In the world of landscape design, a new era has dawned, marked by the integration of cutting-edge digital landscaping design services. As outdoor living spaces expand and the demand for aesthetically pleasing outdoor environments grows, landscape design companies are turning to technology to create stunning and functional outdoor living spaces. One such trailblazer in this industry is Outdoor Innovations. We utilize digital design services to craft breathtaking landscapes that seamlessly blend form and function.

How Digital Landscaping Design Works

Traditional landscape design often relied on hand-drawn sketches and blueprints, which could be limiting in terms of visualizing the final outcome. Enter digital landscaping design services, where the process begins with advanced software tools that allow Outdoor Innovations design team to create detailed 3D models of your outdoor spaces. This digital canvas enables the exploration of various design elements, including plant placements, hardscapes, lighting, and even the play of sunlight throughout the day.

Benefits of Digital Design in Landscaping:

1. Precision and Accuracy: Digital design eliminates the guesswork associated with traditional methods. Our designers can precisely measure distances, account for terrain variations, and ensure accurate placement of every element within the landscape. This results in a more efficient and error-free planning phase.
2. Realistic Visualizations: Clients often struggle to envision the final outcome based on traditional sketches. Digital design provides a realistic and immersive experience by generating detailed 3D renderings. We will help you virtually explore your future outdoor spaces, allowing for better decision-making and a stronger emotional connection to your design.
3. Iterative Design Process: One of the significant advantages of digital design is the ease of making changes and exploring multiple design iterations. Our designers can quickly adjust elements, experiment with different ideas, and fine-tune the landscape to perfection. This iterative process ensures that the final design truly reflects your vision.
4. Collaborative Planning: Digital design facilitates collaboration between designers, architects, and clients. By sharing digital models and renderings, together we can provide feedback in real-time, fostering a collaborative and transparent design process. This open communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, leading to a more satisfying end result for your design.
5. Efficient Project Management: Once the design is finalized, the digital model becomes a valuable tool for project management. We will use the digital model as a reference, streamlining the construction process ensuring accuracy for your design and limiting the possibility of error. This efficiency ultimately saves time and resources.

Trust Outdoor Innovations to Help You Envision Your Landscaping Project

As we witness the rise of digital landscaping design as a tool to create beautiful outdoor living spaces, companies like Outdoor Innovations, serving the Quad Cities area, are at the forefront of innovation. Through the integration of advanced technology, we are transforming outdoor spaces into works of art, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal. The benefits of digital design, from precision and realism to collaboration and efficiency, are reshaping the landscape design industry and paving the way for a future where every outdoor space is a masterpiece waiting to be unveiled.

Contact us today to discuss your design ideas!

Get to know some of our design parters: Crossfire Brass Burners, NatureKast Outdoor Cabinetry, Unilock, and Rosetta.

Creating a picturesque and functional backyard oasis is a dream shared by many homeowners. Whether it’s a tranquil retreat for relaxation or an inviting space for entertaining guests, a well-designed backyard can significantly enhance the overall appeal and value of a property. However, before embarking on your backyard landscaping project, it’s essential to address some crucial questions that will guide you towards success. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most common questions people ask when undertaking a new backyard landscaping project.

Setting a Realistic Budget

Every landscaping project begins with a budget. Determine how much you are willing to invest in the transformation of your backyard. Understanding your financial constraints will help you prioritize elements and choose suitable materials.

Defining the Purpose

Ask yourself what purpose your backyard will serve. Is it meant for relaxation, entertaining guests, gardening, or a mix of these? Clarifying the primary purpose will direct your design choices and layout decisions.

Professional Landscaper vs. DIY

Consider whether you have the time, expertise, and resources to tackle the landscaping project yourself or if hiring a professional landscaper is the best option. A professional can offer expert advice, save time, and ensure a polished outcome.

