Walkways, Walls and Patios

Landscape and Plantings

 

Outdoor Lighting

At RLS, we exclusively install CAST® Lighting products. These are the finest, most advanced, and durable fixtures and components available. RLS Landscape and Nursery adds expert installation using our skilled, CAST-trained workers.

Why add landscape lighting? Low-voltage lighting provides a beautiful, safe, secure, and welcoming environment.

• Security – Strategically placed low voltage lights provide low levels of even illumination. No shadows!
• Safety – Ensure that you and your visitors can safely navigate around your property after dark.
• Usability – Extend the use of your private areas into the evening.
• Beauty – Accentuate the shapes and textures of your landscape and its structures.
• Economy – Low voltage light systems consume about 1/3rd the electricity of conventional lighting.

CAST fixtures are constructed of handmade, solid, cast bronze—impervious to corrosion and physical abuse. Aluminum, polyester powder coatings, plastic, and even copper of retail-quality fixtures will fail while bronze retains its integrity.

Let our designers put lighting to work in your landscape. We have the expertise to position optimal light sources to your greatest advantage. Combine the CAST warranty with our satisfaction guarantee—and add value to your home. 

Creating a Poolscape

You dream of a pool in your backyard - your own private spa - but where do you begin, especially when the yard has a slope that might be more suitable for downhill skiing?

Understanding the grade, and making it work to the owners' advantage, is the first order of business. In this project, the family needed adequate patio space for lounge chairs, patio sets and a cabana. With three stories and loads of windows, pulling the view into the interior of the home was an important feature of the project. RLS Landscape designer, Danielle Knoll drafted a landscape plan that included tiered retaining walls, carefully positioned steps and generous paving areas to make the pool area accessible and functional. The plan served as a basis for proposed installation costs and allowed the owners to budget.

Danielle and RLS founder and owner, Rick Splittgerber partnered with Cada Pools of St. Charles, on this project. Everything needed to be coordinated closely as demolition and construction began. Changes were made along the way as the owners requested a fire pit and additional evergreens for screening.

After the poured concrete pool had cured, work on dry-laid stone walls began. The crew carefully prepared a secure base that would provide proper drainage. The pool decking area was leveled and tamped down. Rick and Danielle continued to work with the client on plant choices and paver colors and patterns.

As work proceeded, it became apparent how the new grade would function in the space. A series of levels allowed for a generous open area for pool, decking and cabana, and a cozy, below-grade seating area covered by a pergola—all sheltered by tiered retaining walls with plantings.

The result is a fully usable space for adults and children, suitable for large or small get-togethers. The view from inside the home is stunning, and continually beckons the family to go outside and play.

Landscape Renovation

A referral from a previous client brought this project to the attention of Rick Splittgerber, founder and owner of RLS. Although the property was fully landscaped, the owners stressed that they were not pleased with the results. They were hesitant to add yet more landscaping, but knew that they needed to make changes.

Upon Rick's review of the property, the owners agreed that many plants had grown out of their allotted spaces and that the general appearance was much too cluttered and disorganized. Adding to the confusion, four different kinds of hardscaping materials had been used - brick pavers, flagstone pavers, outcropping stone and boulders. With a concrete walkway and an asphalt driveway, the various paving surfaces only served to detract from the beautiful home and its setting.

Rick reviewed the property with designer Danielle Knoll who then set to work drafting a plan that would address the problems. Danielle's initial concept was to simplify the foundation plantings with accents of color and texture. She also recommended using boulders throughout the landscape instead of a mixture of various materials. This meant that an existing boulder wall could remain intact, while others would be added.

One of the biggest challenges was how to address the long concrete walkway. Replacing the walk was discussed, along with the types of materials that would be most suitable for the house. It was decided that a subdued color would be the best choice.

Rick and Danielle suggested resurfacing the existing concrete with a natural vintage paver. It would add a formal appearance to the entrance and eliminate the need to remove the existing concrete.

Homeowners were pleased with all the ideas, and with few adjustments renovation commenced.
First, all salvageable material was removed. This included several large birch trees, which were relocated to the side yard where they could assist with screening. Viburnum and Hydrangea that had already grown much too large for their space, were relocated to areas where they would not require inevitable pruning.

