Landscape Newsletter Issue 13 |
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Create Elegant Entryways with Ease |
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| With any new home construction, the outside landscaping is typically an after thought
once the residents have moved in. Knowing that the front of the home is visually the most
important area, the homeowners of this project started their search to create something they
could be proud of. After researching many ideas on the internet and at local landscape stores, they went to allanblock.com based on a friends recommendation. They found the perfect solution, the Allan Block Courtyard Collection. Using the website they were able to find a local distributor who gave them a reference to a qualified contractor. |
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The homeowners explained how they wanted their front entry to look, and that they envisioned
something that would complement their modern elegant house with a front yard that attracted
attention without taking the focus away from their home. They started by installing a large concrete circle drive that gave access to both garages and the front entryway. Using the Allan Block Courtyard Collection, they installed a Courtyard wall along the drive and also at the front entryway to create a welcoming path to the front door. |
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The color of the block blends in nicely with the color and style of the home and the
surrounding landscape. With a slight incline to their front yard the Courtyard wall
was installed with the wall panels stepping up to match the slope. By using just
the AB York Block for the panels and the corner blocks for the posts, the project
went together quickly. They installed accent lighting within each post, so when
illuminated at night, the front yard almost glows. To add contrast and to soften the hardscapes, they planted a variety of trees and shrubs along the drive and placed planters at the front door for a beautiful effect. With the AB Courtyard Collection, the homeowners accentuated their new landscaping to have the curb appeal that complimented their new home and provided them the outdoor space they are proud to share with family and friends. |
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Build a Courtyard Patio |
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| This homeowner wanted to define his patio area and create an “outdoor entertaining area”.
In one weekend they were able to design and build exactly what they were looking for with the
AB Courtyard Collection from Allan Block. They incorporated lighting elements on the posts so
evening entertaining was possible. With a few simple tools and an understanding how the blocks
fit together, they were on their way to having an outdoor space they could use for entertaining.
See How-To sheet #260 for detailed instructions. |
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| You can use the AB Courtyard Collection to create a design that compliments your patio using straight or curved walls. The low walls can also work well as additional seating areas. |  |
Build a Courtyard Pond |
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| Something this homeowner had always wanted in her backyard was a water feature. She hoped it would be somewhat maintenance free
but also have running water, without an elaborate layout. She looked into building a waterfall with a small stream but determined
it was to labor intensive and required more maintenance than she preferred. She stopped at a local landscape store where they had
an Allan Block Courtyard Collection pond on display with a fountain that seemed to be just what she was looking for. The sales
representative answered her questions and let her know that it could be built easily by installing the blocks in a circle to the
appropriate size and height and incorporating a liner to keep the water in the pond. By the end of the weekend she had the water feature she had always dreamed of and the sense of accomplishment of doing it herself. See the How-To sheet #310 for the complete information on building an In-Ground pond. |
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Build a Courtyard BBQ Surround |
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| After updating their backyard with a beautiful stamped concrete patio, the homeowners did not want
to just set their BBQ grill in the corner. They wanted to have their grill blend right in. While visiting their local
home show the homeowners decided an outdoor kitchen would be a great addition to their patio. By using the
AB Courtyard Collection from Allan Block, a large slab paver in a matching color, and following a simple layout
for a BBQ grilling station, their outdoor kitchen became a reality. Building on a pre-existing foundation, like pavers or a concrete slab, makes building with the AB Courtyard Collection that much easier. Just stack the blocks, glue the caps down and you are done. Simple enough to complete in a weekend. See the How-To sheet #290 for the complete information on building a BBQ Surround. |
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