Author: Eldon McMillan

Landscaping Calgary

Water features can be designed to add serenity and interest to any sized property. A water feature can be anything from a simple ornamental pool to an extravagant combination of a fountain, pond, and cascading waterfall. Water features are an awe-inspiring way to add beauty, tranquillity, and value to your property.

The four most common types are:

• 1. Water Feature Pools and Ponds

  Pools and ponds can be customized to any shape, size or depth and look especially dramatic when reflecting nearby decorative elements. Consider adding fish, aquatic plants, or a fountain for an added pop of interest.

• 2. Fountains

  Fountains come in various shapes and sizes to suit your landscape’s style. The sound and movement of a fountain’s trickling water add a sensory dimension to your garden that is both relaxing and therapeutic.

• 3. Waterfalls

  Like fountains, waterfalls can seamlessly integrate into any landscape, transforming your space into a calming outdoor oasis.

• 4. Streams

  Design streams to follow pathways and flow into an adjoining waterfall, enhancing the connection between different water features.

No matter the size or style of your property, water features can be a beautiful way to enhance and embellish your landscaping. Contact Rock Bottom Calgary and let us create the perfect oasis for your space

Landscaping Calgary

People often dream of the perfect serene outdoor space. Most want to create a more natural Rocky Mountain look. Using large, natural stones is one method of attaining the goal of a more outdoorsy, nature-filled wonderland.
Once the professionals at Rock Bottom Landscape Calgary have finished installing your perfect Rocky Mountain outdoor natural landscape, you will need a natural indoor accent wall.
An indoor stone wall is a lovely accent to your Rocky Mountain outdoor landscape. It looks great, but you can also do it with these handy tips. Follow the steps below to create a matching interior accent wall. (The best part is that this process works for stone veneer, faux stone, and brick veneer, too).

Backer Preparation

The stone can be stuck directly to these surfaces on concrete block walls or unpainted brick walls without additional layers.
On wood or drywall, you will have to add a layer of tarpaper starting at the bottom to work upward, overlapping the tar paper by 4″. The tarpaper can be attached with a starter because you will add a layer of expanded metal lath next. The strip should be installed from the bottom, working up and overlapping by a couple of inches. Use nails or screws that will go into the studs by an inch and a half. A tip here would be to add a washer to your nail or screw to help hold on to the lath. Fasten on every stud, not more than 8″ apart. Wear gloves, or it will chew up your hands as you work.

Surface Preparation

Cover the lath with a ½” coat of mortar or scratch coat and allow it to dry for about an hour. When applying the scratch coat, use a coarse brush to form grooves in the mortar. This way, the next layer will adhere to it. The mortar should have one part of sure “n” cement and two parts of mason sand. Mix it with enough water to form a runny consistency. You can use this formula to set the stones and grout the joints.

Applying the Stone

Most stone veneer is easily sheared or cut as needed. You can shape using a circular saw with a masonry blade, wet saw, grinder with a masonry cutting wheel, or diamond edge. A hammer and chisel will also cut the stone.
Butter the stone by adding about a ½” to ¾” mortar on each stone’s back before sticking them to the wall. Start at the bottom and firmly push the rock into the wall, causing the cement to squeeze out on the edges of the stone. If the rocks are shifting when you let go of them, your mortar may be too thin, and you will need to add some more cement and sand until it is sticky. I have found that adding some masonry lime to the mix will make the stones stick better.
As you work up the wall, you can use wooden or plastic spacers to help hold the stones until the mortar dries. Be careful not to be too messy with the mortar and get it all over the show side. You need to keep them as clean as possible for the best finish.

Getting Your Joints Right

After about an hour, when the mortar has dried a bit, push the mortar into the joints. Use a jointing tool or a rounded stick. I have found that an old spoon or a kitchen knife works well. When you have completed this process, use a wire brush to remove excess mortar from the face of the stone and clean up joints with the wire brush and a whisk broom.

