Statile & Todd Inc

Grill amongst Daffodils

Statile and Todd — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:45:21 +0000

Fireplaces Extend the Outdoor Seasons for Homeowners

Statile and Todd — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:23:46 +0000

Crisp fall weather is upon us and there is nothing quite like the warmth that a fire throws off to take that chill away. Outdoor fireplaces anchor any patio space or outdoor room giving it not only a focal point, but a natural place to congregate. Add to that the warmth of a fire and the space and experience takes on a whole new ambiance. Recently, Statile & Todd masons have installed a number of different fireplaces for our customers. Some have included overhead pergolas that are integrated into the fireplace chimney so that both structures are linked and ties in nicely the organic materials of wood and stone. Outdoor fireplaces allow for many different detail elements that reflect the preferences of the homeowner.

Freestanding Stone Wall

Statile and Todd — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:59:49 +0000

On one of our recent projects, the client wanted to add a freestanding stone wall reminiscent of the stone walls existing on the old farmsteads. This wall seperates a woodland garden from the backyard area creating a ‘secret’ garden space to relax in amongst the natural plantings.

Freestanding stone wall within woodland garden with irregular bluestone pathway leading to hidden seating area. Autumn Joy Sedum is in fall bloom glory in the foreground.

An Outdoor Addition

administrator — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 21:46:53 +0000

Additions to homes are common – they typically add a new room, or expand an existing room, so the family has more living space. Increasingly homeowners are asking for additions to their landscape. These are not entirely new spaces that are separate from any existing landscape element. These are additions or expansions to an in place landscape element – most often involving an existing patio. A major reason for these additions is the client’s desire to add an outdoor kitchen or fireplace, or to create a separate seating/conversation area from the dining area. Adding seamlessly to a patio that is already in place is challenging, but Landscape Architect Deborah Cerbone did a masterful job at this Morris County home, and Statile and Todd installed the new addition. The design and installation happened very quickly – from the first client phone call to completion of the installation took less than one month.

A small patio existed outside the french doors, but the clients wanted more space to entertain family and friends, and they wanted a fireplace to extend the outdoor season. A critical requirement in the design was to provide a level lawn area where their three active children could play outside, and where a hockey rink will be installed for the winter months.

Deborah Cerbone realized that for the new lower patio to look like it was part of the old upper patio the transition had to start right at the edge of the old patio – in other words the stairs and rock walls from the old patio would have to be redone so that they became part of the new patio. The result is a seamless transition from old to new that really feels like one space, not two distinct patios. The level turf area created for the children can be seen in the upper right. The clients also want a hot tub/spa in the near future so the design includes a nook (right corner of the patio where the dining table is) that is sized to fit the hot tub, and plumbing/electric/cable TV have been routed to that nook to make the future installation easy.

There were significant grade issues in a very confined space. Some areas had to be lowered and others raised on a piece of property that had significant slopes front to back and side to side. A key design consideration was how to use the grade to the client’s and the patio’s advantage.

The design effectively used the grade to the client’s advantage in that it created a patio enveloped in low rock walls which added additional seating areas, planters, borders and a sense of intimacy, while using excess soil to level a grassy area in the back yard for the children’s play space. The rock walls also provided a seamless way to integrate the fireplace that the clients wanted.

Statile and Todd is exceptionally skilled at masonry work and we use only in-house employees on our installations. The result is superb quality masonry construction and no waiting for an outside mason to fit into the installation schedule. From the day the clients first called Deborah Cerbone it took less than one month to complete this project.

Locating the fireplace in the back corner of the patio and integrating it into the rock walls that surround the space make it fit and feel perfectly placed. The fire can not only be enjoyed from the seating area, it can be enjoyed from the upper patio, the kitchen and multiple rooms within the house.

The patio served as a focal point for a party the family had soon after the installation was completed and has quickly become a meeting place for friends in the neighborhood. Best of all the clients love it. The wife told us that “Before this project the words beautiful and our backyard could never be used in the same sentence – now they can”.

