Apex Landscape

Design is more than just what looks good...

2012-01-25T16:48:00.001-05:00

...it is also something that makes you think and serves a function! At Apex Landscape strive we put more thought into our designs so that our clients have a long lasting piece of functional art rather than just a landscape surrounding their home. Landscaping is so much more than just some plants and grass. I am often frustrated that there is such little emphasis put on the environmental surroundings of a residence or business in a lot of cases. The truth of the matter, is that the landscape, coupled with the buildings exterior is the first and last thing you see every time you arrive and leave your home or business. It is your first and last impression on a perspective client, it is the feeling you get when you pull into your driveway. It is the calming sensation when you leave for the day. Why not let it evoke a feeling of peacefulness, beauty or whimsy. Perhaps your landscape helps clean storm water run off before it is released back into the ground. Maybe you are helping create and sustain a natural habitat. This does not have to be a tremendous financial undertaking, it simply requires selecting the right landscape designer. That is why we here at Apex Landscape, put more thought into our creations. Its not just an investment into your home or business its an investment into your personal and professional well being! Contact us today to learn more about truly exceptional landscape design. matt@apexlandscapemi.com
Here are some thought provoking designs that inspire us.

Luxury Landscapes Magazine

2011-11-02T15:23:00.000-04:00

Apex Landscape is proud to be gracing the pages of Luxury Landscapes Magazine. Check it out on line or pick up a copy today!

Pink Ball Charity Classic

2011-09-16T08:14:00.000-04:00

Apex Landscape is a proud sponsor of the 2011 Pink Ball Charity Classic. The Pink Ball Charity Classic is a Rally for the Cure Event, played in a four person scramble format. Check them out on Facebook as well

"Best of Grand Rapids"

2011-09-13T07:39:00.001-04:00

Voting for the "Best of Grand Rapids" in Grand Rapids Magazine ends Thursday, September 15. Thanks to all those who voted! We appreciate your support.

http://www.grmag.com/home.htm

before and after

2011-08-09T15:22:00.000-04:00

Cattle baron's Ball

2011-08-09T07:43:00.002-04:00

Join us at the 2011 Cattle Baron's Ball this Friday, August 12th, West Michigan's most-loved western-themed gala! Don your western duds to help save lives from cancer. As always Apex Landscape will be providing some exciting aution items and an indoor garden lounge to relax and enjoy the evening in. To learn more about the American Cancer Society and to purchase your tickets, please visit www.cbbgrandrapids.com or check out the Cattle Baron's Ball facebook page. We hope to see you there!

Greentree Project "before and after"

2011-08-03T07:46:00.000-04:00

See more photos of this project on our facebook page

Apex Landscape project featured in an article on LandscapingNetwork.com

2011-07-26T18:05:00.003-04:00

Give this article a read!
http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/grand-rapids/backyard-renovation.html

Really great garden featured in an article from Garden Design Magazine

2011-07-26T18:03:00.003-04:00

http://www.gardendesign.com/rodin-museum?pnid=127296#gallery-content

Landscapeforms introduces, Black Locust!

2011-06-28T09:50:00.000-04:00

If you are interested in great outdoor furniture and accessories then you should take a minute to visit landscapeforms Also check out their new offering, Black Locust. Black Locust is a North American species common in the Midwest, Appalachia and Northeast US. It's a thorny, wild tree that grows as a "volunteer" and is harvested from areas where it is unwanted. While relatively few wood species have the strength, durability and weathering characteristics required for furnishings in outdoor public environments, Black Locust meets these criteria and more:

It is a light color wood that resembles ash when freshly cut, and weathers naturally over time to a dark grey color.
It is fast growing and regenerates on its own after cutting.
It is dense and durable. (Fenceposts have been known to last 100 years.)
It is naturally resistant to insects, microorganisms, rot and decay.
It can be readily machined.

Sourcing wood close to home is a highly sustainable strategy. Much of the wood sourced for outdoor furniture comes from tropical forests far away. The yield rate from a piece of lumber may be low, with much of it becoming scrap, getting burned or used for animal bedding. Most of Landscape Forms' Black Locust is sourced within 500 miles of our manufacturing facilities, often from sites being cleared for other purposes.

