Jordy Scott, Author at Glengate Company Landscape. Pool. Lifestyle. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 21:44:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.3 https://www.glengatecompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cropped-icon-150x150.jpg Jordy Scott, Author at Glengate Company 32 32 Five Steps to Creating a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Backyard (+ Plants To Attract And Aid Butterflies and Birds) https://www.glengatecompany.com/five-steps-to-creating-a-thriving-ecosystem-in-your-backyard-plants-to-attract-and-aid-butterflies-and-birds/ Wed, 01 Dec 2021 18:25:33 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=3738 Five Steps to Creating a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Backyard Explore the plants that attract and aid butterflies and birds. There has been a growing trend in recent years for creating more natural backyard ecosystems and, in turn, making them more bird and butterfly friendly. After all, these are the creatures we rely upon to […]

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Five Steps to Creating a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Backyard

Explore the plants that attract and aid butterflies and birds.

There has been a growing trend in recent years for creating more natural backyard ecosystems and, in turn, making them more bird and butterfly friendly. After all, these are the creatures we rely upon to pollinate our plants and sustain our food and natural resources. Luckily, creating a beautiful home landscape while also preserving biodiversity has never been easier. Here are five ways to make your own backyard into a wildlife-supporting habitat.  

1. Manage Invasives

Monarch butterfly on a milkweed flower

Most of the non-native or exotic plants you’ll find on properties in our area (ie. azaleas, boxwood, roses) are harmless to our eco-systems. However, there are some that have gotten out of control, choking out and displacing native species that are crucial to our local wildlife. Identifying and removing invasives is an important first step in creating a backyard eco-system. Our property care teams have years of experience managing these unwanted plants. 

2. Plant Native Species

It’s possible, of course, to create a beautiful home landscape using native plants only—but even just adding a few varying species goes a long way. Did you know, for instance, that a native oak tree can support the caterpillars of around 500 species of butterflies and moths? Their larvae are a major source of food for our local songbirds. Native herbaceous perennials such as monarda and lobelia will attract hummingbirds to your property, as they feed on these flowers’ nectar. Want to see a steady stream of monarch butterflies coming through? Plant some goldenrod, asters, or coneflowers. And consider a patch of milkweed; it’s the only plant monarch caterpillars will eat. Let us help you select native plants (that have evolved to support our local food webs), and create balance between the needs of wildlife and our desire to be surrounded by beauty. 

3. Provide Cover for Birds and Bugs

Shrubs offer smaller birds a place of protection from predators and bad weather, as well as cover for nesting and foraging for food. Trees (like the oak mentioned above), act as perches for larger birds. And leaving some leaves in undisturbed areas on your property during fall clean-up is beneficial to the caterpillars that over-winter in leaf piles. 

4. Add Water

Monarch butterfly and bee on purple coneflower

Bathing in water is an important facet of birds’ feather maintenance. And a birdbath can be an entertaining focal point in a smaller garden. Have more space? We have designed and installed small ponds on many properties. Not only will the birds benefit, but you’ll attract other wildlife—such frogs and bats that which will feed on unwanted insects like mosquitos. 

5. Go Organic

Many homeowners choose to limit synthetic chemical use out of concern for the safety of their pets and families. This is also one of the easiest ways to enhance the presence of wildlife in our home landscapes. When it comes to use of herbicides for weeds, Glengate takes care not to over-treat affected problem areas with heavy-handed chemical applications. But we do also have a comprehensive organic program that includes OMRI- and NOFA-approved products. Just one more way we can help you create your own thriving backyard eco-system.   

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]]> Three Top Reasons to Choose Organic Lawn and Plant Care https://www.glengatecompany.com/three-top-reasons-to-choose-organic-lawn-and-plant-care/ Tue, 09 Nov 2021 20:41:13 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4364 Top Three Reasons to Choose Organic Lawn and Plant Care Have you ever considered organic lawn and plant care? This means trading in synthetic fertilizers,

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Top Three Reasons to Choose Organic Lawn and Plant Care

Have you ever considered organic lawn and plant care? This means trading in synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides for organic lawn and plant applications (that are less harmful to humans and the environment) and encouraging natural chemical and biological processes to foster plant health on your property. At Glengate, we are always mindful of how the management of your lawn and plants may affect the health of your family and pets, and our shared environment. Our horticulturists are trained and licensed to implement organic care, which we offer to Glengate’s property care clients. Many of our customers have opted for our organic program, enjoying both peace of mind and a beautiful home landscape. If you’re wondering why organic might be the way to go, read on for three major reasons to make the switch—plus how Glengate can help you do it.