Choosing Desired Features

Decide on the features you wish to include in your backyard. Options may range from a patio or deck to a fire pit, water feature, or even an outdoor kitchen. Each feature will contribute to the overall ambiance and functionality of the space. We utilize NatureKast kitchen cabinetry, learn more here.

Creating a Low-Maintenance Landscape

If you prefer a low-maintenance backyard, focus on drought-resistant plants, native species, and hardscape materials that require minimal upkeep. Automated irrigation systems can further simplify maintenance.

Optimizing Privacy

Privacy is crucial for a relaxing backyard. Evaluate fencing options, hedges, or strategic plantings to create secluded and intimate areas.

Choosing the Right Landscaping Materials

We can help you select the appropriate materials for paths, decks, mulching, and retaining walls based on their durability, aesthetics, and compatibility with your design vision.

Planning the Project Timeline

Understand the expected timeline for your landscaping project to account for any special events or gatherings that may be impacted during construction. We can work with you to set up your landscaping project around your needs!

Addressing Site-Specific Challenges

Assess your backyard for any unique challenges, such as poor soil quality, drainage issues, or existing structures that need consideration during planning.

Incorporating Rain Gardens and Composting

Explore the possibility of integrating rain gardens to manage stormwater runoff and composting to recycle organic waste, contributing to a greener backyard. We can discuss adding these type of elements to your project.

Using 3-D Technology for your Landscaping Project

Embarking on a backyard landscaping project is an exciting opportunity to create an outdoor space that reflects your personal style and meets your needs. At Outdoor Innovations we offer 3-D design to help bring your project to life.

Using 3-D planning for a backyard landscaping project revolutionizes the design process, offering a dynamic and immersive experience that enhances creativity and precision. By leveraging advanced technology, we can visualize the proposed layout, hardscapes, and vegetation in a realistic three-dimensional environment. This interactive approach allows for seamless modifications, ensuring every detail is meticulously refined before construction begins. From experimenting with various plant combinations to simulating lighting effects and material textures, 3-D planning enables home and business owners to make informed decisions, resulting in a breathtaking landscaping transformation that perfectly aligns with your vision and preferences.

Contact us today to learn more about 3-D design, and get your landscaping project started today!

A Project Inspired by a Legacy Dedicated to Accessibility for Those with Mobility Challenges

The team at Outdoor Innovations, including Ken and Barbara Hoffman, are so grateful to have been part of this most recent project. The construction of the Quad Cities Botanical Center’s new Ability Garden was such a rewarding experience! This new, sensory-friendly garden was specifically built and designed for people experiencing mobility challenges, such as being in a wheelchair, or on crutches. 

The new ability garden was constructed by Outdoor Innovations, and will remain firmly planted in our memories for years to come. This project was directly inspired by those who have or are experiencing difficulties with mobility that affect their ability to get out and enjoy simple acts such as gardening.

Built with the Sensory Experience in Mind 

Ken and the team at Outdoor Innovations really made took this special design and made it their own, bringing the type of craftsmanship that only Outdoor Innovations can provide. The garden has many, sensory-friendly, and universally accessible features: 

Octagon Cedar Gazebo: The 16ft Octagon Cedar Gazebo with cedar shingles and cupola has exposed double rafters and tongue and groove ceiling from Country Lane and was built by Outdoor Innovations. Nestled under the gazebo benches were placed to enjoy the shade. 

The Plant Beds: For these plant beds, designed and built with the sensory experience in mind, we used Rosetta Belvedere and Rosetta Outcropping. This is a stone that is made for the sense of touch, with a beautiful, natural look and feel.  The plant beds were designed and built for those of all different heights and types of mobility to enjoy. 

Lighting: Coming soon, these gardens will also be lit with stunning LED lighting. Both the gazebo and the plant beds will have lighting installed, to help the numerous visitors to the QCBC (Quad Cities Botanical Center) enjoy the Ability Garden well into the evening, and heightening the sensory experience! 

