Our Experts
D. Miles Bernard, ASLA, RLA - South Fork Studio | Jeff Crandall, CLP - Scapes, Inc.
Bernie Mihm, Jr., ASLA - Fine Earth Landscape, Inc. | Michael Prokopchak, ASLA - Walnut Hill Landscape Company
What types of water features are most in demand?
“We build a lot of stone waterfalls using boulders from Endless Mountain Minerals in Pennsylvania for a beautiful, natural look.”
Bernie Mihm
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“Self-contained water features are the most in demand. They provide the soothing and relaxing sound of water without all themaintenance—a true win-win!”
Jeff Crandall
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“Natural swimming pools have become more popular in the last 10 years. Not only are they a functional amenity, but they contain all the elements of a water feature, such as aquatic plants and the sound of running water.”
D. Miles Bernard
Best deer-proof ground cover?
“We recommend Carex (sedge), which does well in most situations, and Asarum canadense (Canadian wild ginger), which is good for a woodland garden.”
Michael Prokopchak
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“Ajuga for shaded environments and Mazus for full-sun: Both are hardy, low-maintenance and fast-spreading, making them ideal for between the stones of a walking path with foot traffic or along a flower bed’s edge.”
Jeff Crandall
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“Shade-hardy Pachysandra might take a year or two, but it will grow in thick and choke out weeds. A more expensive option, Helleborus is taller than Pachysandra with long-lasting flowers in early spring.”
Bernie Mihm
Fast-growing options for privacy screening?
“A wooden fence provides a guaranteed structural screen; reinforcing it with plants gives you a softer landscape. You could do a single row of hollies or cedars, but I prefer a mixed border of native and evergreen plants.”
D. Miles Bernard
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“Consider the light as most fast-growing trees need sun. We recommend Steeplechase Arborvitae, Cryptomeria and Nellie Stevens Holly.”
Michael Prokopchak
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“When the client wants a taller screen, nothing beats Green Giant Arborvitae. They can grow a couple of feet per year up to 20 or 25 feet, are hardy and have a soft, cedary look.”
Bernie Mihm