1. For your family’s (and your pets’) health

Glengate Company

Probably the first and foremost reason many of our clients have changed to Glengate’s organic lawn and plant healthcare program is for the well-being of their families and pets. Studies have shown that some conventional pesticides may be harmful with frequent exposure, causing possible respiratory disease, endocrine system disruption, harm to the nervous system, and even cancer. Children and pets may be at higher risk due to their closer proximity to the ground (ie. a grass lawn where chemicals are used). And pesticides may be tracked inside our homes on shoes and pets who play outside.

2. To Protect Our Wildlife, Especially Pollinators

Glengate Company

You’ve most likely heard that our pollinators—especially birds and bees—are in decline. This is concerning for many reasons, but mainly because they are a crucial part of our food economy and our ecosystems’ food webs. According to the National Pesticide Safety Education Center, honey bee pollination adds more than $15 billion in value to U.S. agricultural crops each year. In other words, pollinators are essential in growing our fruits, vegetables and nuts. But some synthetic pesticides used to control other insects can harm bees, even though they aren’t the intended target. They also reduce the number of desirable insects that birds prey upon; this is one reason why researchers believe bird populations are in decline. (a 2019 report led by a Cornell researcher reveals wild bird populations in the continental U.S. and Canada have gone down 30% since 1970; that’s billions of birds).

3. To Protect Our Environment

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Synthetic products are also having an effect on our environment. For example, when the excess nitrogen seeps into our groundwater or runs off into waterways, it can cause something called an algae bloom. Some algae is natural, but excessive amounts decompose in a way that depletes water of oxygen—making that body of water uninhabitable to fish and other aquatic organisms. In addition, some weed killers are toxic to aquatic plants that act as buffers between lawns and waterways and stabilize erosion. In short, non-organic fertilizers and pesticides are known to disrupt the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

For our clients who wish to minimize exposure to synthetics and select our organic program, Glengate’s approach is three-fold: we follow an integrated pest management protocol—meaning we target pests and weeds at the optimal time, based on growing and life cycles, for the best possible control and results; our trained and licensed lawn and plant health technicians use OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) and NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association)-approved products; and we make recommendations on optimizing soil, since a dense, deeply rooted lawn is less susceptible to weeds, disease, and pests.

Making the switch to organic lawn and plant health care isn’t always a perfect process, and there will undoubtably be some weeds or pests during the transition. But we, and our clients who have gone organic, have found it to be absolutely worthwhile—for the well-being of our families and this beautiful part of the world we call home. If you’re interested in hearing more about Glengate’s organic program, give us a call at 203-762-2000 or send us an e-mail at clientmanager@glengatecompany.com. 

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]]> Three Gorgeous Flowering Annuals You’ll Want Planted Next Spring https://www.glengatecompany.com/three-gorgeous-flowering-annuals-youll-want-planted-next-spring/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 20:35:33 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4361 Three Gorgeous Flowering Annuals You’ll Want Planted Next Spring As our favorite perennials bloom and fade throughout the seasons, planting annuals are a great way

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Three Gorgeous Flowering Annuals You’ll Want Planted Next Spring

As our favorite perennials bloom and fade throughout the seasons, planting annuals are a great way to maintain colorful interest in our landscapes. After all, a flowering annual blooms for an average of eight to twelve weeks, while a perennial flowers for two to three. Thus, annuals can fill in the spaces in a newly installed border as more permanent varieties grow in. Their extended bloom time is also why annuals make fantastic choices for containers—allowing you to instantly brighten up pool areas, patios, and doorsteps. Our horticultural experts at Glengate have expertise in selecting the perfect annuals for your property. Three that we are especially looking forward to planting come spring are:

Lantana

In warmer regions, lantana is a perennial—but here in the Northeast the cold causes it to die back like an annual each year. We still get tons of use out of this bloomer, though; it’s available in a range of vivid hues that make it suitable for many color schemes; it’s a go-to when planting our clients’ containers, especially on seaside properties as it tolerates salt spray and humidity very well; and lantana attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, such as the monarch.  

