Thoughtful Guidance from Local Outdoor Design Experts

Tips, tricks, and inspiration from the crew who makes dreams come true – welcome to our landscape design blog.

Backyard Patio Renovations
Backyard Patio Renovations

What are some popular design trends for backyard patios? Popular design trends for backyard patios include using natural elements such as stone and wood, creating multi-functional spaces with built-in seating or fire pits, implementing outdoor kitchen areas, and using...

Hiring Garden Landscape Designers
Hiring Garden Landscape Designers

Hiring a garden landscape designer involves several steps to ensure you partner with the right professionals for your project. Start by identifying your specific needs and preferences for your garden, such as the style, functionality and budget. Research potential...

How to Work with Landscape Construction Companies
How to Work with Landscape Construction Companies

To best work with landscape construction companies, be sure to establish a foundation of clear communication, mutual respect, and collaboration. Begin by thoroughly researching and selecting a company with a strong reputation, relevant experience and positive client...

The Rule of Three: Guiding Landscape Designs 
The Rule of Three: Guiding Landscape Designs 

Just like with s’mores and BLT sandwiches, good things come in threes. With landscape designs, three is a magic number, too.  The “rule of three” is an age-old principle that serves as a guiding light for both landscape designers and homeowners. While trends and...

Now’s the Time to Design Front Yard Landscape Plans
Now’s the Time to Design Front Yard Landscape Plans

Your front yard is one of the first things people notice about your property, making it a vital element of its curb appeal. To successfully design front yard landscape plans, it’s important to take the time to really understand your wants and needs. In the end, your...

The Beauty of Multi-Element Landscape Design
The Beauty of Multi-Element Landscape Design

Creating an outdoor oasis isn't just about planting a few flowers and calling it a day. The art of landscaping involves orchestrating various components to enhance your outdoor living space. One popular approach is multi-element landscape design, a technique that...

Residential Landscape Design Ideas for Hosting Parties
Residential Landscape Design Ideas for Hosting Parties

When it comes to hosting outdoor parties, having the right landscape can turn up the fun and relaxation. Here are some residential landscape design ideas to help you transform your backyard into the ultimate party destination. 6 Residential Landscape Design Ideas for...

How Much Does It Cost to Have a Landscape Design?
How Much Does It Cost to Have a Landscape Design?

Landscape design is widely recognized as a pivotal aspect of your home’s unique aesthetic and personality. The outside of your home is just as important as the inside, as it accentuates specific features and adds an extra layer of beauty. All this may leave you...

The Anatomy of a Mini Man Cave
The Anatomy of a Mini Man Cave

In the world of outdoor living design, the concept of a hidden retreat has gained popularity as individuals seek to maximize their outdoor spaces. Enter the mini man cave — a compact yet inviting oasis tailored to your unique preferences.  Let's explore the...

Why Hire Contractors for Retaining Walls (vs DIY)
Why Hire Contractors for Retaining Walls (vs DIY)

The decision to hire contractors for retaining walls versus embarking on a do-it-yourself (DIY) project is crucial for achieving results you love. Whether you're dealing with sloped terrain or looking to create distinct outdoor spaces, a well-designed wall can enhance...

Pavilion, Pergola or Gazebo? Hardscape Design Explained
Pavilion, Pergola or Gazebo? Hardscape Design Explained

Creating your dream outdoor living space takes more than just plants and furniture —it requires a hardscape design that enhances the looks and functionality of your space. Pavilions, pergolas and gazebos are popular choices for backyards in the Dayton area: Each...

What to Expect During Your Landscape Installation
What to Expect During Your Landscape Installation

Getting new landscaping is so exciting: but all the steps leading up to the big reveal are important. A successful landscape installation wouldn’t be possible without a thoughtful, well-defined process. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of what to expect during your...

9 Questions to Ask During a Landscaping Consultation
9 Questions to Ask During a Landscaping Consultation

A landscaping consultation is the first step to transforming your outdoor space into a retreat that reflects your style and enhances curb appeal. But what exactly should you ask a landscaping company? Here are nine questions to make the most of this crucial meeting....

6 Steps to Finding Patio Builders
6 Steps to Finding Patio Builders

Do you daydream of a beautiful patio where you can relax and entertain guests? If so, you'll need a skilled builder to bring your vision to life. Hiring patio builders can seem daunting, but with a little guidance, you'll be on your way to selecting the perfect...

Embrace the space: year-round outdoor living spaces
Embrace the space: year-round outdoor living spaces

Gone are the days of outdoor living spaces being limited to warmer months here in Ohio’s Miami Valley. With some creativity and planning, you can transform your backyard into an oasis that can be enjoyed throughout the year.  Whether you want to relax, entertain...

What Does a Landscape Architect Do?
What Does a Landscape Architect Do?

A Landscape architect will work in a variety of settings, but what exactly do they do? It's not uncommon for misconceptions to surround this multifaceted field. To shed light on what landscape designers truly do and how they contribute to the creation of beautiful...