Whitneyville project

2011-06-21T09:08:00.001-04:00

Here is a just completed before and after pic on a project that we have been working on in Grand Rapids, Mi. This project was an extensive backyard and pool remodel. We added many features such as an outdoor kitchen, custom gas fireplace, a perimeter overflow spa, and much much more. You can see more pics of this transformation on the Apex Landscape facebook page. This project will also be featured in an upcoming issue of Grand Rapids Cosmopolitan Home. Apex landscape is proud to have been selected by the homeowner to design and build such a beautiful outdoor living space.

Apex Landscape & Relay for Life

2011-06-13T07:56:00.000-04:00

Apex Landscape was a proud sponsor of the 2011 downtown Grand Rapids Relay for Life at Ah-Nab-Awen Park this past weekend. An event that raised more than $75,000.00 for the American Cancer Society.

Why pay for Professional Landscape Plans?

2011-06-01T07:09:00.000-04:00

When landscaping your home, it's crucial to get your design down on paper. Landscape plans do just that by turning ideas into visuals. Landscape designers and architects are skilled at analyzing your needs and ideas and then using them to create detailed plans and drawings.

Having landscape plans drawn up before starting your landscaping project is beneficial for these reasons:

You'll get a visual idea of what the end result will be like
Size, scale and layout have been thought through
Prioritizing resources and time will be much easier
The construction process will be much more efficient
You'll be less likely to make mistakes or be unhappy with the results

Big change for little $

2011-05-23T16:19:00.001-04:00

A casual lakeside patio and fire pit.

A natural stone staircase leading to a lower level back yard.

Here are a couple projects that Apex Landscape was able to make a big impact on a small space for not a whole lot of cash. Sometimes just a small landscape renovation or an addition to an existing landscape can make all the difference. These two projects both had a need and we were able to address the need in about a day for a small investment from the homeowners.

Before and after sustainable pool project.

2011-05-15T16:51:00.000-04:00

Yes, that is artificial turf!

This was a great project to work on and thank you to our wonderful clients for allowing it to become a reality. We created a small, fun splash pool that can be used throughout the year or just in the summer months. We also used a synthetic turf for the lawn area giving the client a "green" alternative that can be used as a sun bathing area or a place to play a quick game of badminton. We made sure to use materials that matched the existing structure to keep a cohesive feel. It is always our goal to create beautiful spaces that are well thought out, functional, sustainable, proportionate and what the client dreamt of. In this case we had a very happy client and a great result! If you want Apex Landscape to create your dream outdoor living space contact us today! 616-822-4587

Aggregates in the Landscape

2011-05-03T07:50:00.001-04:00

Don't be afraid to use aggregates in your landscape. They are often underused and can be a nice addition if used correctly. Contact Apex Landscape today to find out how to add some style to your landscape with aggregates.

Freshen up your landscape

2011-04-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

Freshening up your landscape or giving it a new feel doesn't always have to be about a complete renovation. It can sometimes be done by simply adding some great containers, an element of water or fire, or by placing shade structure the right place. You can transform your front entrance with a couple great containers with some really well done arrangements or topiaries in them. It can be impactful and affordable. You can also transform your outdoor living space with some fire torches or a water feature. A custom spa is a great way to give an old space new life. A new patio surface or a shade structure are also great ways to transform a space. The beauty about Apex is we strive to give you unique options. There are many cool and creative ways to add to your outdoor space. Contact Apex Landscape today to see what a great solution for your home is!

Earth Day

2011-04-22T07:08:00.000-04:00

Remember to make a positive change today. http://www.earthday.org/

Team Apex Cycling

2011-04-14T08:58:00.000-04:00

Apex Landscape is proud to announce that we are the Title sponsor of "Team Apex Cycling". Apex Landscape has always been an advocate of the health of the environment and the health of people so this seemed like a natural fit. What better way to spend your free time but then to be outside enjoying nature in a sustainable and non damaging way. Cycling is not only great exercise but it is a great way to commute and save on fuel and pollution. For more information about the team check out their blog at www.teamapexcycling.blogspot.com.