Outcropping stone was relocated to the back yard where it assisted with soil retention.

Miscellaneous plants had to be scrapped entirely - suffering Holly, a motley mixture of daylilies of various heights, and groundcover Juniper that was no longer very ornamental. Although the owners expressed their dismay at their demise, Danielle helped to keep them focused on the task at hand. She gently reminded them that not every plant could be successfully reused while still keeping everything looking in tip-top shape.

Next began construction of the boulder walls that faced all sides of the long concrete stairway. Plant materials were added, including Concolor Fir, Boxwood, and Itea for spectacular fall color. Masses of perennials were used throughout such as Hakone Grass and Lady's Mantle, making for a restrained and calming look. Container plantings at the front door would provide seasonal color accents.

Vintage pavers turned out especially fitting — for the house and for the setting. What had previously been a utilitarian sidewalk became a stylish and dramatic part of the landscape.

Rick turned his attention to other areas of the property. The crew built an attractive lattice screen for the air conditioning units, planted vines for the pergola, relocated roses, grasses and perennials in the back yard.

The owners were delighted with the imaginative solutions, prompt service and attentive crew, and began to discuss developing the back yard to include a pool scape.

We look forward to seeing the new ideas begin to take shape. Be sure to check back to see how this project develops.

New Construction

New construction in an established neighborhood has the advantage of having mature landscaping, but how do you preserve and integrate those lovely old plants into the new residence?

This family enjoyed watching baby pine and hemlock mature into magnificent trees over the eighteen years they lived in their home. Choosing to rebuild on the same property, they sought to preserve the trees they had become so fond of. Prior to construction, Albertson’s Trees arrived with its 90 inch tree spade to move the endangered plants along property edges, while the foundation and septic were being installed.

Meanwhile RLS designer, Pat Hollingsworth and the owners developed a plan that would give the property a graceful entry, desired privacy for the owners, and a patio to enjoy the beautiful back yard. The owners wisely desired to avoid the planting of excessive shrubbery along the foundation of the house. What was there to obscure? It was, indeed, a beautiful building. The owners were well aware of the pruning and maintenance that would result from over-planting, and did not wish to repeat the landscaping experiences of their first home.

While construction continued inside the new home, the RLS crew arrived to begin the new patio which would include a seating wall, pathway and steps to join the second floor deck.

As the patio proceeded, additional soil was brought in to raise the grade as needed, and to aid in proper drainage.

Owners chose Brussels block paver in a sandstone color. Pat suggested an inlay in a contrasting color to visually reinforce the simple but elegant exterior arc. The seat walls were kept low so as to be functional but not to overpower the space. The walls were not to be “on stage”, but the backyard was. A low broad step connecting the patio to the lower level walk-out was built to be in scale with the doors and the broad open views.

While grading continued the crew began the hard work of moving and replanting the owner’s trees. More trees - including three 18 ft pines - shrubs, roses and perennials were added as the landscape plan on paper began to take shape on the ground. The expansive back yard was seeded with a bright green blanket that would promote successful germination, but disintegrate as the lawn began to grow.

Gradually the crew worked their way to the front of the yard with their tools and equipment, taking time to water thirsty plants and remove debris as needed.

Sod was laid in the front yard and mulch was spread over in the planting beds. The landscape began to take on a finished look. Beautiful views and graceful curves appeared like magic.

Once again Pat and owners met to review the end result and discuss continuing care and maintenance. The owners were amazed at the transformation.

The next phase – watching their plantings bloom and grow – will provide them with much pleasure and will last for years to come.
 

A Front Entry "Facelift"

Architects and contractors view building entrances from an entirely different vantage point than landscape professionals. While architects are concerned with interior space, landscapers look at exterior space. Where these two areas meet are of primary importance to the homeowner—and unfortunately, often need to be addressed after construction.

These homeowners knew they had to do something about the entrance to their new home. When a make-shift step began to settle and tilt, they knew it had to be sooner, rather than later.

