Outdoor Escapes 2011

Outdoor escapes HILLTOP PARADISE IN

LANDSCAPE INSPIRATION:

Mendham

How a

stunning property is just one call away

WATER FEATURES:

transforming the average into the magnificent Cording_Supp_0411_final.indd 1

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ALL IMAGES © ALAN & LINDA DETRICK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALAN & LINDA DETRICK. SPECIAL THANKS TO DAVID ROSE PERENNIALS.

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A VISION BROUGHT TO LIFE THE MAGICAL NATURE OF WATER GOLF ‘FORE’ THE HOME WHEN YOU USE THE PROS, IT SHOWS ALL FENCED IN POOLS OF PERFECTION IRRIGATE WISELY

table of contents Outdoor escapes

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A vision brought to life READY FOR THE LANDSCAPE OF YOUR DREAMS?

T

he decision to move forward on a landscaping project is a big step, and actually executing the

project is an even bigger one. For the best results—and a smooth journey to completion—it’s best to call in the experts.

But who might they be? You need only observe the varied landscapes of the northern New Jersey suburbs to realize that expertise varies tremendously from one landscape firm to another. To learn what to look for in a firm, Outdoor Escapes turned to Cording Landscape Design, a design/build firm known for its award-winning work. See Cording’s results for projects both large and small in the feature article that begins on page 12.

A full-service firm assembles the entire team for a landscaping project, from engineers and architects to pool, irrigation, fence and lighting installers. With an eye on the desired final product, the firm researches local zoning ordinances, secures all approvals and permits, devises a master plan and establishes an execution timeline that ensures the many moving parts mesh together properly—all while keeping you, the client, informed about how your objectives are being met.

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CORDING LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Terraces, Patios, Walls & Walkways Swimming Pools, Waterfalls & Ponds Distinctive Plantings & Perennial Gardens

973-263-5003 www.cordinglandscape.com

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the

magical nature of water

It shimmers, it cascades, it inspires.

When incorporated into a landscape design, aquatic features can transform an average setting into one that is magnificent. Whether you envision a cascading waterfall or a pond brimming with Koi, there is an option for you.

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“W

ater creates a peaceful environment that naturally draws people to

it by sight and sound,” says Ron Cording of Cording Landscape Design, an awardwinning design/build firm based in northern New Jersey. “A water feature can also become a destination when placed along a garden path or designed as a major focal point.”

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TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SLOPES. At a home in Basking Ridge, the existing

pool abutted a steep slope, giving it a closedin, almost claustrophobic feel. By extending a lawn area and constructing a bluestone terrace that cantilevers over the koi pond, Cording Landsape Design was able to integrate the yard beautifully into the sloped backdrop.

Taking further advantage of the sloping topography, they also designed a water feature with multiple streams and waterfalls that can be viewed and enjoyed from every room in the back of the residence.

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WATER FEATURES INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE. The owners of this

Summit home wanted an amenity that would extend the entertaining area from the existing upper deck to the lower levels of the yard. Beth Pellegrini, senior designer for Cording Landscape Design, incorporated a

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multi-level stream and waterfall, which beckon people to the lower bluestone terrace.

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CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE. This Harding home has it all: As one moves

through each of the many outdoor spaces, another area reveals itself. Included are a pool, a pool house with a dance studio, a separate spa area, a tennis court, and a multi-hole putting green. In the midst of all these recreational choices, there is still room for a carefully situated koi pond and stream, offering a soothing environment for reflection and meditation.

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G A R D E N F O U N T A I N S . Fountains are simple and beautiful aesthetic additions

to any garden. They are pleasing not only to the eye, but to the ear as well with their gentle trickle of water.

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Golf ‘fore’ the home IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD, ANY TIME IS TEE TIME. 10

I

t’s no secret that avid golfers are a fiercely competitive group who’ve been known to launch a club or two into a lake when their aim is off. But rather

than risk the embarrassment of a public temper tantrum, many homeowners are opting to perfect their chips and putts at home in privacy.