Some of my favorite gardens

2011-04-06T22:06:00.000-04:00

Cheekwood

Versailles

Butchart Gardens

Koraku-en

Powerscourt

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show

2011-03-14T18:22:00.000-04:00

Apex Landscape is excited to announce we will be providing materials and assisting in the design and construction of the Michigan Blue Magazine booth at the Cottage and Lakefront Living show in Grand Rapids at the DeVos Hall, March 25-27th. Come visit us while you are
there!

Michigan Blue Magazine

2011-03-01T09:46:00.000-05:00

Apex Landscape is once again featured in the spring issue of Michigan Blue Magazine.

One of my favorite perennials, Ballon Bouquet

2011-03-01T08:22:00.000-05:00

A chance seedling of `Summer Beauty' Allium, `Balloon Bouquet' is a dwarf selection with out-standing floral character. Fully budded by June, its hundreds of balloon-like heads of clear pink flowers burst open in July. A great butterfly attractor, `Balloon Bouquet' is durable, drought tolerant, and long lived. Its foliage is composed of healthy, shiny blue-green, flattened, straplike leaves. Excellent for edging, accent, and as a small to moderate scale ground cover.

Green Roofs Slowly Gaining Popularity

2011-02-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

In cities across the United States, roofs that are covered with plants, otherwise known as "green roofs" are gaining popularity.

The number of "green roofs" increased by 35% across the United States between 2007 and 2008, according to the LiveScience article.

"Green roofs" are most popular in Germany, with 12% of all roofs being "green".

Green roofs and CO2

Scientists at Michigan State University measured carbon levels in plant and soil samples collected from 13 green roofs in Michigan and Maryland over a two-year period.

The researchers found that replacing traditional roofing materials with green roofs in an urban area the size of Detroit, with a population of about one million, would capture more than 55,000 tons of carbon. That is roughly similar to eliminating a year's worth of carbon dioxide emitted by 10,000 mid-sized SUVs and trucks, according to LiveScience.

Other benefits of "green roofs"

--Reduce heating and cooling costs of buildings. 10% reduction in natural gas consumption and 2% drop in electricity use in a typical building.

--Retain and detain storm water.

--Attract birds and wildlife, which may be good or bad, depending on the species.

--Absorb noise and pollution.

--"Green roofs" also last 2 to 3 times longer than standard roofs because they are protected from ultraviolet radiation and the extreme fluctuations in temperature that cause roof membranes to deteriorate.

Brad Rowe, and environmental scientist at Michigan State University believes that the U.S. Government does not need to mandate the roofs in the future, but instead provide incentives for them, similar to policies of other countries.

"Green roofs are more expensive, but only initially. Over time, they're cheaper once you consider their benefits energy-wise. It takes about 11 to 14 years to break even", according to Rowe. (article courtesy of AccuWeather.com) http://global-warming.accuweather.com/2009/10/green_roofs_slowly_gaining_pop_1.html

Leveraging the Landscape to Manage Water

2011-02-15T16:36:00.000-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKW2HtfVanU

Why Hire a professional Landscape Designer?

2011-02-14T14:28:00.000-05:00

Hiring a professional landscape design firm like Apex Landscape could be one of the smartest investment decisions you’ll ever make. Apex landscape's designers are trained and qualified in the principles of garden design and horticulture can help their clients avoid the costly mistakes that can turn the dream of an outdoor haven into a landscape nightmare. Professional firms like Apex are skilled practitioners of fundamental design concepts – proportion, unity, balance, perspective, color, texture – that can bring about a fully integrated design. They have a comprehensive knowledge of plants so that you get the right plant that grows to the right size for the right place in your garden. They are skilled communicators and planners who work with contractors, vendors, local governments and others to complete successful projects. The professionals at Apex Landscape are also aware of our natural environment and promote sustainable practices whenever possible. They are inspired by the creative process, by great design, and most of all, by their clients’ needs, wants and dreams. Visit Apex Landscape today on facebook or at our website.

If you like architecture check out this article!