Soft and Natural Stone Bench: Built from the same materials as the plant beds, there is are distinctive stone benches that were added to enhance the natural flow as you travel through the ability garden, and a resting place for those who need it. 

Stop By and Visit the Ability Garden at QCBC

As it says on the sign, “The Ability Garden is designed to improve accessibility to garden spaces and provide gardening opportunities to more people” At Outdoor Innovations, we understand the importance and tranquility that gardening, and garden spaces can provide. We encourage everyone in the Quad Cities to venture out to the new gardens. 

Take in the sensory friendly plants, the soft natural stone, the wide pathways, and elevated garden beds that this space has to offer!  We would like to thank everyone who made this amazing and beneficial project possible, it will be one that remains near and dear to our hearts. 

We would love to hear about your visit to the Ability Garden at the QCBC! Visit us on Facebook and tell us about your experience! If you have a project you would like to discuss contact us today.

Are you looking for the next big thing in outdoor living? Are you a golf enthusiast, or want the perfect poolside setting? Consider artificial turf for your yard. Create your ideal outdoor paradise with artificial turf from Outdoor Innovations! Here are some great ideas to give you some inspiration. 

Putting Greens

Love golf but do not want to have to go to the course or driving range all the time? Enjoy putting at home with a putting green from Outdoor Innovations. We can add a putting green to your outdoor living space to provide great golfing recreation any time you want! 

Poolside Paradise

Liven up your poolside experience and enjoy the safety that artificial turf provides all around your backyard pool. Artificial turf not only looks beautiful, but provides a comfortable surface for bare feet, without the safety hazard of hot concrete. 

A Patio that is Green All Year 

Couple artificial turf with your backyard patio and you can enjoy the green beauty all year around. Turf is low maintenance and long lasting, making it ideal for your backyard getaway. A great compliment to outdoor fire features and water features, you can create the perfect outdoor living area with this versatile landscaping option. 

For the Sports Enthusiast

Have a passion for soccer, football, or other sports? Artificial grass can be a great addition to your backyard that allows you to enjoy your favorite sports throughout the seasons of the year! Set up a soccer goal and kick the ball around with family, or throw a baseball back and forth any time. 

From Bags to Bocce Ball

Take outdoor recreation to the next level with fun games set up on artificial turf. Horseshoes, bocce ball, or bags, the sky’s the limit. Invite your family and friends to a cookout and play games to your heart’s content. Your backyard will be known as the place to be! 

Considering Artificial Turf? What is Your Dream? 

These are just a few ideas of how you can utilize artificial turf in your outdoor living area. Do you have a dream for your backyard? Let your imagination run wild! Contact Outdoor Innovations today to discuss your ideas. We can create a design that is perfect for your family. We look forward to hearing from you!

Need more inspiration? Check out some of our projects on our YouTube channel! To see a video of a putting green project, click here. 

Every Family Needs a Place to Unwind, Just Like this

During the spring, summer, and fall (and maybe even a bit of winter!) everyone could use a special place, that is all theirs, to unwind. This rings especially true for outdoor living spaces. Recently, the team at Outdoor Innovations was lucky to build such a space for this family’s home. We were able to create a cozy, fun, and functional outdoor living space that is the perfect spot to unwind and relax, as well as play and be entertained too! Check out our latest video for a tour:

Features For All to Enjoy

We were able to take this backyard space from simple to spectacular by adding some great features. When all of them are put together, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy, for all the seasons.

Pavilions

For this space, we built a strong and sturdy, yet elegant pavilion to house their seating area. This pavilion is manufactured by Country Lane, and is stunning! In this space we added an area built in beautiful stone for their TV that has functional lighting to add ambience as well. Topped off with a fireplace to cozy up to as fall arrives, it’s the perfect spot for a movie under the stars, or to enjoy watching kids play nearby.