Euphorbia

Another species that makes for a beautiful container plant is euphorbia. Thought it can be a perennial in some parts of the Northeast, many treat it as an annual and value it for its foliage as much as its flowers. The variety “Ascot Rainbow,” for example offers up lush variegated green and yellow leaves topped by delicate little yellow blooms; this one goes especially well with other annuals like violas, mums, and perennial heuchera (aka coral bells).  

Salvia

Salvia are a low-maintenance, long-blooming choice that flower from late spring into summer; some varieties, such as the vivid pink “Wendy’s Wish” (one of our favorites) will go all the way to first frost—especially if you cut back their spent flowers. Like our other preferred annuals, salvia will fill out a container or a border equally attractively, and is also a nectar-rich species loved by hummingbirds. 

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]]> Glengate’s Top Three Favorite Natives For Your Garden https://www.glengatecompany.com/glengates-top-three-favorite-natives-for-your-garden/ Mon, 06 Sep 2021 20:32:22 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4358 Glengate’s Top Three Favorite Natives For Your Garden As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, planting a variety of flowering natives in your landscape is the

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Glengate’s Top Three Favorite Natives For Your Garden

As we’ve mentioned in a previous post, planting a variety of flowering natives in your landscape is the best way to attract the beneficial—and beautiful—wildlife that’s crucial to creating your own backyard eco-system (as well aiding the larger ecology of your area). Our local Northeastern pollinators (butterflies, bees, and birds) have evolved alongside our indigenous flora, and need these plants to sustain and grow their declining numbers. There are many flowering natives we can integrate into your property’s planting plans that tolerate all number of conditions—from full sun to shade, sandy to clay soil and more. They not only help our natural environment but enhance the interest and allure of your landscape. Here, three of our top flowering natives for the Northeast. 

Milkweed (Asclepias)

It is widely known that monarch butterfly populations are in decline—and one suspected reason is that milkweed, an important host plant for them, has been eradicated by urban and suburban development. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on the leaves of asclepias, and their butterflies, as well as those of many other species, rely on them for nectar. Three milkweeds native to the Northeast—common, swamp, and butterfly weed—will augment the natural beauty of your property when utilized thoughtfully. Swamp milkweed, which has pink blooms in late spring, will naturalize quickly in a meadow garden, while orange butterfly weed will fill out perennial borders without taking them over. 

Lupines (Lupinus perennis)

There is nothing like spotting lupines in the wild, with their spikes of purple pea-shaped flowers emerging from palm-shaped foliage in summer. And while we usually find this native in a field or meadow, it is an easy one to grow in the garden. Lupines favor loose, sandy soil, so avoid planting them in clay (when in doubt, Glengate’s team can assess your soil). When placed in a favorable location, they are a low-maintenance plant that will allow enjoyment for seasons to come. And, as a native species, the lupine supports wildlife—including around 26 kinds of butterflies in our area. 

Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolius)

If you have a shadier location in your landscape (think under a tree, or at the edge of a woodsy spot), consider the blue wood-aster; it will live just as happily there as in nearly full sun. This perennial pairs well with other natives, such as Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium) and black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia), as much as it does with non-natives like Japanese anemones. Either way, the late-blooming blue wood aster opens its delicate flowers into fall—providing pollinators with food before winter begins, and allowing you extended enjoyment of your property’s gardens.  

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]]> Top Cutting-Garden Flower Species You Need to Meet https://www.glengatecompany.com/top-cutting-garden-flower-species-you-need-to-meet/ Tue, 10 Aug 2021 20:26:26 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4355 Top Cutting-Garden Flower Species You Need to Meet Imagine having an almost unlimited supply of flowers for making fresh arrangements—without having to leave your home.

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Top Cutting-Garden Flower Species You Need to Meet

Imagine having an almost unlimited supply of flowers for making fresh arrangements—without having to leave your home. Planting a cutting garden on your property makes it possible. A cutting garden is traditionally where one grows a wide range of flowering plants—of different sizes, textures, colors, and bloom times—that can be harvested to fill your house with homegrown flowers all spring, summer, and fall. These can be all manner of spring bulbs, perennials, and annuals, and even species grown for their eye-catching foliage. Not only is a cutting garden beautifying for your property and convenient, it’s also welcoming for beneficial wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies. Our horticulturists at Glengate are available to help you plan and install your own cutting garden. Here are three flower species to get you dreaming. 