2011-01-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

http://freshome.com/2011/01/05/10-most-interesting-architecture-projects-of-2010/

Striving to be the best

2010-12-14T12:21:00.000-05:00

2010 was a great year for Apex Landscape and we would like to thank all of our clients, subcontractors, employees and affiliates for contributing to our success. We take great pride in our ability to design and create great landscapes as well as our ability to service our clients. We also take pride in knowing there is always room for improvement. We will be working diligently this offseason to bring our clients an even better level of service and results. It is our mission to constantly be improving and to aspire to be the very best in the industry. We are currently scheduling projects for 2011 and a very excited to see what the year will have in store. Stay tuned to our blog, website, facebook page and twitter to catch all the latest news!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T15:37:00.002-05:00

Apex Landscape would just like to say that we are thankful for having great clients and a wonderful team. To our clients, thank you for providing us with tremendous projects and wonderful relationships. And to our great team of employees and subcontractors. Without you we would not be able to bring such great results to our clients.

We wish everyone a joyous and safe Thanksgiving!

Apex Landscape is donating landscaping for the American Cancer Society

2010-08-17T14:33:00.000-04:00

Apex Landscape is proud to be donating landscaping for an auction item at an American Cancer Society charity event called the Cattle Baron's Ball on August 13th, 2010. In conjunction with Scott Christopher Homes, Apex Landscape is donating the landscaping for a unique, high-end children's 12-foot-high playhouse, valued at approximately $18,000. The playhouse will measure about 10.5 feet by 12 feet and feature a loft, a seating area with a table, chairs, and a deck. There will be a kitchen appointed with facsimiles of appliances. Apex Landscape will landscape the grounds around the playhouse.

The American Cancer Society fundraising event will be held on August 13th, 2010, with the playhouse and landscaping live auction starting at 8:00 pm, with a silent auction starting at 6:00. The event will be held at the Steelcase Town Hall, 1111 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI. We hope to see you all there. For more information on the event, visit http://gala.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=27165&pg=entry or check out the Cattle Baron's Ball facebook page.

GRIFFINS PLAYHOUSE FINDS A HOME AT THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

2010-08-13T12:32:00.000-04:00

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Thanks to the generosity of Grand Rapids Griffins fan Nancy Gamby, the Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan is now the proud home of the Griffins/Van Andel Arena playhouse.

Gamby, who won the playhouse in April through a season-long raffle that benefited the Griffins Youth Foundation, subsequently made the decision to donate it. On Thursday, she was joined by builder Mike Fraser of Out on a Limb Playhouses, Griffins representatives and a host of sponsors and supporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the grounds of the Ronald McDonald House. (Visit Apex Landscape on facebook to view images.)

“It was absolutely overwhelming when I found out I had won it, and then trying to decide what to do with it,” said Gamby. “I had no room where I live and my youngest grandchild is 19, so I talked to the Griffins office and they gave me a couple choices. After talking it over we decided that the Ronald McDonald House was a place where more children were going to be able to use it and enjoy it. Just to be able to give it to the kids, that’s what it’s all about.”

This spectacular custom-built playhouse, donated by Out on a Limb Playhouses, features an exterior modeled after Van Andel Arena and an interior inspired by the Griffins locker room and the game-night arena atmosphere, including: two stadium-style seats; a custom-made bench modeled after those in the Griffins’ locker room; an “ice-rink” floor with dasher boards; a Griffins hanging scoreboard light; a built-in street hockey net with three street hockey sticks and balls; a Hockey Guys playset; 11 hockey-themed books for children through adults; and installed lighting and electric.

“This is an exciting day,” said Joe Dulin, director of development for the Ronald McDonald House. “We’re thrilled that we were chosen to receive this playhouse. It’s going to be a real special thing for the kids and families that stay here at the house. We are so grateful to Nancy for picking us with the help of the Griffins. It’s a terrific donation and we certainly appreciate it.

“We’ve had a nice relationship with the Griffins. They are such a wonderful organization and they do so much for so many youth organizations. For example, just this past December, some of the Griffins came over with a huge TV set for our living room. It’s so appreciated by our families to have a place they can gather and enjoy a little time away from the hospital, just to have some family time.”

The playhouse will be enjoyed by more than 400 families that stay at Ronald McDonald House each year while their children receive medical care.

“I’m so happy to see that it’s in good hands,” said Fraser. “It’s been a two-year project and the culmination of a lot of good people putting hockey and playhouses together. I have a connection to hockey, being Canadian, so this was a neat way to combine my dream of building playhouses with something that Grand Rapids would recognize. I had a blast, and it couldn’t have gone to a better organization. I know there will be years and years of fun for the kids here.”