Outdoor Kitchen Ammenities

This family will be able to enjoy some tasty meals alfresco using their outdoor kitchen amenities. Using complimenting stone to the patio area, a stainless steel grill by Coyote, was added to the space as well as a drop in cooler and trash receptacle. The drop in cooler is highly functional, you just add ice to keep food and beverages cold, and use the built in drain when you are done! The outdoor lighting was added so cooking can happen from day into evening. Everyone will want to be the chef in this home!

Fire Features

This project includes two fire features. Right outside the pavilion, there is a stunning square stone fire feature by Warming Trends, that is highlighted by well placed lighting. You can have a fancy bonfire nightly! Of course you cannot forget that cozy fireplace, for lounging with family and friends as the evening light fades to night. You can really stretch the seasons with the use of warm, inviting fire features. With fall on the horizon, it is easy to picture the changing leaves and a mug of hot cider by these fires.

Basketball court

Ready for the perfect family activity, or a bit of B-ball practice? We included this great basketball court for the enthusiasts in the family. The kids can play nearby in the play area or grab a few hoops or a quick game on the court. Memories will definitely be made in this outdoor living area.

Landscaping

This area would not be what it is without the finishing touches of well places trees, shrubs, stone and more. The landscaping was completed with the full space in mind, down to the stepping stones creating a quaint path with more pretty lighting showing the way. The patio itself is constructed with quality brick from Unilock. This space was created so this family will have a place that is all their own, and we are so happy we are a part of it.

Looking for a Outdoor Living Space All Your Own?

At Outdoor Innovations, we always say, “If you can dream it, we can create it”. Nothing would make us happier than to create a space that is just for you, built on your dreams. We are passionate about building you something special. Bring your dreams and ideas to us, and we can collaborate with you to create a plan, build a 3-D digital model of your space, and then bring it to life. We love what we do, and we are happiest when we see a happy family that has a new space to enjoy for years to come. We hope we can do that for you! Contact us today to get started!

To be the first to see our latest videos including our latest Inspirations! and job features, subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Take a Stroll Through the Old Oaks Winery Project With Ken

We recently had the privilege of working with our client The Old Oaks Winery, which is a work in progress and will open to the public in the near future. When asked to create the outdoor patio and landscaping around the building, we jumped at the chance! To give you an idea of it’s beauty, we stopped by at sunset to give you a glimpse into how wonderful a venue this will be, and to take in the sights of this lovely atmosphere! Take a stroll with Ken as he gives you a tour of the patio area by watching our latest video:

The Winery Features

When collaborating on a design for the patio and surrounding area, we wanted to create an atmosphere that you will want to stop….and stay! We are proud to say that is exactly what we accomplished. This winery features:

The Winery’s namesake: The Old Oaks. We were able to capture the majesty of these gorgeous old oak trees with landscape lighting that draws your eye in the fading evening light. The winery is named for these towering beauties, so we had to make sure everyone could enjoy them day, or night!

Well placed pottery brings old world charm. The client requested some pottery that gives you an old world feeling, and we feel these gorgeous pieces with bright colored flowers transport you to another time and place. Here, you see them in the entry to the winery.

A patio you will want to spend your entire evening on. This raised patio with subtle lighting and comfortable seating, looks out over two additional seating areas with stunning fire features. Once you sit and relax here, you may never want to leave!

An inviting view for all who drive by. The entrance at The Old Oaks Winery is surrounded by attractive and inviting landscaping that draws the eye of every passer-by. This beautiful winery is hard to miss!

Well lit paths for strolling amongst the oaks. Enjoy your glass of wine, and stroll around the well lit oaks while you take in the calm beauty of the evening. At this winery, you will definitely have a night to remember!

Inspired? Let Us Know How We Can Collaborate with Your Business

Once the Old Oak Winery is open, we have no doubt it will be a draw for every wine lover, and a venue to remember. We were very proud and happy to work on this project, and with more to come, we cannot wait to see what the future holds. Now that you have an idea of what we can do, we would love to hear from your business to see how we might collaborate with you and make your dreams come true. Contact our professional team today and let us know what you imagine. If you can dream it, we can make it a reality for you!