The Evolution of the Driveway

administrator — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:52:32 +0000

One of the more interesting trends we’ve seen in the last 5 years is the evolution of the driveway from a simple means to an end, into a style and design statement in its own right. The key factor in this development is the architect’s push to make the driveway more than just a thoroughfare, and the landscape contractors ability to both leverage our construction experience and interact with the asphalt contractor. At Statile and Todd we have been using our masonry experience to bring bluestone, cobblestone and other natural materials into the driveway. We have developed great working relationships with asphalt contractors and stamped concrete contractors and the effects are quite striking. If you need help with making your next driveway design something uniquely beautiful – please call us we’d love to discuss our experience with you. We designed and installed this driveway with a cobblestone edging, bluestone surface, and upright piers at the entrance from the street. We worked closely with the asphalt contractor to assure assure a perfect transition and finish to the asphalt section. The bluestone slabs on the driveway are 4″ thick and are mortared to a 6″ reinforced concrete base, over an 8″ crushed stone base. Prior to installation each piece of the bluestone was laid out and individually cut to fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. There are uniform 1/2″ mortar joints on each side of every piece of bluestone. This is precision work that will last for generations even under the stress of vehicular traffic and snow plowing. The stone piers each hold a sandblasted and polished granite address inset, and both piers are uplighted. The driveway entrance makes a statement about the quality of the home that lays beyond. The asphalt, cobblestone edging, and bluestone pavement come together at the front entryway to the home, mirroring the effect of the entrance at the street. The bluestone on the driveway blends seamlessly into the walkway to the front door of the home. This is well designed and elegant way to enter an estate home. We worked closely with a stamped concrete contractor to create this driveway. Our stone piers with integrated wrought iron railings flank the entrance. The stamped concrete resembles slabs of natural stone. Radiant heating embedded in the concrete prevents the build-up of ice and snow. The interplay between the piers, driveway and stone on the house unites all three elements into a single theme. The landscape architect on this project wanted more than just a paver driveway, he wanted a courtyard effect. We built his design to perfection and the combination of the piers, circular wall and pavers creates an effect that is timeless, elegant and unique. The driveway to this Somerset County estate meanders through wooded areas and open meadows. Although the driveway generally follows the natural contour of the land there we performed significant shaping of the earth for visual effect and drainage. Meadow grasses that we installed add color and texture. There is a sense of wonder and suspense as you drive up to the home – and the home does not disappoint (profile of the home).

A Modern Homestead

administrator — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 21:32:55 +0000

Our client purchased a spec home on an old farm, that included a separate guest house. The property was beautiful but challenging and the home had several challenges too. We have a long history of working with Lawrence Tencza on complex landscapes and together we created an extraordinary landscape on this Somerset County estate.

A fence and entrance arbor was created to add intimacy to the front of the home. The bluestone landing pad on the driveway mirrors the bluestone pad at the street entrance to the driveway. Specimen trees were added to the corners of the home to help enclose the space and increase intimacy. The Boxwood circle with Black Mondo grass planting features a bee statue the client purchased to celebrate a theme throughout the homestead – the importance of pollination in the tree, vegetable and perennial gardens.

The entrance to the home makes a statement – this is a unique and quality home. The driveway begins with 4″ thick bluestone slabs over an 8″ reinforced concrete base. The bluestone were individually cut and pieced together with uniform 1/2″ masonry joints on all sides. Cobblestone edging lines the entire driveway. We built stone piers that included a customized, sandblasted granite inset featuring the name of the farm. A split rail fence runs between the stone piers and the wooden rails fit into sockets built into each pier.

The front of the home was fully visible from the street – there was very little privacy. We installed an extensive collection of specimen trees for privacy and screening.

The driveway to the guest cottage is in the right foreground. We created the berm behind the tree trunks on the right side of the photo. The berm in combination with extensive specimen tree plantings screens the guest cottage from the main home. This landscape is less than one year old – but it looks as though it has been in place for decades.