The playhouse project was made possible through the support of Out on a Limb Playhouses, the Griffins, the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, Fast Signs, Corrigan Moving Systems, Apex Landscape, The Center for Physical Rehabilitation, the Golladay family, Regal Financial Group, Rogers Printing, the Irwin Seating Company, Play N Trade Alpine, Pooh's Corner, Sam’s Club, and Alro Plastics.

American Cancer Society Fundraiser

2010-07-29T08:03:00.001-04:00

Apex Landscape is proud to again be contributing to the Cattle Baron's Ball fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on August 13, 2010. Come out and support it, I can assure you you will have a good time in support of a great cause! Tickets are available at cbbgrandrapids.com or at 616.364.6121. Some of the event highlights are:

• 150-200 Premium Silent Auction Items
• 10-12 Fabulous Live Auction Items
• Your Cancer Journey in Three Words Video
• Tree of Hope Art Project by Paul Collins, with Paul in person signing limited edition,
numbered prints; and the original oil painting sold in the live auction
• House of Hope—a Child’s Custom Playhouse by Scott Christopher Homes,
featured on-site; playhouse will be sold in the live auction
• The Blue Bull Challenge featuring Blue Cross, Blue Shield of Michigan
Executives challenging you to “ride the bull!” matching fund donation
• 50/50 Cash Raffle Drawings at 8:45 pm. Ticket prices: $5 * $10 * $20
(need not be present to win)
• Beer Raffle Drawing at 11:00 pm. Ticket price: $5
Must be 21 to purchase a ticket. (need not be present to win)
• Cattle Cactus Juice—featured drink at the Late Night Party Cash Bar
• Water Gun Shoot-Out at the O.K. Godwin Plumbing Corral at the Late
Night Party (pending). Donation to play.
• National Celebrity DJ Rekka, spinning a mix of country western songs with a
wide variety of today’s hits from different genres. This is your one-time
opportunity to enjoy DJ Rekka’s amazing talent who plays exclusively
for Hollywood celebrities!

Before and After Front Entry

2010-07-14T14:45:00.001-04:00

Apex landscape is currently working on this re-designed front entrance. We wanted to give this home a more functional entrance and keep with the modern architecture. We used a dyed concrete and saw cut it on 2' x 2' squares to give it the look of tile. We also integrated Mexican Beach Pebble and Creeping Lilly Turf to give the design an edgy feel. I think it is coming together nicley. Visit our facebook page for more pics of this project.

Apex and Habitat for Humanity Team up

2010-05-28T08:00:00.001-04:00

Apex Landscape had an opportunity to donate a landscape to Habitat for Humanity this month. It was a 1029 Hovey in Grand Rapids. It was a great experience and we are proud to be a part of such a tremendous organization. We were able to work with a wonderful group of volunteers and help out a worthy family. Habitat for Humanity's mission is to assist its affiliates to increase capacity to build simple decent homes in partnership with people in need in the State of Michigan. In 2009, H for H affiliates built or rehabbed 235 homes in partnership with people in need. Currently, 3,225 Michigan families live in a Habitat for Humanity home. An exciting aspect of this particular home is that it is a LEED Certified project. It is nice to see so many people coming together to do something that is good for the economy, the earth, and the community.

Ada project photo update

2010-05-04T19:49:00.001-04:00

This is a project that we are just wrapping up. The clients wanted to create more useable space in their back yard while also adding some interest. The result is a natural stone wall and perennial garden. Of course this will take a couple years to really shine as the plants will need to mature and fill in. We tried to give the rock a softer more natural look rather than stacking the rock and creating a harsh retaining wall. This is phase one and we are very excited to continue to add to this great backyard retreat. If you would like to reshape your landscape or have any questions regarding the materials and plants used on this project feel free to contact Apex Landscape today.