Dahlias (Dahlia pinnata)

With their enormous variety of colors and shapes, it’s no surprise dahlias are so popular. The ‘dinner plate’ cultivars feature extra-large blooms, while ‘pom-pom’ dahlias are perfectly round balls. Anemone varieties have simpler, open flowers. Dahlia season is long: from July to fall’s first frost, and their abundance of blooms means you’ll have plenty of flowers for cutting. Note: they are a bit more high maintenance than other garden favorites, requiring staking to hold up their tall stalks and heavy flowers. Grown from tubers, they are considered a ‘tender’ perennial in the Northeast, so if you want to have the same plants year after year, they need to be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place during winter. Or you could treat them as annuals, and start with new tubers each year. Either way, you will delight in the dahlia’s brilliant summer display.

Sweet Peas (Lathyrus odoratus)

The sweet pea is a charming climber and an abundant bloomer that can do double duty on your property. It will wind its way up a trellis in the cutting garden, adding another layer of visual interest; plus, its short thin stems make it perfect for arranging in smaller bouquets or vases to decorate your interiors. Not only do sweet peas come in a huge range of colors—think, airy pastels, ultra-brights, and deep dramatic hues—but many varieties have an extremely pleasant scent. If you are planning a cutting garden, we highly recommend including sweet peas, and are happy to source the perfect ones for you. They can also be grown in containers (with the proper supports), and are a beautiful addition to patios and pool areas where you can sit and enjoy their fragrance.

Breadseed Poppies (Papaver somniferum)

This flower used to be more commonly known as the ‘opium’ poppy, as some varieties in the species are produced for their alkaloids which are indeed used by the pharmaceutical industry. However, the ornamental varieties that look beautiful in our cutting gardens and in flower arrangements do not produce significant amounts of opium. If you’re a home baker, though, you’re in luck; grow the breadseed and you can harvest your own seeds to sprinkle on your breads and pastry. The breadseed poppy is an annual that flowers in early summer. Its blooms come in shades of pink, red, purple, and white—with petal structures that range from single to ruffled. Bonus: when the flowers fade, this species’ large seed pods make for a unique addition to floral arrangements. 

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]]> Sow it, Grow it, Show it: A Personalized Vegetable Garden for Every Property https://www.glengatecompany.com/sow-it-grow-it-show-it-a-personalized-vegetable-garden-for-every-property/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 20:15:48 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4348 Sow it, Grow it, Show it: A Personalized Vegetable Garden for Every Property Looking for a new hobby to pursue? Look no further than creating

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Sow it, Grow it, Show it: A Personalized Vegetable Garden for Every Property

Looking for a new hobby to pursue? Look no further than creating your own vegetable garden complete with customized design, personalized vegetable palettes and weekly service visits for harvesting and plant care. Glengate can take you from design to donning your gardening gear in a few easy steps.

Put a Design Scheme to your Dream

The first step of a customized vegetable garden experience with Glengate is meeting with our design professionals to select a suitable site and discuss your garden goals. Whether it be a small space for herbs and select heirloom vegetables or a large production meant to feed several dinner guests Glengate can deliver. 

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From Timber Choice to Tomato Cultivar

We provide you with several options to truly make your garden your own. Our licensed professionals assist your decision-making process throughout the construction phase creating a custom space for you to grow. We build the garden of your dreams, fill it with the best soil available on the market, and set you up with a plant palette to meet your culinary needs.

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A Time to Plant

After you have selected your plant pallet our Floral and Fine Gardening team steps in to plant your vegetables and companion flowers to attract pollinators.Our staff of horticultural specialists select the best quality plant material and install it with an expert hand to make sure you are good to grow.

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A Time to Plant

After you have selected your plant pallet our Floral and Fine Gardening team steps in to plant your vegetables and companion flowers to attract pollinators.Our staff of horticultural specialists select the best quality plant material and install it with an expert hand to make sure you are good to grow.

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]]> Is My Pool/Spa Safe? https://www.glengatecompany.com/is-my-pool-spa-safe/ Fri, 02 Jul 2021 15:49:00 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4180 Here’s What You Need to Know About Pool & Spa Safety We take safety extremely seriously at Glengate. In the last 25 years, there have

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Here's What You Need to Know About Pool & Spa Safety

We take safety extremely seriously at Glengate. In the last 25 years, there have been several important changes that have significantly impacted the safe use of residential and commercial pools and spas. Here are some of the critical questions you should know the answer to when hiring a design/build or service firm in Connecticut.

