The Connections Bernards Ridge Edition Sept 2020

THE BERNARDS-RIDGE CONNECTION PAGE 10 SEPT/OCT/NOV 2020 theconnectionsnj.com I find that one of the most spectacular and enjoyable aspect of the landscape profession is the coordination of color when planning a landscape design. One would think that it would be easy to deter- mine color by merely looking at the care tag on a plant or tree, but it can be a much more complex endeavor then that. Addi- tionally, most flowering shrubs and trees planted in New Jersey will only bloom for a few weeks out of the year, so it is also im- portant to understand leaf color. Because the leaves of most shrubs and trees last a lot longer than the flowers, coordinating color schemes based on the foliage can make a huge difference in the aesthetic value of planting beds. Many species of plantings also have leaves that will change colors throughout the seasons. Below are some other factors that can drastically af- fect your landscape. Light or lack of light: Depending on the plant or tree, some flowers or foliage will tinge a much lighter or darker shade when exposed to varying light conditions. Other plants may even turn an entire- ly different color. If you were to take the sun-loving Gold Thread Cypress which has a bright yellow/golden color and plant it in a location that gets part-sun/part-shade, it would probably flourish, but may turn completely green. Soil: PH levels and other characteristics of soil can also affect the color of flow- ers and/or foliage. You might purchase a beautiful hydrangea with light pink flow- ers, only to find that they changed to a blue or white flower. Grower: Depending on the region of the country where a plant or tree is culti- vated, you may find that the same spe- cies may have an entirely different color of foliage or flower. Many of the plants and trees found in New Jersey nurseries arrive from growers in California, Oregon and the Carolinas. Make sure to consult a landscape pro- fessional to ensure that your vision and the color scheme of the landscape of your dreams will indeed meet your expecta- tions. Because your “curb appeal” and “outdoor living space” can boost the re- sale value of your home considerably, it is crucial to get this right the first time! Scott Parker is the owner of Parker Homescape, LLC., a design/build land- scape firm that has been recognized as one of the Top Landscape Design/Build Firms in the United States, and has been recognized locally by Design NJ Maga- zine, New York Spaces Magazine, The Suburban News and many other presti- gious publications. Parker Homescape’s award winning work was chosen to be published in a book that is currently be- ing distributed worldwide and they are also a five time recipient of the presti- gious “Best of Houzz” award. For more information on Parker Homes- cape, LLC. visit their website and design portfolio at: www.parkerhomescape.com or call (908) 626-1100 THE USE OF COLOR IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN Because the leaves of most shrubs and trees last a lot longer than the flowers, coordinating color schemes based on the foliage can make a huge difference in the aesthetic value of planting beds. Parker Homescape’s award winning work was chosen to be published in a book that is currently being distributed worldwide and they are also a five time recipient of the prestigious “Best of Houzz” award. • Over 50 years of outstanding customer service and quality repairs. • Computerized unibody and frame alignment by ASE Certified technicians. • Expert, on site computer paint matching. • Foreign and Domestic vehicle repairs. • Free estimates. • Insurance claims specialists. • Paintless dent repair available. 57 Morristown Rd. • Bernardsville, NJ 07924 • 908.766.3588 dba Doug Lowrie Auto Body www.pacecollision.com Pace Collision License #00506A l For your classic car restoration needs, visit our friends at Somerset Hills Classics www.somersethillsclassics.com 908-221-1968 r c o Dog Walker - Dog Sitter “Where your dog becomes FAMILY.” Patrice and Steve Leasch C: 908-447-3681 H: 908-647-7868 Call for a meet and greet! We specialize in DailyWalks, Doggie Day Care, Overnites, Short & LongTerm Care.