hardscape consists of a deep layer of large stone which will process the water, filtering out the pollutants and keeping them in the base and soil.  The ground water is then released back into the main watershed. 

When we install a permeable paver patio, driveway or walkways we start by digging a 12” deep base (normally for a patio it would be 7” to 8” deep) and fill it with a larger stone for drainage.  Then we use crushed stone instead of sand to set the pavers and sweep into the joints.  The permeable pavers are made with a spacer to create a wider joint in between to allow the water to flow through to the stone.  If the hardscaping is in a heavy water flow area, we can also install a drain into the sub-base that drains to a dry well.     

If you are looking for an eco-friendly solution to your hardscaping problem, give us a call we will be happy to help!

Mulching – Mulching plant beds will not only make your yard look clean and crisp, but will also help shrubs retain moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting this summer. 

Mowing – When you are mowing your lawn this spring you want to keep your mower blade high, it helps keep the weeds from germinating and will keep the new grass from burning in the sun.  You may need to mow every week, but it will keep your lawn healthy and green. 

Pruning – At this point in the late spring you don’t want to do any major pruning only cutting back stray growth to maintain the plants shape.  Do remove spent flowers to promote re-blooming on roses and annuals for beautiful flowers all summer long.

Mosquito Control– Mosquitoes are coming.  Unfortunately there is no way that I know of to get rid of mosquitoes completely, but there are a few ways to help reduce their breeding around your home.  Look for areas of standing and pooling water around your home and remove it, especially after yesterday’s heavy rain.  Common areas to check for standing water are in – buckets and rain barrels, bottles and cans, empty plastic pots, uneven areas in lawns or gardens where irrigation water can collect, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and water bowls for pets.

Patio with Pergola

Add your new Patio, Pergola or Outdoor Kitchen– Now is the time to install the new patio, pergola or outdoor kitchen you have been thinking about all winter.  If you are looking for a little shade this summer, install a pergola.  Pergolas are a great way to keep the sun off a patio area.  With spring already here, it is time to get new hardscaping installed so that it will be ready for the summer.  Check out our website and blog for a few ideas on how to improve your outdoor living space.    

As always we look forward to working with you on any of your landscape and hardscape needs – (804) 622-7477 or visit our website at www.CarvilleLandscape.com.

 Here is a little list of my thoughts paver patios vs. wood decks.    

Below are a few photos of some patios to give you an idea of what you might be able to do in your backyard.  Enjoy!

This is actually a bluestone patio with paver wall. The patio comes directly off their house and transitions to a lower patio with fire pit.

This patio transitions from the door with two long steps down onto the patio.

These are circular steps down to the patio.

This is a raised patio that transitions down to a walkway with nice landscaping.

•  Plant More Plants – A great campaign by the Chesapeake Bay Program that is teaching homeowners in the cities surrounding the Bay, simple landscape strategies to help keep the Bay healthy.  Plant More Plants has a great website that offers information on why this is important, how to plant rain gardens (with four planting plans), provides a comprehensive list of native plants for Virginia and a blog with information on soil, stormwater, wildlife and more. 
  

  Basic Rain Barrel from Plow and Hearth

• Use of Rain Barrels – I have blogged about the use of rain barrels in the past, but the information is so important.  A single rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water a year.  This is 1,300 gallons of FREE water that you can use for watering plants, gardens and lawns or for even washing cars.  That is 1,300 gallons of water that gets absorbed back into the ground slowly and never reaches the Bay.

Permeable Paver Patio

• Use of Permeable Pavers – This is another subject that I have blogged about in the past, the use of permeable pavers in landscaping.  Permeable pavers present a solid surface, but still allow storm water and pollutants (car oil, antifreeze, pesticides) to drain through a natural, ecological process.  The permeable pavers come in a variety of designs and colors for all types of applications (driveways, patios, walkways).   This is a product we use more and more in the northern neck of Virginia.

 We all love to eat the blue crabs and oysters, so let’s do our part to help keep the Bay clean and healthy!

•  Concrete Pavers – One of the most economical pool decking materials is the paver.  Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes and can be laid in many different patterns (with matching coping).  You will want to find something that compliments the style and color palate of your home and matches the other hardscaping you already present in your landscape.  The best part about pavers is they don’t crack!

Pool with Paver Deck

• Brick – I think brick give a pool a very classy, old world look.  Similar to the paver, brick comes in several colors, but only one size.  These can be dry laid with sand in the joints or laid with mortar, whatever your preference.  One caution when using brick – make sure you choose one with a smooth finish, some brick can be rough to the touch – not good for tender feet.