Questions to as your Pool Design/Build or Service Firm

ARE YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES LICENSED TO DO THIS WORK?
Building a new pool or spa in Connecticut requires a license, and servicing any pool or spa in Connecticut requires a license.

Asking for a license is an easy way for any homeowner to identify contractors that may be willing to cut corners. If they cut corners on licensing, they’re likely do so in other matters. 

Databases that any homeowner can check continue to show that there are more companies building and servicing pools in Connecticut than there are valid license-holders. This issue is not just about creating a level playing field for businesses – its about ensuring that you can locate legitimate contractors to work on your property.

IS YOUR FIRM INSURED? ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES BACKGROUND CHECKED AND TRAINED?
As a homeowner, you are likely very protective about your home and family. You’ll want to know who is coming onto your property, and if they are trained, safe and skilled to do what you have hired them to do. 

We all want to see familiar faces week in and week out. We want a familiar voice answering when we call for service.

Look for firms with va strong safety program where employees are taught how to spot a potential problem and know what to do about it.

Technical items you should be aware of before hiring a service provider, or before using a swimming pool or spa

SUCTION OUTLET COVERS
Floor and wall drain covers must be code compliant (i.e. “anti-entrapment”). The spa pictured above was built prior to 2003 and is fitted with an approved anti-entrapment cover. This is a code-compliant cover. Remember to ask the question, “Can other ‘layers of protection’ be added to my pool?”

SVRS OR VACUUM RELEASE SYSTEM
A vacuum release system is an additional layer of safety that became law in 2005  for new swimming pools or spas. Vacuum release units vary in shape and size but are all designed to sense a sudden spike in vacuum and either turn off the pump or open a valve which allows air into the suction line- breaking the vacuum. SVRS systems are designed to free anything or anyone that has made a seal on a suction port.

Entrapment comes in multiple forms: hair, physical, mechanical, etc. 

An older pool with a single active floor suction outlet must employ a compliant suction outlet cover. In addition, we recommend an SVRS which offers an additional layer of protection and covers most of the entrapment-prevention bases. 

Pools built after 2003-2004 are required to divide suction points into (2) and these must be (3) feet apart. Between the dual suction points in more recent building code and code-compliant covers we’ve virtually eliminated the need for an SVRS. In fact the recent codes allows for an SVRS as an option. That said, if you have an older pool with single point of suction, we recommend you either renovate your suction points or employ the SVRS layers of protection. Every pool must have a code-compliant cover. 

TECHNICAL SAFETY CHECKLIST

  • Are employees trained to recognize inadequate suction entrapment protection? 
  • Are all suction outlet cover(s) code compliant? 
  • Should I consider adding an SVRS?
  • Are my pool/spa lights and 110VAC outlets protected by a GFCI?
  • Are my gates self-closing and self-latching? 
  • Are there gaps in the pool area fence larger than 4”?
  • If home is part of the pool/spa barrier, are doors alarmed? Can tone be heard anywhere in the house with normal noise (e.g. vacuum cleaner?)
  • Are the circulating, filtration and heating systems operating safely and maintaining sanitary, crystal-clear water?

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]]> Earth Day 2021: Join Forces with Aspetuck Land Trusts Green Corridor https://www.glengatecompany.com/earth-day-2021-join-forces-with-aspetuck-land-trusts-green-corridor/ Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:30:13 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=4263 Looking for something special to do to commemorate Earth Day in 2021? We recommend joining forces with a community initiative such as Aspetuck Land Trusts

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]]> Looking for something special to do to commemorate Earth Day in 2021? We recommend joining forces with a community initiative such as Aspetuck Land Trusts Green Corridor (aspetucklandtrust.org/greencorridor), a program that Glengate partners with year-round. Need a hand getting started? Glengate offers a wide range of tailored services to help your property become an environmental superstar. Keep reading for a few easy steps to get your property greener in 2021.

  • Go Native: Native plants are finally getting their due with professionals and hobbyists alike recognizing their natural beauty and incredible impact on the greater food web for native insects, birds, and mammals. Whether it be scattering natives into an existing design or going all out with a completely fresh design Glengate’s designers can help you achieve your green goals and introduce you to some spectacular native species. Once your design is installed our horticultural staff is educated and equipped to provide Five Star Service for your plant material, allowing it to grow and benefit your local ecosystem for years to come.
  • Turfing Out Traditional Lawn Care: Glengate’s Organic Lawn Health Care program can turn your lawn from a resource desert that provides no sustenance or shelter for beneficial insects into a space that benefits you as well as your local pollinators. Speak with any of our licensed professionals to see how we custom tailor our Lawn Health Care programs to fit your needs.