To learn more about the team at Outdoor Innovations, our projects, tips and tricks for your lawn or garden, and more visit our Facebook page, or subscribe to our YouTube channel!

He loves golf, she loves to entertain, so we created the perfect outdoor living area that will help their family make memories for years to come! At Outdoor Innovations, over the past two years, we have discovered that people are returning to a simpler time where memories are made and good times are had at home, in your own backyard. When we embarked on what we affectionately dubbed “The Putting Green Project” that was our goal for this lovely family Take a look at our latest video for a tour of this amazing outdoor living space, we hope that you find inspiration, and ideas for your own home!

Features of This Outdoor Living Area

This backyard has it all! There is something for everyone:

Not just one fire feature, but two! There is one fire feature enhancing the beautiful water feature and colorful flowers surround it, as well as one built in under the big flat screen TV in the pavilion. This feature is reminiscent of an indoor fireplace to cozy up to year round, making this entertainment area extra special!

A stunning and colorful water feature. Nothing says “relaxation” like the sight and sound of our water features. Now this family can relax in comfort with this beautiful addition.

A pavilion with cozy furniture and entertainment area. Perfect for movie or game night, we built this eye-catching pavilion and outfitted it with a big screen TV, comfortable and stylish outdoor furniture. Don’t forget that 2nd fire feature to finish it off! Makes you want to stay outside all night!

An outdoor cook’s dream! Here you see the cooking area, including the grill, beverage cooler, and refrigerator. With ample countertop space, and the nearby bar area, the whole family will jump to be cook for the night!

Gorgeous, well placed LED lighting. All around this amazing space, we installed LED lighting to bring out the beauty of the evening so fun can be had at all hours. It is so easy to imagine unwinding with your family under a star lit sky, when you see this image!

We saved the best for last! For the golf lover in this family (and it could be yours!) we constructed this professional grade putting green. Be ready for the golf course with practice at home, or just have fun putting with family with this special feature!

What is Your Dream?

Now that you have had a chance to see an example of what we can do for you, what is your dream? At Outdoor Innovations, nothing makes us happier than seeing the smiles on our clients faces when we complete a project. Knowing that the family we have worked with will enjoy their outdoor living area for years to come, while making new memories is what we love about what we do. Contact us today to discuss what inspires you and your dreams for your home. We can sit down together and design the perfect space for you!

To see the latest projects from Outdoor Innovations, keep up with our latest videos by subscribing to our YouTube channel. We hope to see you soon!

Get Inspired: A Walk With Ken to Check Out a Handcrafted Beauty

At Outdoor Innovations, we would like to continue to inspire you as you consider your landscaping options. Have you ever considered the natural beauty of stone? Then a custom boulder creations are a perfect feature for you! If you are looking to escape the ordinary, Outdoor Innovations can create a unique one-of-a-kind sculpture to accent your yard that will make you stand out in the best way. Let’s take another stroll with Ken as he shows us one of his favorites:

Custom Boulder Creations are as Versatile as They Are Beautiful

Aside from the natural beauty of stone, a custom boulder feature is versatile and can be used indoors or outdoors. They can be incorporated into a water feature or as part of an outdoor kitchen area. You can incorporate them into your outdoor living space. You can accent these features with lighting to give the extra pop that creates excitement with a touch of awe!

Handcrafted With Passion

With the best available quality workmanship and creativity, your custom stone feature will be one-of-a-kind. The professional team at Outdoor Innovations with work hand in hand with you to come up with a unique design that is all yours. If you can dream it, we can create it for you! You can combine Boulder Creations with water and fire features, outdoor lighting, poolscaping, patios, and more. We want to make your home or business a reflection of you and your vision of natural beauty and landscaping artistry. We would love to bring our passion for landscaping to your home.