Planters in your landscape

2010-03-18T19:05:00.002-04:00

Planters are an underused addition to the landscape. They are a great way to dress up a patio, deck or a front door. Planters can add an architectural element as well as providing you with a low maintenance way to add color and interest to your landscape. One of my favorites uses is to put "fireworks" fountain grass in planters on either side of your front door. It is a bright red grass that adds a tremendous amount of color and interest to a landscape and they look wonderful in a planter. They are an annual in our climated and make for a simple and inexpensive way to make a statement in your landscape. They retail for around $15.00. If you want to freshen up your front door, pick up a couple of planters from Loll Designs for $114.00 each, a bag of soil, and two "fireworks" fountain grass and you have created a bold new look for less than $270. It is quick, easy and fun. The best part is the planters are made from a recycled poly and will last for years and you can put something fun and different in them next year for another new look. For more ideas or information on ordering planters and plants contact Apex Landscape today!

Michigan Blue Magazine article

2010-02-22T14:02:00.003-05:00

Apex Landscape has a project featured in the spring issue of Michigan Blue Magazine. It can be found on page 52. The article features a project we did with Blue Water Pools last summer on the coast of Lake Michigan. The Spring issue comes out this month and can be found at most newsstands. See the entire article here.

Cool trash cans?

2010-02-19T17:15:00.004-05:00

When it comes to waste containers, bike racks, benches, etc; Landscape Forms is one of my favorites. Landscape Forms is the leading designer and manufacturer of site furniture in North America. Founded in 1969, they have earned a reputation for great design, high quality products and exceptional service. One of the best parts of Landscape Forms is that they are based right here in Michigan and provide over 180 jobs at their manufacturing and corporate facility in Kalamazoo. They are also committed to the environment. Environmental sustainability is completely consistent with Landscape Forms purpose, their goals, their values and their principles. They make stewardship of the environment a vital part of their business. Here is one example of their products. I think their products beautify and simplify every home or business. Contact Apex Landscape today to inquire about adding something from Landscape Forms to your outdoor living space.

The High Line

2010-01-13T15:07:00.004-05:00

It does seem that the new york’s newest park, the high line, has been under discussion for a very long time with incredible publicity generated by lots of high end support (“friends of the high line” includes quite a list of developers, politicians and celebrities like ed norton, stella mccartney and sarah jessica parker).

Originally an elevated rail line built in the 1930s to carry freight trains from 14th street up to 34th street on the east side, this 60-foot track is in the process of being transformed into a mile and a half park packed with benches, water features, kids play areas and landscaping.

Spring Lake Project

2009-12-07T15:58:00.008-05:00

We are fortunate to have yet another project on the water. Our latest is a vanishing edge pool with a modern garden. I am very excited about this project because it gives Apex Landscape a chance to really sink it's teeth into a very modern style garden. It is also an exciting project due to the complexity of the site. Let Us, Inc. is the general Contractor on this project and they are turning a 60's mod style ranch into a modern walk out. This in conjunction with a steep slope to the lake has required a great deal of precision with the scheduling of all the trades. So far so good. Check back to see more photos of the progress.

Griffins Playhouse

2009-10-27T07:17:00.002-04:00

Apex is proud to one of the sponsors for the Griffins Playhouse which all of the proceeds will benefit the Griffins Youth Foundation and its mission to promote academic excellence, community involvement and healthy lifestyles among the youth of West Michigan, enhancing their lives through hockey and ice-related sports. See at the Van Andel Areana or check it out online. The project was also featured on eight west on Wood TV.
http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/eightwest/Bring_home_the_rink
http://www.griffinshockey.com/playhouse/

Hidden Ridge Retreat

2009-10-09T19:01:00.003-04:00

We have started a new project in Ada, the "Hidden Ridge Retreat". This project includes a pool, spa and pizza oven as some of the highlights. We are excited to work on this project as it introduces a new concrete surface that we have not prevoiusly used as well as a multiple grade changes and outdoor living spaces. It poses some challenging site conditions which always makes for a much more exciting project. Here are some pics of the project in it very early stages.

Sturbridge Oasis

2009-10-09T18:55:00.003-04:00

Finally we are filling the Sturbridge pool. Now we just need to spread mulch, prep and seed the lawn and its a wrap. This is one of my favorite designs. I love to combine fire and water and here we have created two sources of fire with the natural log burning fire pit and the gas fueled hearth in the cabana. This pool also has three power falls in the raised wall to create ambiance and interest.