…Don’t Spray It. Eschewing pesticide and herbicide usage is a great way to lower your negative impact on the beneficial insect community.  Did you know that Glengate only hires and trains state-certified pesticide applicators to service your property? Our staff combined with your customized Property Care Agreement work to guarantee that smart horticulture is being practiced on your property.  Interested in learning more? Call today to have a customized agreement prepared for you.

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]]> 6 Design Elements for a Party-Perfect Outdoor Space https://www.glengatecompany.com/6-design-elements-for-a-party-perfect-outdoor-space/ Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:44:13 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=3840 What are the components of a fantastic summer party—the kind that your guests will truly enjoy and remember for years to come? Delicious food, cold

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]]> What are the components of a fantastic summer party—the kind that your guests will truly enjoy and remember for years to come? Delicious food, cold drinks at the ready, comfort, and great conversation.

At Glengate, we know the best way to achieve all of these: integrating individual landscape design elements into one inclusive outdoor plan. Think pool houses and pergolas, fireplaces, dining spaces and gourmet kitchens; our team can incorporate any of these (or all of them) into a custom scheme that transforms a blank-slate backyard into a private paradise.

Glengate designers will help you optimize your entertaining style—whether smaller, intimate gatherings are your thing, you throw big to-dos, or want to have capacity for both. Read on for our top six design elements for creating your ultimate outdoor entertaining space. 

  1. Comfortable, Cozy Seating

Nothing facilitates good conversation like thoughtfully placed, comfortable seating—sofas and sectionals, dining sets, chaise lounges—in various outside locations and configurations. We excel at creating multiple spaces that encourage different experiences as a party unfolds: for example, guests may gather around the outdoor kitchen counter while the host grills, before moving on to the dining table, then settling in for after-dinner drinks in front the fireplace. Each space is its own destination, as part of the overall event, and offering enough spots for everyone to sit means all friends and family can relax and enjoy your party. And don’t be shy about treating your furniture as functional art, especially now with so many fantastic outdoor fabrics to choose from, as well as colorful pillows; also, don’t forget blankets and throws for those cooler shoulder months.

  1. Adequate Shade

Just as you wouldn’t want a party guest to be left standing, you don’t want anyone left without cover from the blazing summer sun. And that means making sure there is enough shade in your entertaining space so that you can take advantage of the outdoors all day. There are multiple elegant ways to create shade in your entertaining space: pool houses offer effortless refuge, of course, as do pergolas, awnings, umbrellas, and trees. Our designers always have shade in mind when creating your dream outdoor entraining spaces, and will determine the most practical and aesthetically pleasing ways to keep you and your guests cool. 

  1. Night Lighting

The best way to keep the fun going into the evening? Night lighting. It’s not only necessary (you want to see where you’re walking!), but creates a glow that augments your party’s ambiance. Our design and lighting teams provide plans for strategically lighting your entertaining space’s landscaping—there’s nothing prettier than an uplit tree—pathways, stairs and structures. Soft, flattering hues in the dining area can be achieved with many different styles, for example, including sconces, chandeliers, and even gracefully strung café lights. And remember your pool, either planned or existing—there are many fun and colorful lighting options for setting a truly spectacular scene.

  1. A Fire Feature 

A fireplace or firepit allows you to further maximize your outside time each season. Imagine cool spring nights made cozy by the warmth of flames, summer s’mores after dinner, and crisp fall weekends enjoying the outdoors fireside before winter comes. We’ve created fire spaces in a multitude of ways: statement-making fireplaces inside pool houses or under pergolas; on patios adjacent to your home; open-air styles surrounded by low walls (bonus: extra seating). Wood-burning or gas, a fireplace or firepit adds another enchanting destination to your landscape. 

  1. A Gourmet Outdoor Kitchen 

We have far surpassed the concept of just adding a grill to the backyard and calling it a day. Nowadays, your outdoor cooking space can include almost everything your home’s kitchen has—if not more. Glengate is up to date and trained in installing the latest charcoal and gas grills, smokers, Green Egg cookers, refrigerators, pizza ovens, beverage centers and more. We design our clients’ outdoor kitchens for efficiency, but also ensure they align with the beauty of the rest of your entertaining space and fit seamlessly into its overall style. 