To learn more about adding a custom boulder to your landscaping for your home or business, contact Outdoor Innovations today!

Water Features Create an Outdoor Oasis Right Outside Your Door

Waterfalls, Streams, Fountains, and More!

At Outdoor Innovations, we can create just about any type of water feature that you can dream up! Have you been to a special place that left a memory worth recreating? Share your ideas with us and we can come up with a water feature unique to your vision.  We offer many options:

• Ponds
• Streams
• Waterfalls
• Wall Fountains
• Water Bowls
• Pottery Fountains
• Pondless Water Features
• Boulder Creations

Many of us are drawn to nature and have a love for the outdoors. It is not always possible to drop everything in our day-to-day lives and venture out. By adding the sights and sounds that accompany a water feature you get the feeling of being in a natural setting without the need to leave home.

DCIM100MEDIADJI_0002.JPG

There are Many Materials to Choose From, and a Lot of Options

Open your imagination and think of the possibilities! You can add a stunning waterfall next to your pool, or a babbling brook can wind its way through your backyard. You can incorporate fire features, boulder creations, unique fountains, and much, much more.  The use of natural elements such as stones, logs, trees, and bushes can transform your outdoor living space. You can include a water feature near family recreation areas, as well as patios and outdoor kitchen and entertainment areas. The professionals at Outdoor Innovations can collaborate with you and come up with a plan that is perfect for you and your family to enjoy for years to come! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you, we look forward to hearing from you.

This summer went by so quick, we’re already looking forward to next year! Do you want to sit in your own beautiful backyard, entertaining friends around a fire or outdoor kitchen? Now is the time to plan your backyard design. We find that most people like to start working on their landscaping in the spring or summer, but here are some reasons why autumn is the time to begin working on your backyard.

Light Your Yard

Lighting is often overlooked or done as an afterthought, but the right lighting can make a world of difference in the atmosphere of your backyard. You can choose from a wide variety of options such as color and placement. The #1 tip is to not try and figure it out in the daylight. You won’t get a true idea of the look with the sun shining overhead. Waiting until dark in the summertime can push you deep into the evening hours. During the Fall, the sun sets earlier, giving you more time to see what works best for your situation.

After the sun sets, experiment with different colors, types of bulbs, placement, and other options. This will give you a better idea of how your property will look before you commit to something.

Plant Your Flowers

Most people look forward to planting in the Spring, but if you remember this last Spring, that can sometimes backfire on you. Long winters, heavy rains, and other factors can make it difficult to plant your flowers early enough to appreciate them in the summertime.

If you plant your flowers in the Autumn, your flowers will be ready to bloom next Spring. Think of the daffodils and tulips that delight us after the dreary grey of winter. Also, you won’t have to worry about the blistering heat of Summer wilting your hard work. Give us a call if you have any questions about Fall planting guidelines and tips. We’d love to help!

Brickwork is Easier in the Fall

If you’ve ever done any masonry work, you know it can be a tough job and doing it in the sweltering heat of July can make it even more taxing. In the cooler weather of Autumn, the job can be less strenuous and difficult. In addition, leveling the soil in the work area is easier to do in the Fall. The ground is easier to manipulate as it doesn’t dry out as quickly as it does under the Summer sun. You can take your time to set down a good foundation for your brickwork and make sure it will be around for years. Even if you don’t finish it before winter weather strikes, you will have a good portion of it done and you can finish it up in the Spring.

Work Smarter Not Harder

Beautifying your property should be a fun and exciting project, so take advantage of all the ways to make it easier. By beginning your hardscaping project in the Fall you can make the job smoother with fewer hassles. Take the opportunity in the next few months to set up your lights, plant your flowers, and lay your bricks. Contact us anytime to have us give you a hand in making your landscaping project a success this Fall so you can enjoy it next Summer!