Good to Grow: 10 Principles of Landscape Design
Good to Grow: 10 Principles of Landscape Design

In the world of landscape design, 10 key design principles come together to shape breathtaking outdoor living spaces. At The Site Group, we believe that understanding and applying these principles allows us to create practical and pleasing landscapes that stand the...

Longer Nights Call for Outdoor Lighting
Longer Nights Call for Outdoor Lighting

As the nights grow longer in the fall, outdoor lighting can become an essential element. When gathering with friends or loved ones or simply relaxing for a drink, lighting can play an important role in keeping you and your guests safe and happy.  The right...

Comparing Local Landscaping Services
Comparing Local Landscaping Services

If you’re looking to refresh your outdoor space, add beautiful detailing to your backyard or simply take the first step in your landscaping journey, there are plenty of available local landscapers for you to contact. In fact, in Dayton, you’ve got dozens of options to...

Landscape Design Trends for Fall
Landscape Design Trends for Fall

The summer heat starts to turn into a cool breeze. Leaves begin to change color. Fall is on its way! With a new season comes new opportunities for landscaping design, as well as new popular trends to take part in. We’ll show you how you can customize your outdoor...

On Your Timeline: Multi-Phase Landscaping Packages
On Your Timeline: Multi-Phase Landscaping Packages

At The Site Group, we often encounter landscaping projects that may seem overwhelming or complicated for our clients. If you are looking forward to a landscaping refresh or renovation, but would like to spread the project out over several years, we are happy to help....

Charleston Gardens Landscaping Design
Charleston Gardens Landscaping Design

Sprawling acreage or small urban plot, you can have the charm of the Deep South in your Dayton backyard. To most people, the mention of Charleston, South Carolina evokes historical images: Fort Sumter, belles in colorful hoop skirts carrying parasols, the scent of...

Decks Are Back in Style
Decks Are Back in Style

“Decks are like taxus shrubs – everyone liked them and then they didn’t like them, so it’s tough to get people to see the progress they’ve made.” Dave Swearingen, The Site Group. Ten years ago, wooden decks were almost mandatory in a well-appointed backyard landscape...

Sculpting the Landscape With Retaining Walls
Sculpting the Landscape With Retaining Walls

From pillar to post, retaining walls are versatile enough to solve many site challenges. Sloping terrain. Stormwater erosion. Boring landscaping. What’s a homeowner to do? According to Dave Swearingen, a Landscape Architect with The Site Group in New Carlisle,...

A New Approach to Paver Patios and Hardscapes
A New Approach to Paver Patios and Hardscapes

Pick up any design magazine and you’ll no doubt find a section on “what’s new”.   We place high value on having something that is not readily available or embraced by the masses.  Marketers even recognize a whole class of consumer called early adopters – people who...

Patio Fire Features and Fire Pits
Patio Fire Features and Fire Pits

Conjure up with me a fall memory.  Beautiful leaves, football Saturdays, and crisp evenings around a campfire come to mind for many.  About that campfire… What makes it so magnetic?  Is it the dancing flames?  The gentle warmth?  A hint of smoke or cooking food in the...

Shedding some light on landscape lighting
Shedding some light on landscape lighting

There are more reasons for you to include landscape lighting for your home’s exterior than meet the eye. Take safety. The last thing most of us want is to have folks taking a header on our property and possibly hurting themselves. Nighttime increases the risk for such...

Phasing Your Landscaping
Phasing Your Landscaping

How do we get started on this project?  Do we have to do it all at once?  Will our whole yard be torn up at once?  These are questions that we frequently hear.  Taking the plunge and allowing a landscape contractor to tear up a perfectly good yard –...

Landscape Design FAQs
Landscape Design FAQs

Dave Swearingen, Landscape Architect with The Site Group, Inc. of New Carlisle, Ohio, answers some FAQs about landscape design and installation. Q. How much should I spend on my landscaping? A. This one really depends on several factors: How much do you enjoy...

Successful Landscape Planning
Successful Landscape Planning

“Plans are of little importance, but planning is essential” – Winston Churchill Perhaps Churchill had it right.  Maybe the reason we hesitate to plan, to write anything down, is that experience has taught us that our plans always change.  According to research by the...

Site Group Landscaping on Houzz
Site Group Landscaping on Houzz

If you haven't heard of Houzz, it is kinda like Pinterest but just for the home. Our customers love Houzz for gathering photos, landscaping inspiration, planting ideas and more. They often bring these ideas to our consultation meetings to share their vision for their...

Outdoor Gas Firepits and Fireplaces
Outdoor Gas Firepits and Fireplaces

Imagine walking out your back door and relaxing in front of a beautiful roaring fire - gas firepits are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. These outdoor landscape features enhance the ambiance of your outdoor living space and light-up instantly. They add a cozy,...

Spring Recommendations
Spring Recommendations

Want to keep your spring garden looking as fresh as the season? Here are some spring recommendations from the pros at The Site Group: Look into using a pre-emergent herbicide such as Preen to help control weeds.  Pre-emergents will kill seeds of any plant, so...