Home putting greens are growing quickly in popularity as a backyard amenity. They can be incorporated into the surrounding landscape, made into a centerpiece with decorative grasses and other plantings and lighting, or positioned to complement existing retaining walls and water features. Southwest Greens of Metro NY also uses an environmentally friendly, maintenance-free synthetic grass that has the ball roll of natural grass. These greens are safe for the entire family and have been endorsed by PGA tour players such as Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and Hale Irwin.

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“Typically, we design four to six holes for each green so there is a variety of shots and challenges,” explains Joe Carbone of Southwest Greens of Metro NY. “With our exclusive partnership with Nicklaus Design, we can also replicate the contours, sand traps, or whatever obstacles from a particular course you had great experiences on.”

In fact, Carbone reproduced the infamous 17th hole from Florida’s TPC Sawgrass at Rockefeller Center. This urban green was featured on Good Morning America and played on by Mayor Bloomberg.

Whether the job is in New York City or at a private home in the suburbs, or involves a complete par-three hole or a simple putting green, Joe believes it’s important for a principal from the company to remain onsite during the entire installation to make sure the project runs as smoothly as a perfect putt.

Putting Green in my Backyard? What a Great Idea!

“Having a surface this good to practice on at home is incredible.

My Southwest Putting Green performs like a tour green. It’s fantastic!”

Vijay Singh - 2004 PGA Champion

973-696-3016

www.greensmetronewyork.com certified nicklaus design installers

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of

Metro New York Putting Greens • Synthetic Grass • Play Areas

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When you use the pros, it shows WORKING W I T H A D E S I G N / B U I L D F I R M E N S U R E S YOUR OUT D O O R H A V E N W I L L R I V A L T H E M O S T LIVED-IN A R E A O F Y O U R H O U S E .

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U

nleashing the hidden potential of a property can be quite daunting. Before a shovel ever hits the ground, there’s a mountain of

research and background work that needs to be done, which if handled properly, makes the process far more enjoyable.

Ron Cording of Cording Landscape Design, a fullservice design/build firm, describes the steps he takes for his clients from the initial meeting: • Ron interviews the homeowners to review their ideas and determine how they will use the property.

During this meeting, they discuss the full menu of design options a landscape project can incorporate.

• Next, he researches zoning ordinances, setback requirements and impervious coverage restrictions, which have become more onerous since the passing of regulations such as the Highlands Act. • If necessary, he brings in an engineer and/or architect to help formulate a comprehensive master plan.

• Ron presents the client with preliminary plans and explains how the various spaces will integrate functionally while being aesthetically pleasing.

• He coordinates subcontractor proposals to eliminate any “surprises” in the final cost.

• Then he revises and finalizes the landscape plan to align with the overall budget.

• In collaboration with the client, Ron selects the building, hardscape and planting materials that reflect the client’s personal style.

• Finally, it’s time for implementation: Ron coordi-

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nates all subcontractors to keep the project running smoothly and cost-effectively, all while maintaining the approved design vision.

To ensure superior results, Ron collaborates only with experienced and reliable professionals. The wisdom of this approach can be seen time and again in the firm’s outstanding finished work.

Just ask any client.

A h i lltop p a ra dise One recent project completed in Mendham presented some unique challenges. The Jebara residence sits atop a steep 10-acre hilltop that was once a farm. While it offered unparalleled views of the Somerset Hills, the site was also fairly exposed. Cording Landscape Design developed a master plan that matched the scope and scale of the grand estate. Elements included a 24-by-64-foot pool, a separate spa area and a pool house with an outdoor cooking area.

The plan also needed to integrate expansive patio areas for entertaining, including a sunset terrace.

Because the area is heavily populated with deer, Ron also decided to call in his fencing contractor prior to starting construction—even though fence installation is typically one of the final components of a project. “We wanted to interrupt the deer pattern

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The 3-foot-square Norwegian buff quartzite

picks up the tone of the main house as well as the new pool house. It is nicely contrasted by the 3-inch-thick bluestone coping. 

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early,” he notes, “as well as to fence the perimeter of the property for security reasons during the construction process.”