Lakeshore Project

2009-09-09T18:55:00.003-04:00

We finally finished the Lakeshore project. I am very pleased with how it turned out. This project posed many challenges from both a design standpoint, trying to blend modern with rustic, to all of the DEQ issues. I think the best projects are the most difficult and certainly the most fun. This project had many col design features such as a glass wall, fire bowls, foam jets and a swim up bar to name a few. This is one of many Lakeshore projects for Apex this year. I will keep you posted on the rest as they develop.

Updates

2009-08-10T08:20:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple pics of a project I finished last fall in Ada. This was a great project to be a part of. The clients on this project were great to work with as well as the builder. In addition this home has a tremendous view.

Facebook

2009-08-06T08:23:00.003-04:00

Become a member of Apex Landscape on Facebook were you can see more photos of our work.

More Lake Shore Updates

2009-08-06T08:09:00.004-04:00

We currently have two projects going on the lake shore and here ore some updates for both. It has been really nice being able to work in such beautiful settings.

Ada Residence

2009-07-23T06:15:00.000-04:00

This is a job I did in Ada. This one had some challenging grade issues which made for a cool natural stone staircase leading down to a patio with a fire pit.

In Progress

2009-07-18T09:24:00.002-04:00

Currently the Sturbridge Project and the Lake Michigan Retreat are in progress and going well. I am excited to see both complete. I think that there are some really great design features in both that I am excited to share.

Brighton Project

2009-07-15T21:13:00.002-04:00

Here is a vanishing edge pool with a beach entry that Apex Landscape designed last fall. This pool was built by Blue Water Pools.

Gull Lake Pool

2009-07-14T18:51:00.003-04:00

We just finished this project in Gull Lake, MI. This pool has an auto cover and was built by Blue Water Pools.

Living Wall

2009-06-02T23:48:00.004-04:00

Plants have found a home on walls for centuries, but are sometimes incongruous with architecture, often breaking down the structural integrity of a building’s facade. Patrick Blanc’s Vertical Garden System, known as Le Mur Vegetal in French, allows both plants and buildings to live in harmony with one another. The botanist cum vertical landscape designer is probably best know for his gorgeous living wall on the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris (shown). But Blanc’s Vertical Garden System can be implemented anywhere: indoors or out and in any climatic environment. (Courtesy of Inhabitat)

Ireland gardens

2009-04-27T19:40:00.003-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and check out some of the great gardens there. It was a great experience and helped me see first hand the styles of the old world. It was early spring so not much was in bloom yet but it was the form and structure that I found inspiring. Some of the notable gardens were Powerscourt, Dromoland Castle and Ashford Castle.

Upcoming project

2009-03-18T19:56:00.005-04:00

This is a great project that Blue Water Pools and Apex Landscape started in the fall and will be completing this spring/summer. It is an existing home that we are adding a pool, pool house and new landscaping to. To create architectural interest with the pool we raised the north edge and placed a fire pit in the center of the patio. We are also facing the raised pool wall with Chilton which matches the homes existing stone facade. Within the raised wall we are placing power falls to provide ambient noise and a fun water feature for everyone to enjoy. The pool also includes an auto cover, tanning shelf, custom steps and two deep end swim outs. We have also placed a pool house on the west side of the pool. This will have a kitchen, covered seating area with fire place and an outdoor shower. The pool house will also provide an area to change, complete with lockers. The landscape features a natural stone path and steps that lead form the front yard to the pool area. The plant selections provide a great deal of texture and color. This project will provide great areas for sun bathing, relaxing, entertaining, and just plain having fun. For more details or to find out how you can have a peaceful retreat in your back yard like this contact Apex Landscape today.

Great Design

2009-03-13T15:44:00.006-04:00

This is a design concept that I think is great. The clean & contemporary lines are very well executed. I like how the home, the pool and the landscape flow together as one. This is how a project can turnout when all the facets of design and concepting are done together. This project really takes into consideration the natural environment and combines it seamlessly with the other elements of the project. Feel free to share your thoughts with me on this style of project. This is something we are not typically privy to seeing here in West Michigan.