Brick Pool Deck (photo compliments of River Pools & Spas)

• Bluestone or Flagstone – One of my favorite natural materials to use around pools.  Bluestone gives the pool a touch of elegance.  I would use a random pattern with rectangular and square stones and use grout that will compliment the color hues of your home (tan or grey).  Bluestone is also surprisingly cool to the touch too.   I would stay away bluestones cousin, slate, it gets very hot under your feet and will be unbearable in the Virginia sun.   

Pool with Bluestone Deck

• Travetertine – Another natural stone that I am using more and more around pools.  This is a great natural material that comes in several colors and sizes (with matching coping).  You can dry lay an irregular pattern with this stone.  One word of caution – be sure to get a travertine for outdoor use, this will make it less slippery around the pool edge.  I know everyone thinks travertine can be slick, but it actually absorbs the water and makes the stone coarser so that you don’t slip.

Travertine Pool Deck

• Slab Paver – Slab pavers are similar to concrete pavers, but are much bigger and give the appearance of bluestone.  They are still dry laid with swept sand in the joints, but they look more like bluestone than a paver.  If you love the look of Bluestone, but don’t like the price tag, this may be an option.    

Concrete Slab Pool Deck

I also wanted to mention that if you have a concrete pool deck and are looking to jazz it up with another material, you can always overlay your existing pool deck with one of the materials listed above.  You don’t even have to pull up the concrete; it can go right over the top!  An easy fix for a dated pool.  Check out our earlier blog on how to create a new look for your pool.

Winter Snow Damage – Take a survey of your trees and shrubs to see if they have snow damage, broken limbs or branches.  If you have shrubs with broken limbs, remove them by making a clean cut just above the stem node or branch collar.  Then fertilize the plants with a slow release fertilizer for a new flush of growth this spring.  

Aeration and Fertilization – March is the time to aerate and fertilize the lawn to keep it green all summer long.  You want to use a slow release fertilizer with the lowest possible phosphorus level.  In this region we have very phosphorus rich soil, adding more will just create dangerous run-off for our waterways.  Remember to fertilize the plants and shrubs as well - and you can use the same fertilizer for the entire yard.   

When you are mowing your yard this spring you want to keep your mower blade high, it helps keep the weeds from germinating and will keep the new grass from burning in the sun.

Knock-Out Roses – If you haven’t cut your roses back, it is time.  Make sure there is no new growth, and then take them back to 12” to 18” tall.  Don’t be afraid to cut them back that much, they will grow bigger each year. 

Add your new Hardscaping for Summer – Fireplaces are the new outdoor trend.  We have already installed three since the beginning of 2011.  Install an outdoor fireplace now and use it on those cool spring nights.  This is also the time to start thinking about installing a pool for summer.  Believe it or not we are working on our fifth pool project of this year.  With spring on its way, it is time to get new hardscaping installed so that it will be ready for the summer.  Check out more of our blog posts for tips on swimming pools and outdoor fireplaces. 

As always please feel free to call us for any of your design, landscaping and hardscaping needs 804-622-7477 or visit us on the web at www.carvillelandscape.com.

 Here are a few pictures from the show we did this Winter.  A travertine patio with seat walls, a stone outdoor kitchen, landscaping, a fountain and a bench and table made by one of our designers!  Our designers and installers are truly talented.  Can’t wait for this show!

A stone bench and table that Chris McClaning made from some extra material at the shop.  

 A stone outdoor kitchen with pizza oven/grill combo, a soap stone counter top and natural stone bar top.   

This is the backyard before transformation, sloping hills with nothing but grass.

When we were finished it was a beautiful two tiered pool with bluestone patios and fireplace.

We added this great stone fireplace and seating area.

A cloes up of the pool and bluestone surround. 

We added a flight of stairs, complete with lighting, so that the homeowners could get down to the pool from the upper decks. 

We added a big retaining wall to level the backyard for the pool and fireplace.  It was a great project, with great homeowners.  Let us know if we can help you transform your backyard!

For all the details check the Virginia Home and Garden Show website.

The best snow removal option is to shovel the snow before it gets to deep.  If you don’t like to shovel snow or just need to melt the ice, then you can use salt as a solution.  Most home improvement stores sell an ice melt calcium or sodium chloride based product.  If your walkway or driveway is concrete, bluestone or concrete paver then the home improvement store product is a fine option.  If your walkway or driveway is CLAY brick or paver than make sure to use a Magnesium Chloride only option.  If you use Calcium or Sodium on your clay pavers it will make the pavers effervesce, which will cause a white film to form on your pavers.   You can clean the pavers with an effervescence cleaner if the film has already formed or you can allow the film to wear off over time (it eventually will). 

Remember to always shovel snow off the area first and only treat stubborn areas of ice with salt.   Also keep the chemicals away from your plant life, repeated use of chemicals can be toxic to your plants. 

Good luck and be safe in the winter ahead!