Mary Siniscalchi, manager of Jan Fence, adds, “Working with a competent design/build company guarantees that the work is being installed at the right time and that we’re not tripping over everyone else.”

The large pool was to be the centerpiece of the backyard and the site required major changes to the existing grade. Given strict township regulations, it was imperative that the project adhere to all local zoning ordinances without compromising the creativity of the design.

Even the location of the mechanical systems was carefully chosen so as not to interfere with the overall landscape layout.

“Ron and his staff provide us with all the necessary elevations, making our execution and construction process very efficient—which in turn saves the client money,” observes Barry Marson, owner of Marson Pools. “The Jebara project required an intricate Jandy control system, which we integrated into the automated home control system.

This allows the homeowner to operate the pool and spa mechanical systems, the synchronized multi-colored mood lighting in the pool and the landscape lighting—all from any control point within the home.”

Says homeowner Ziad Jebara: “So often you hear stories about bad experiences, but we had just the opposite. The team that Cording Landscape Design brought to our home was great to work with and made a number of recommendations I would not have thought of.”

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Timing and collaboration were crucial in other aspects of the job as well. Morris & Bergen County Irrigation needed to be aware of projected timelines and sequential completion dates. Cording Landscape Design made sure all of the necessary sleeves were installed beneath walls and walks so the irrigation installation went smoothly. The irrigation systems had to be immediately functional to preserve perishable sod and delicate plantings.

Ron also coordinated with his lighting specialist to tastefully conceal lighting within the bluestone wall cap and steps. “Aesthetics don’t have to be compromised for safety,” says Demetro Carbone of Illuminations Lighting.

“Outdoor lighting adds another dimension, showcasing the plant material and architectural details to create a warm and inviting ambiance for evening enjoyment.”

Lasting beauty The collaborative principles that applied to the Jebara property apply to other projects as well, regardless of their size and scope. At a home in Basking Ridge (this page and bottom opposite), Cording Landscape Design created the pool terrace higher than the generally level property around it. This concept not only gave the pool area a distinctive “sense of place,” but also utilized the excavated fill from the pool in the landscape project. This saved the client thousands of dollars in trucking fees that would normally be associated with the removal of excess fill.

The adjoining spa is privately set within the garden, creating an intimate experience. Located above the pool and attached to the stream and waterfalls, the spa puts swimmers in a unique relationship with nature.

George Neumann, the Basking Ridge homeowner, states: “Ron takes a large role in his projects. His landscapes are works of art.”

This project was completed nearly eight years ago and over that time, Cording Landscape Design has been able to preserve its timeless beauty. “With such a big investment, it’s important to keep it maintained properly so the landscape keeps its value,” adds George. Ron and his team prefer to build a lasting relationship with their clients in order to honor their unique intentions regarding their landscape.

“Maintaining our properties is the most rewarding part of the work that we do,” says Ron Cording. “We love hearing our clients tell us how much they enjoy spending time in the landscape with family and friends.”

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All fenced in TODAY’S FENCES PROVIDE A BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP TO YOUR FRESH-AIR SPACE.

M

ore often than not, the purpose of a fence dictates the type that should be installed. If chosen properly, the

fence also becomes a pleasing architectural feature of the surrounding gardens and landscape.

In this Harding, New Jersey home for example, the homeowners opted for a “living” fence of arborvitaes (left) to provide a privacy screen that separated the home’s parking area from its backyard.

In many parts of New Jersey, home-owners are concerned about protecting their delicate

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plantings from hungry deer. For this, six- to eightfoot-high fences are often the best choice because they can be installed along a property’s perimeter, blend into the surrounding environment, and also meet the municipality’s pool fence code.

Aluminum is also often used as an additional security fence at the edge of a pool area. As Mary Siniscalchi, manager of Jan Fence in Wayne, and one of the companies that regularly collaborates with Cording Landscape Design on projects, explains, aluminum fences are strong and resist corrosion from pool chemicals, and their extensive decorative designs provide added aesthetic value.

Plus if you choose an open style (fences are either open or solid) it allows a view of the pool and the landscape behind it.