They sought the advice of RLS consultant Roberta Stewart. Roberta pointed out that there were more issues than the repair of a sagging step. The existing stoop was out of proportion with the elegant façade of the home and its imposing entrance canopy. With Unilock® wall stone, these issues could be addressed without the removal of the concrete stoop upon which the canopy rested.

Roberta prepared a proposal which included demolition of the existing walk and step, plans to correct drainage problems from nearby downspouts, and grading. She sought to create an "outside foyer" at the entrance of the home by using a red brick paver that matched the exterior brick of the home. This brick "area rug" would become the focal point of the entry —perfect for the transition from outside to inside.


As the crew began to assemble the new entrance, Roberta oversaw construction to ensure that every detail came together according to plan.

Once the steps and walkway were completed, RLS provided basic foundation plants along with some ideas for tree placement that could be implemented at a later time.

The final result did far more than fix a sagging step. With wise use of materials, the front stoop was both widened and deepened, bringing it up to the proper scale and same quality as the architecture of the building—and just in time to welcome a large family gathering at Thanksgiving.
 

An Outdoor Room

This young family inherited landscaping with their home that was just not working for them. The back yard, especially, did not function very well for their furniture or for their family.

The initial approaches to landscaping at the time the subdivision was built, appeared to be typically budget-conscious and not always well thought out. Although the owners would have preferred to start from scratch, it was not practical to do so. They were referred by friends to Pat Hollingsworth, a landscape designer for RLS who met with them to assess the yard and plan a new approach.

The oddly-shaped deck with steep wide steps, was of primary concern. The open steps seemed to draw attention to the yard's least desirable views, and made them feels as is they were "on stage". The owners preferred a seating area that would be cozy and more sheltered from view.

The back yard was also bordered by five neighbors, each with their own approach to landscaping. Although some features were definitely advantageous, others were not. They were at loss for how to go about renovating their backyard to coordinate with the diverse planting schemes of their multiple neighbors.

Along with some relatively minor and painless front yard adjustments, Pat suggested correcting some of the deck's flaws by relocating and rebuilding the steps and portions of the railing. A trellis to support Clematis was also suggested in order to add privacy while taking up very little space. Pat referred them to Bob Schaefer of Nantucket Trellises in Downer's Grove who handled all carpentry.

An additional seating area was proposed at ground level, to be bordered by a low planter box and seat wall. This would support the new patio on the sloping ground. With limited access, all materials would need to be brought back by hand.

Pat also provided a plan and proposal for landscape lighting. During construction, PVC pipe was laid so the wiring could be added at a later time.

With the new patio, deck and trelliage prominently visible from the kitchen and living areas inside the home, the family can now enjoy the enhanced views in all seasons, inside and out.
 

Creating a Poolscape

You dream of a pool in your backyard - your own private spa - but where do you begin, especially when the yard has a slope that might be more suitable for downhill skiing?

Understanding the grade, and making it work to the owners' advantage, is the first order of business. In this project, the family needed adequate patio space for lounge chairs, patio sets and a cabana. With three stories and loads of windows, pulling the view into the interior of the home was an important feature of the project. RLS Landscape designer, Danielle Knoll drafted a landscape plan that included tiered retaining walls, carefully positioned steps and generous paving areas to make the pool area accessible and functional. The plan served as a basis for proposed installation costs and allowed the owners to budget.

Danielle and RLS founder and owner, Rick Splittgerber partnered with Cada Pools of St. Charles, on this project. Everything needed to be coordinated closely as demolition and construction began. Changes were made along the way as the owners requested a fire pit and additional evergreens for screening.

After the poured concrete pool had cured, work on dry-laid stone walls began. The crew carefully prepared a secure base that would provide proper drainage. The pool decking area was leveled and tamped down. Rick and Danielle continued to work with the client on plant choices and paver colors and patterns.

As work proceeded, it became apparent how the new grade would function in the space. A series of levels allowed for a generous open area for pool, decking and cabana, and a cozy, below-grade seating area covered by a pergola—all
sheltered by tiered retaining walls with plantings.

The result is a fully usable space for adults and children, suitable for large or small get-togethers. The view from inside the home is stunning, and continually beckons the family to go outside and play.