Omaha Home: landscape feature 2011 UBC Winner, Large Backyard Category Foutch Landscaping Enterprises, Jake Foutch Ken & Marian Pitz Residence
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outch L andscaping Enterprises took full advantage of the natural contours of this backyard for a spectacular boulder-lined water feature. They also selected pavers, wall block and bold stone steps to blend with the natural palette of the boulders. The end result is a backyard that evokes the feel of a mountain retreat right in the heart of the city. The UBC judges praised this job for its “good sense of entry for guests and the lighting which made the yard magical.” The judges praised the creative and unique landscaping. And also noteworthy, the judges told u that the fire pit was well-lit and spaced properly for the safety of guests.
Jake Fouch is owner of Foutch Landscaping Enterprises, which he founded five years ago, after studying horticulture and earning a degree in landscape design from the University of Nebraska. Foutch said the majority of his work is backyard renovations, such as paver patios, small water features, plantings, etc. “I’d like to think I specialize in hardscapes and plant knowledge, knowing what goes where to get the full effect of the backyard,” he said. Foutch’s team spent approximately 1,600 man-hours and a total of eight weeks on construction of the Pitz’ $130,000 project, with the overall goal for the backyard to have different destinations to go to when the family had company over. The biggest challenge with the project was access to the yard, which was steeply sloped, Foutch said. Rain delays were also an issue. “I just want to thank (the Pitz’s) from the bottom of my heart for trusting me and allowing me to show my potential when it comes to landscaping,” he added. Foutch also thanks fellow landscapers Burton Kilgore of Nature’s Intent and Scott Carson of Carson Enterprises for being great mentors and friends in the business. This was the first time Foutch had entered the UBC contest. “I’m just a tiny company when compared to [businesses] I went up against…I was extremely excited when I found out we had won. Hopefully it will help my company reach the next level.” H34
may/june • 2012
Pitz Residence at night
Walker Residence
Matt Keiser, KM Landscaping
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2011 UBC Winner, Lite Category KM Landscaping, Matt Keiser Tom & Laura Walker Residence M Landscaping designed a backyard that invites you to take it outside
for dinner, for entertaining, or for a lazy day curled up with a good book. With innovative designs and enhancements that extend the outdoor season, backyards like this maximize outdoor living space and get the most out of entertaining under an open sky. This year’s UBC judges put this backyard at the top of their list “because all its features were proportionate to the size of the yard with wood details carried out through the project.” They liked how the grill was incorporated into the free standing wall and that there was an attractive entry from home to patio. www.OmahaPublications.com