Landscape Design Advice for Custom Homes in Northern Virginia

Many homeowners focus primarily on the interior design of their home, overlooking the critical role that landscaping plays in enhancing their overall living experience. Without thoughtful landscaping, your outdoor areas can feel disjointed from your home, underutilized, and lacking in aesthetic appeal. The absence of a cohesive plan can lead to missed opportunities for creating functional, beautiful, and private outdoor spaces that enhance your lifestyle and add value to your property.

In a conversation between Francisca Alonso, the CEO and co-founder of AV Architects + Builders, and Jeff Rossen, the founder of Rossen Landscapes, we unravel some key advice for landscaping in Northern Virginia. For over a decade, the two have worked together to create stunning indoor and outdoor spaces for their clients in Northern Virginia, particularly in Great Falls. Jeff’s expertise in high-end residential landscape design has been invaluable in AV’s projects, ensuring that clients enjoy a seamless transition between their custom homes and their beautifully landscaped outdoor areas. The collaboration from the outset ensures that every aspect of the project, from the architecture to the landscape, works in harmony to reflect the client's vision and lifestyle.

Why Should Your Architect and Landscape Designer Collaborate from the Beginning?

Having your architect, builder, and landscape designer collaborate from the outset is crucial. As Jeff aptly puts it, such collaboration avoids potential disasters and fosters a cohesive vision. When contractors are not aligned, it can lead to miscommunication and a fragmented design. However, when we work as a team from the beginning, we ensure that the indoor and outdoor spaces complement each other perfectly.

A unified vision means that the design elements flow seamlessly from the inside out, creating a harmonious living environment. This collaboration allows us to align our visions early on and guide our clients down the right path, leveraging our collective experience to avoid common pitfalls. Ultimately, our clients are not just looking for contractors; they are seeking advisors who can help them individualize their spaces to reflect their lifestyles and preferences.

How Do You Individualize Your Design to Each Client?

Individualizing landscape design for each client starts with understanding their unique needs and preferences. This process, which we call the discovery phase, involves asking pertinent questions about their lifestyle. Do they have children? Are they retired? How do they intend to use the space?

For instance, a retired couple might desire a tranquil tea garden, whereas a family with young children would prefer a playground and a sport court. Those who love entertaining will need expansive, open spaces where guests can mingle without feeling confined. Integrating features such as outdoor kitchens and alfresco dining areas into the landscape design can significantly enhance these experiences.

Building a custom home with the landscape in mind from the beginning allows us to plan for a seamless indoor-outdoor transition. This approach ensures that the outdoor spaces are an extension of the home, creating a unified and functional living environment.

What Are Three Must-Have Features in Landscape Design?

When it comes to must-have features in landscape design, Jeff emphasizes the importance of incorporating elements that go beyond just plants. His top three features are fire, water, and light.

1. Fire: Fire features such as fire pits or outdoor fireplaces provide warmth and a focal point for gatherings, extending the usability of outdoor spaces into cooler months.

2. Water: Water features, whether it's a pond, waterfall, fountain, or pool, add a soothing element to the landscape. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also help drown out unwanted noise, creating a peaceful environment.

3. Light: Proper lighting is essential for safety and ambiance. It highlights architectural features, pathways, and focal points, making the landscape enjoyable both day and night.

These features, combined with thoughtful hardscaping and changes in elevation, create an engaging and inviting outdoor space that complements the home’s interior design.

Essential Plant Choices for Northern Virginia

Choosing the right plants for a landscape in Northern Virginia involves considering the local environment and sustainability. Jeff highlights several plants that thrive in this region while being resistant to common challenges such as deer.

Mahonia: A hardy and deer-resistant plant that adds structure to the landscape.

Boxwoods: Versatile and evergreen, perfect for hedges and borders.

Catmint and Irises: These perennials provide vibrant color and are low maintenance.

Hakonechloa and Carex: Ornamental grasses that add texture and movement to the garden.

Designing with sustainability in mind means selecting native plants that are adapted to local conditions, reducing the need for excessive watering and chemical treatments. This approach is particularly important in Great Falls, where large properties often rely on wells with limited water availability.

What is Screening and Why Do I Need It?

Screening is an essential aspect of landscape design, particularly in creating privacy and reducing noise. By strategically placing trees, shrubs, or built structures, we can create secluded areas where clients feel at peace, away from the prying eyes of neighbors or the noise of busy roads.

For example, properties along main roads like Route 7 or Georgetown Pike benefit significantly from screening. Adding features like water fountains or landscape speakers can further enhance privacy by masking unwanted sounds, creating a serene outdoor environment.

How Can You Protect Your Yard from Deer?

Dealing with deer in Northern Virginia requires a multifaceted approach. The most effective method is fencing, which, when done correctly, can keep deer out of the property. However, tall fences are not always practical, especially in front yards.

Alternative strategies include using deer-resistant plants and applying repellents that deter deer for several weeks. For areas where fencing is possible, it opens up more plant choices, allowing for a more diverse and lush landscape.

Tips for Budgeting for Your Landscape

Budgeting for landscape design is crucial to achieving the desired outcome without compromising on quality. Jeff suggests the following tips:

1. Allocate a Proper Budget: Typically, dedicating about 10% of the home's value to landscaping ensures that you can create unique and appealing outdoor spaces.

2. Consider Practicality: Think about how you will use the space in reality, not just in dreams. This practical approach helps in making informed decisions about what features are necessary.

3. Don’t Skimp on Quality: Investing in high-quality materials and design ensures that the landscape will be a lasting and valuable part of your home.

Landscaping is a vital component of creating a cohesive and inviting home environment. By collaborating from the beginning, understanding client needs, incorporating essential features, and budgeting wisely, you can ensure that your landscape design enhances both the beauty and functionality of your custom home.

How Can You Get in Touch?

For those interested in transforming their outdoor spaces, Jeff Rossen and his team at Rossen Landscapes are ready to help. You can visit their design studio in Great Falls, explore their website at RossenLandscape.com or give them a call at 703-327-2284.

If you are considering building a custom home, AV Architects and Builders are here to guide you through every step of the process. Reach out to us at 703-865-5065 or visit our website at AVarchitectsbuild.com