  1. A Bar with All the Bells and Whistles

We’ve designed many different outdoor bar set-ups for our clients. Some have asked for a place at the outdoor kitchen to sit and have pre-dinner drinks while the chef grills. While other Glengate clients have requested full-on bar set-ups in their pool houses, or integrated into their outdoor kitchens, complete with beer taps, wine refrigerators, televisions, and ample seating for gathering to watch the game. Whether you need space for a few, or enough room for a crowd, our team has the experience and knowledge to build your ultimate outdoor bar. 

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]]> Industry Awards Reflect Our Passion for Design https://www.glengatecompany.com/industry-awards-fuel-our-passion-for-design/ Thu, 18 Feb 2021 16:46:29 +0000 https://glengatecompany.com/?p=3753 At Glengate, we constantly strive to deliver the most inspiring, creative, and innovative projects to our clients. And their praise and appreciation mean everything to

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]]> At Glengate, we constantly strive to deliver the most inspiring, creative, and innovative projects to our clients. And their praise and appreciation mean everything to us.  But it is also exciting, and so rewarding, when our work is recognized by colleagues in the world of design and other leaders within our industry.

Which is why we are thrilled to kick off 2021 by announcing that Glengate has been honored with two Northeast Spa and Pool Association (NESPA) Gold Awards for one of our recent projects—the stunning transformation of a waterfront Westport, Connecticut home. Selected by NESPA from hundreds of entries, our design features a soaring glass entry that connects visually to the land-and-waterscape beyond by a dramatic floating walkway. This path elevated over water leads to an elegant swim pavilion and breezeway. The sophisticated space is further enhanced by a custom water-side fire lounge.

2020 NESPA Gold Medal Award winning pool recognized for its elegant architectural integration.

The floating walkway adds drama and a sophisticated sense of adventure.

Captivating sunsets at the custom fire lounge overlooking the Smith Beach Harbor

Industry recognition plays an important role in Glengate’s multi-faceted strategy to excel in all aspects of its business. Brandon Jones, partner and design director, shares, “as a company, we have developed a highly orchestrated, even choreographed, group of professionals—from our landscape architects and designers, to our construction project managers and teams in the field implementing our designs. Our success depends on everyone working toward a collective goal of nothing less than perfect.” Jones, who’s led the growth of our design department over the past 15 years, adds, “our success, and the success of our clients’ projects, is a direct result of the pool of talent we have assembled. It is why we have earned the reputation as one of the region’s premier design-build firms.”

In addition to being celebrated for our waterfront Westport project, Glengate received recognition for a Rye, New York property, including an Association of Professional Landscape (APL) Designer Gold Award. This coastal project also made us an At Home Magazine A-List winner, and a finalist in HGTV’s Ultimate Outdoor Awards (https://www.hgtv.com/design/packages/hgtv-ultimate-outdoor-awards/2019/gorgeous-gardens/gorgeous-gardens-flower-fields-by-the-water). For our client in Rye, we created a visually captivating tapestry of color and texture using native plantings on a once-degraded site. The APL jury lauded Glengate’s ability to balance the homeowner’s goals while preserving and enhancing this beautiful, yet sensitive, ecosystem.  

Ecologically sensitive native plantings provide habitat and a year-round tapestry of color and texture.

A favorite new family gathering spot to enjoy the stunning views

A unique green-roof storage solution for kayaks and other watersports equipment

These are just two recent projects that have been commended by industry leaders; over the course of 50 years, Glengate has been recognized by and received awards from many of the most prestigious organizations in our region including:

  • Innovation in Design Award presented by Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Magazine
  • A-List Award presented by At Home Magazine
  • APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers)—in 2012 Brandon Jones, Partner and Design Director, was recognized as International Designer of the Year
  • HGTV Ultimate Outdoor Awards
  • New England Home Magazine’s, annual “Five Under 40,” recognizing rising design leaders in our community; two of Glengate’s most accomplished design team members were selected: Cheryl Russ, Landscape Architect; and Brandon Jones, Partner and Design Director.

On behalf of the entire Glengate Family, we extend  our heartfelt thanks to our clients for allowing us to partner with them in creating truly world-class designs.  View more of our award-winning work by visiting https://www.glengatecompany.com/#portfolio  And if you would like to explore how we can help you make your dreams reality please contact our Design Team at 206-762-2000 or email: ClientManager@GlengateCompany.com

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