“It’s best to buy products from a reputable source,” Mary adds. “For one, a warranty is only as good as the company behind it. And there’s less quality control in many countries overseas.”

We’ve Added a New Location! 4 Industrial Road, Pequannock, NJ

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Pools of perfection TODAY’S TECHNOLOGY MAKES

FOR A CLEANER, SWEETER SWIM.

G

one are the days of sore, reddened eyes

reduce energy costs by triggering the circulation sys-

and faded bathing suits from pool chlorine.

tem, heater, lights and auxiliary equipment only when

Saline sterilization systems now use com-

needed and turning on during off-peak hours, when

mon table salt to automatically produce just enough chlorine to safely and effectively keep a pool sparkling

Barry Marson of Marson Pools, northern New

clean. Saline swimming pools also have the soft, silky

Jersey’s leader in swimming pool concepts, creation

feel of natural water.

and construction, adds, “Pools can be further en-

High-tech advances have greatly improved pool

hanced with the addition of waterfalls, fountains and

costs and maintenance as well. Variable-speed pumps

multi-color lighting effects. The sound and movement

can save 30 to 90 percent in energy costs over conven-

of water has a soothing quality that is therapeutic to

tional one- and two-speed pumps; heaters are far more

both mind and body. I also pay a lot of attention to the

efficient today; and top-quality filters capture two to

swimming pool color, which has a subliminal appeal

three times as much of dirt and debris that regularly

of its own. The depth and orientation of a pool, along

sneak into a pool.

with the color blend and texture of the pool finish,

Computerized control systems can now be preprogrammed and actually extend equipment life. They

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energy rates are lower.

play a very important role in achieving a picture-perfect final result.”

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c u s t o m

l i g h t i n g

d e s i g n s

Light for all the

reasons

Beauty

Enjoyment

Safety

...of IllumInatIon

1-866-696-4335 www.performingnightly.com Cording_Supp_0411_final.indd 21

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“I

rrigation is vital to ensure that your new landscape flourishes and remains as beautiful as the day it was installed,” says John Carbone, owner of Morris & Bergen County Irrigation

based in Wayne, which has been providing turnkey irrigation systems since 1975.

He adds that irrigation systems are only effective if they’re managed properly. That means, for example, programming the system with a maintenance schedule that’s customized to the site and its plantings.

Irrigate wisely HEED THESE ECO-FRIENDLY TIPS FOR A VERDANT LANDSCAPE.

Water conservation is a hot topic that can’t be overlooked. Here are some conservation tips from Morris & Bergen Irrigation: • Always have a rain sensor installed. This will ensure that the system does not run when water isn’t needed.

• Incorporate drip irrigation systems (buried, perforated lines that provide underground irrigation for planting beds) when possible. These systems are more efficient and less wasteful because they deliver water directly to the root systems rather than sprinkling the surface.

• Have a certified water auditor conduct an audit of your existing system to recognize any deficiency and make the appropriate changes.

• Consider installing solar-sync powered controllers. These devices gather solar temperature data used in the calculation of water evaporation and then automatically determine the amount of irrigation required.

Morris & Bergen County I r r I g at I o n ™

The installation of an automatic underground irrigation system will help to keep your lawn green throughout the season.

So sit back, relax, put the hose away and let Morris & Bergen County Irrigation improve your quality of life.

“Throw Away Your Hose!”

973-628-7077 • 201-664-8159 • www.mcibci.com

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Marson Pools

Specializing in custom swimming pools, spas and waterfeatures

Family owned and operated since 1983, Marson Pools offers personal service throughout the design, construction and maintenance of your pool. Barry Marson, proprietor, works closely with each client, ensuring a perfect end result.

Whether you’re designing a new backyard oasis or thinking of adding a spa or waterfall to your existing pool, Marson Pools has the experience and expertise you’re looking for.

201-891-9279 | www.marsonpools.com NJHIC# 13VH00820300

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Cording Landscape Design

Dedicated to landscapes of inspiring beauty, fine design and intimate outdoor spaces.

973.263.5003

www.c o r d i n g l a n d s c a p e . c o m NJ HIC#13VH03157400

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