Blog
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Fabulous Hydrangeas: A Guide to Types, Blooms, and Pruning
Read more: Fabulous Hydrangeas: A Guide to Types, Blooms, and PruningWhy Hydrangeas are a Landscaping Favorite: Hydrangeas are versatile landscaping shrubs used to create soft, romantic borders along walkways, provide lush foundation plantings to hide utility areas, and add vibrant, summer-long color. They are excellent for mass plantings, creating shady woodland effects, growing in containers on patios, and acting as focal points or specimen plants…
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The First Blooms of Summer
Read more: The First Blooms of SummerWith the beautiful spring-blooming trees and shrubs waking us up from our long, dreary winter, it is now time for the summer blooms to begin. June is the beginning of meteorological summer and the beginning of the three warmest months of the year. Early June’s Farewell As the Peonies, Iris, and tall globe Allium are…
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Rooted in the Community: How DOL Gives Back
Read more: Rooted in the Community: How DOL Gives BackAt Distinct Outdoor Living, we’ve always believed that a great community is just like a great landscape. Both take care, investment, and a whole lot of love to make it thrive. That’s why giving back to the communities we serve isn’t just something we do, it’s something we’re proud of. Elmhurst Easter Egg Hunt There’s…
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Why Mulch Matters: What You Need to Know
Read more: Why Mulch Matters: What You Need to KnowRetaining Soil Moisture Mulch is an effective tool for retaining moisture in the soil for plants. It works by creating a protective barrier against evaporation, which is crucial for maintaining optimal soil hydration for plant health and growth, especially during dry periods. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.…
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Wooden vs Aluminum Pergolas: Which One Is Right for Your Backyard?
Read more: Wooden vs Aluminum Pergolas: Which One Is Right for Your Backyard?When it comes to creating shade and structure in your outdoor space, pergolas are a popular choice. But if you’re trying to decide between a wooden pergola and an aluminum one, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand the key differences between the two. Both have their advantages — the best option really depends…
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Designing the Perfect Patio Not Just Bigger, But Better: How A Thoughtful Design Elevates Your Outdoor Living Space
Read more: Designing the Perfect Patio Not Just Bigger, But Better: How A Thoughtful Design Elevates Your Outdoor Living SpaceAnyone can build a patio, but what’s the point if it’s not thought out and done well? Imagine planning for 12 guests at a dinner party, only to realize your patio is too cramped, or constructing a sprawling 40-foot space for casual gatherings that ends up feeling barren with just a few people. The key…
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Landscape Lighting: The Missing Piece in Your Outdoor Living Space
Read more: Landscape Lighting: The Missing Piece in Your Outdoor Living SpaceLandscape lighting is often one of the most overlooked yet valuable elements of an outdoor liv
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Design First, Dig Later: The Distinct Approach to Landscape Lighting
Read more: Design First, Dig Later: The Distinct Approach to Landscape LightingMost landscape lighting companies approach a property with a formula: a certain number of uplights here, path lights there, a transformer tucked in the corner. Once the fixtures are in the ground, the job is considered done. That is not how Distinct does lighting. This approach isn’t for every homeowner. If you’re looking for a…
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Spring Landscaping Checklist: How to Get Your Yard Ready from March to May
Read more: Spring Landscaping Checklist: How to Get Your Yard Ready from March to MayAs the weather warms up, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your yard. After months of winter, your outdoor space could use some care — whether you’re planning new landscaping projects or focusing on regular maintenance. To help you stay organized, here’s your complete spring landscaping checklist to guide you from early…
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Heating Your Outdoor Space
Read more: Heating Your Outdoor SpaceWhen it comes to designing outdoor patios, homeowners often prioritize aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. A common question is: how can we heat this space effectively? Unfortunately, misconceptions about heating options can lead to costly mistakes. Let’s break down some common misunderstandings, explore the pros and cons of popular heating methods, and highlight versatile alternatives that…
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Water Features: The Forgotten Element of Backyard Design
Read more: Water Features: The Forgotten Element of Backyard DesignWater Features: The Forgotten Element of Backyard Design Water is often the unsung hero of backyard design, yet it has the potential to transform an outdoor space into something truly extraordinary. While fire, earth (landscaping), and entertainment elements like patios and TVs dominate most designs, water features are frequently overlooked. This neglect stems from a…
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Fall Into Color: A Guide to Lively Annuals for Your Outdoor Space
Read more: Fall Into Color: A Guide to Lively Annuals for Your Outdoor SpaceAs the summer heat fades and cooler temperatures roll in, your summer annuals begin to lose their luster. This seasonal shift is the perfect time to plan and plant fall annuals, which will bring vibrant color and texture to your garden throughout the autumn months. Whether you’re looking to refresh your flower beds, add flair…