Grouting

Now it’s time to grout the joints, and you will need a grout bag. First, mix the mortar until it is a little runny, and fill the bag halfway. Next, roll the bag and squeeze with your other hand, forcing the mortar into the joints. The hole in the bag should be no more than ¾”.
If you don’t grout the same day, leave your stones clean and wire brush any mortar off the face before the mortar hardens.

Helpful Tips for Placing Stones

• Put the larger stones on the wall first before you start cutting other stones to fit.
• When you cut the stones above eye level, put the cut edge up, and put the cut edge down below eye level.
• Keep the joints tight and the stones close together, which will help your wall look more attractive.
• Use contrast for a better look. Use large stones next to small stones and dark stones near light stones, heavy texture near smooth stones, etc.
• Place stones, so joints are not in a straight vertical line between more than two layers of stones.Place stones, so joints are not in a straight vertical line between more than two layers of stones.
• Add a little colour to the mortar to make it blend with the stones.
• Cleanliness is essential. Keep hands and stones clean, and brush off excess mortar before it dries.
• Enjoy your new wall!

Creating an indoor stone wall is not easy – you must put in a lot of hard work and effort. That’s why there are professionals. So when it comes to your Calgary landscaping needs, give Rock Bottom Landscaping a call

Landscaping Calgary

Having the space to do some backyard landscaping can be very exciting. A yard opens so many possibilities to create a personal outdoor sanctuary.
After the initial landscaping job is complete, money may be scarce for time-consuming maintenance.

Here are three low-maintenance backyard landscaping ideas that will leave you with a beautiful, worry-free space:

1. A Deck or Extended Living Area

A deck or extended living area is a great way to make more use of the space you have in your backyard. A barbecue area, lounge area, bar, etc., can make an excellent space for entertaining and reduces the amount of grass in the yard that needs to be maintained. Spending a little more on good material can sometimes pay off in the long term. For example, durable materials like bluestone rock can be more expensive at first but will last for years.

2. Plant Lavender

Lavender is a gorgeous plant with many benefits for our health and wellness. Smelling lavender brings us a feeling of calm and relaxation.
Better yet, Lavender is a plant that is easy to maintain and re-grows each year. In addition, Lavender thrives in poor-quality soil, only needing water occasionally.

3. Reduce Maintenance with Mulch

Mulching your landscaping space can be a bit of an expense, but it provides many lasting benefits. Mulch is a protective layer of organic and inorganic material spread in a layer over the soil.
Mulching is popular because it helps plants retain moisture, insulates the soil, and stops weeds from growing.
Visit Rock Bottom Calgary’s Book Consultation page for a free on-site estimate!

Landscaping Calgary

Whether you are looking to spruce up your backyard patio for a special occasion or daily use, we’ve outlined the top tips for creating an inviting, beautiful space.

Use Greenery

Potted plants can take your backyard patio from drab to fab in just a few quick steps. First, use a variety of greens that vary in height to maximize the wow factor. You can also use hanging planters to make your space look visually appealing. Finally, for a dramatic, lush look, choose vine-like perennial roses or evergreen ivy that can climb up a wall.

Add Landscape Lighting

Meticulously placed lighting can add romance and warmth to your backyard, and you can do it on a budget. String lights strung from tree to tree, or woven around a tree trunk, will add flair. Lanterns work well, too. Tiki torches are great and can be used to add interest to the corner points of your patio. Candles and glass hurricane lamps will create a romantic atmosphere for tiny spaces.

Cozy Pillows

If you want to add some personality to your patio and make it feel more inviting, colourful cushions are perfect. Add them to your benches and chairs to make your guests feel welcomed. With various colours and patterns, you can easily find some that will fit your taste.

Add a Hammock or Swinging Bench

A hammock or swinging bench is perfect for relaxing on a warm summer day. Imagine cuddling up with a loved one or a good book and relaxing while the wind breezes. We highly doubt you’ll regret adding one to your backyard!

What are your top tips for sprucing up your outdoor space on a budget?