A mixed shrub, rose and perennial garden inside the front entryway fence creates a unique front foundation planting. We sourced very high quality Azek fencing from a supplier in Massachusets. The fence never needs painting – will not rot, crack, blister or peel, and is moisture and insect resistant. Brick edging and gravel walkways are period specific themes. Extensive soil amendments and preparation created an extraordinary environment for the plantings – when this picture was taken these plants had been in the ground less than one year. The fact that they are so clearly thriving is a testament to the quality of the bed preparation. Specimen evergreen trees used to screen the main house from the guest cottage can be seen in the background.

The client wanted a productive orchard in one section of the back yard, We were able to find and install specimen fruit trees and within the first year the client will be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of apples, peaches, cherries, nectarines, plums and apricots. We installed a state-of-the-art drip irrigation system under the sod and around the trees to carefully manage water usage.

The red lines indicates where the original soil grade was before the clients purchased the home. Small window wells allowed a minimal amount of natural light into the finished basement, and the clients wanted that changed. We excavated down to the basement floor level and using a series of set-back walls, a French door, small patio and steps – we opened up the basement to natural sunlight, and provided a connection with the back yard. These changes completely transformed the atmosphere and views from within the basement and the entire character of the back corner of the home.

Drainage is vital in all landscapes, but this project had very complex drainage needs. Statile and Todd is able to handle all site and drainage work ourselves – no excavating contractor is needed. The result is that site and drainage work is done in a way that is more sensitive to needs of the landscape, the landscape construction process and the job timeline. A excavation contractor wants to get in, finish and leave a job. But the needs of a landscape project can change as a project progresses, and this can mean changes to the grading and drainage. With an fully capable, very experienced firm like Statile and Todd those changes can be made at any time throughout the installation process.

Statile & Todd had installed and maintained the landscape at the client’s previous home. We knew they have a real love for mixed shrub, perennial and rose gardens and the planting plan reflects that desire. Once again this is a view of a landscape that is less than one year old. The quality of the bed prep and our maintenance services is evident in the robust plant growth. We provide full maintenance services for the property so the plants will continue to thrive without becoming overgrown.

witch hazel….its really almost spring

Blogger Account — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:41:00 +0000

February was a cold and snowy month here in New Jersey. One bright spot in the plant kingdom is Witch Hazel, Hamamelis Virginiana which reaches its splendor in late February and continues on into March. These images were taken this past weekend and this stand of witch hazel is well past its bloom peak. Next year I will be sure to visit it during one of those February storms. How striking the images would be to have this stand in full bloom during winters wrath. The bright yellow flowers are extremely fragrant. The weather was warm enough on my visit for the honey bees to be active. Only some snow drops and early crocus were peaking out from last falls leave clutter to offer something else for the bees. The sweet aroma from witch hazel is such a welcome from a long, cold and snowy winter. Spring is here......it really is.

2010 Hummingbird Migration has begun.

Blogger Account — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:40:00 +0000

http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html

We have just finished with our third snow storm of the season in New Jersey so thinking about the northern migration of hummingbirds seems like its a long ways away.....but check out the above link and you will see that the 2010 migration has begun!!! They have been spotted in Florida and Texas at the end of February. These birds have migrated from South America/Latin America across the Gulf to land on our southern coastline. Follow the northern migration via the reported sightings on the web site and learn some great facts about these fascinating birds. Did you know they can back up in flight? Amazing creatures. So, if your a little tired of this winter season, hope for spring is on its way. The site will also help you realize when they are in your area so you can be sure to get your feeders out and full. Having hummers as a part of your garden experience is sure to delight you. Enjoy and spring is comming, the hummers know.

How Do Plants Survive The Winter?