2009-03-05T18:30:00.001-05:00

This is a picture from a project that Devore Associates out of Connecticut designed. I am a fan of their work and especially like this particular project. Note the balance of form and nature. Taking a man made space and relating to the natural environment is perfectly done here. I love the use of Lavender in this design as well as the beautifully executed blue stone & turf patio area. Those elements look very nice together. I think this is a great example of creating beauty and detail without overdoing it. Sometimes designers get carried away with too many plant and hardscape material selections.

Why am I writing a post about Volvo?

2009-03-03T21:00:00.003-05:00

Volvo recently came out with a new model in the US, the C30. I have always been a fan of small, quick and responsive cars. Of course when I saw this car I was immediately impressed by it. I think is has great styling and it packs a lot of punch for a small car. When I started to do a little bit more research I found that Volvo is a pretty innovative company and they are really a pioneer in the automotive business. I have always known them to be some of the safest cars on the road but they are much more than that. In an age were people want value and efficiency and of course sustainability I think Volvo is doing a pretty good job. Unfortunately the DRIVe versions are not available in the U.S. yet. So to answer the question; I think that Volvo's are pretty cool and doing a good job of becoming more "green".

Must see!

2009-02-26T10:42:00.000-05:00

check this out! http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/02/20/residence-sliding-house-drmm/#more-19502

Recycled Wine Barrel Chairs

2009-02-26T09:53:00.005-05:00

One of the coolest outdoor chairs I have come across is the Folding Wine Barrel Chair form Whit McLeod. Reminiscent of a steamer deck chair, the folding barrel stave chair is made from salvaged 70-gallon oak wine barrels. When folded, the slats nest alongside one another, making the chair almost completely flat. One of the best parts is that is individually numbered with the name of the winery branded under the seat. This is a great way to have a piece of art as well as a piece of furniture in your landscape. It is also a great way to use something recycled. They are incredibly comfortable and would make a great addition to any outdoor living space.

Cool Pic!

2009-02-23T16:18:00.006-05:00

I came across this picture the other day. I thought it was very cool and that I needed to share it. I think this gives new meaning to the term "vanishing edge". This is the kind of work that is cutting edge and challenging. I love projects that do not seem possible. They just simply yield the best results.

Rain Garden?

2009-02-18T17:43:00.010-05:00

A lot of you have probably been hearing the phrase "Rain Garden". Like most of us you are probably wondering what is a "rain garden" and what does it do? Well, a "rain garden" is a planted depression that is designed to allow rainwater runoff the opportunity to be absorbed from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, and compacted lawn areas. This reduces rain runoff by allowing storm water to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater). Rain gardens can cut down on the amount of pollution reaching creeks and streams by up to 30%. Can you imagine the environmental benefit if we all had one. It is important to remember that a well designed "rain garden" can be a beautiful addition to your home or business' landscape. It is also important to remember that they do not have to be a large financial burden. Doing things in a sustainable way doesn't have to look weird or be expensive. You can find out more about "rain gardens" or how you can have your own by contacting Apex Landscape today!

New Member

2009-02-13T14:09:00.004-05:00

Apex landscape is proud to have become a member of the US Green Building Council's West Michigan Chapter today. This is an exciting and proud step in the progress of this company. We are also proud to announce that we have recently become a member of Local First.

Upcoming Project

2009-02-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

This project is one we are very proud of. It required a tremendous amount of planning in order to make sure we met the clients needs and took every precaution to ensure we were able to preserve the natural environment. Lake Michigan's shoreline is a fragile and wonderful part of Michigan and must be taken care of.

Intro

2009-02-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

I am looking forward to sharing information about my company, the industry, and anything noteworthy. I am a landscape designer from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am a fan of all things creative; art, architecture, interior design, music, etc. I am also an outdoor enthusiast who takes pride in being an eco activist. I make a point to consider the environment in all facets of my life including my business. I have been designing and building landscapes for over a decade and I am still very passionate about it. I hope to be able to share with you all the things that I know and learn. I am also looking forward to hearing form all of you. My company is Apex Landscape, which is a progressive landscape design/build firm located in Grand Rapids and is proud to serve all of Michigan and Northern Indiana. We specialize in providing truly exceptional and sustainable outdoor living spaces. Our commitment to evaluating environments and understanding our clients has helped us develop a reputation for providing unmatched results in design, craftsmanship and service. Please visit us at http://www.apexlandscapemi.com/
Thanks.