Blogger Account — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:25:00 +0000

As we bundle up and head outside during February we often confront the coldest temperatures of the year. Standing water is frozen solid, snow falls, and wind chills can approach zero degrees. It is hard to imagine how plants can possibly survive in weather this cold, especially when we consider the fact that water can make up 90% of the weight of plants. Thankfully plants have a natural anti-freeze that helps to prevent the water inside from freezing. Plants store the sugar they make during photosynthesis in cells throughout their roots, stems, and leaves (if they still have leaves). In addition, they store minerals they uptake from the soil. Plants also produce a range of natural oils that thicken their sap. The sugar, minerals, and oils mix with the water to create a natural anti-freeze throughout the plant. This mixture will not freeze at 32 degrees. In fact, depending on the individual plant - the mixture can be so effective that it may only freeze at temperatures of 40 degrees below zero or colder.
The one thing that plants cannot tolerate is to have ice form inside their cells. Water expands as it freezes and the resulting expansion can stretch and then break the cell wall – the resulting damage can be catastrophic. If enough cells die - the plant dies as well. Some plants have a remarkable method of combating this. In late fall they move much of the water outside of their cells – into the area in between cells. If water freezes between cells it is much less likely to puncture the cell wall, than if it were within a cell. When spring arrives the water moves back into the cells.

Roots can be some of the most vulnerable parts of a plant when it comes to cold hardiness. Thankfully the soil is a relatively good insulator. Although the soil in our area typically freezes to a depth of 12 or more inches every winter – the antifreeze quality of sugars, minerals and oils helps protect the roots. Interestingly a good blanket of snow is a great soil insulator. The air space between snow crystals is a natural insulator and a blanket of snow can stabilize the temperature of the soil below. A layer of snow can affect soil temperature by as much as 10 to 15 degrees.

Hopefully this helps you understand how nature protects those plants that have given you so much pleasure during the spring, summer and winter seasons. These unseen processes ensure that those plants that are perennial in nature are thriving once the temperatures rise. Spring is close by and your plant favorites are doing fine during winter's harshest weather.

FALL GARDENING & SPRING FLOWERING BULBS

Blogger Account — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:13:00 +0000

FALL GARDENING & SPRING FLOWERING BULBS

Early fall is a busy time in everyone’s life. School is starting, fall sports begin, and tending our gardens takes a back seat as we focus on the upcoming holidays. In the rush, we overlook the fact that fall is the time to plant spring flowering bulbs and make other garden improvements. There is often a cost savings associated with planting and other landscape work done in the fall, especially in these economic times. Fall is the ideal time to plant large trees and install shrubs and herbaceous perennials, and plant fine lawns. If you are interested in building a new terrace or walkway, doing so in the late season guarantees that it will be ready for your enjoyment in early spring.

Gardeners challenged by deer know that they do not browse daffodils, but there are many other bulb varieties that the deer also dislike. With a little forethought, you can turn a simple daffodil display into a unique and colorful celebration of spring.

The following list of deer resistant bulbs does well in our area and will add variation and interest to any spring bulb display:

ALLIUM
• Blooms Late Spring to Early Summer
• Heights from 3” to 4’, Many Colors
• Full Sun
• Resistant to rodents as well as deer

CROCUS
• Blooms Early Spring
• Heights from 3-8”, Many Colors & Stripes
• Full Sun to Part Shade
• One of the earliest varieties to bloom

DWARF IRIS
• Blooms Early Spring
• Heights from 4-6”, White, Blues, Purple
• Full Sun to Part Shade
• Tolerates moist soil conditions

FRITILLARIA
• Blooms Mid Spring
• Heights from 10-24”, Purples, Creamy Whites
• Full Sun to Full Shade
• Dramatic, cut-leaf look, great focal point

SNOWDROPS
• Blooms Early Spring (March, before Crocus)
• Heights 4-6”, White only
• Part Shade
• Naturalizes well in lawns and woodland borders

When planning your spring display, consider mixing any or all of the above varieties with daffodils to create a colorful garden vignette, but remember to use the lower height species toward the front of the garden and the taller types to the rear. Many of these bulbs (especially Daffodils) have bloom times that vary. Researching bloom schedules and mixing the early, mid, and late-season varieties will extend the length of time your garden bursts with burgeoning blossoms!

This year, as the leaves are falling and the pumpkin pies are baking, give some thought to planting spring flowering bulbs and making garden improvements. Next spring, as you relax on your new terrace under newly planted trees watching the floral show unfold, you will be glad you did!