Right Plant, Right Space

Our motto is “right plant, right space.” Long-term planning is crucial to the health of your plants as well as the overall vitality of your garden, yet it is often the most overlooked aspect of landscape design.

We bring a knowledge base to landscape design that other companies lack. Quality landscaping projects begin with an understanding of the future use of the property and the desired overall picture.

Before beginning a project we access the site conditions, and get a feel of the emotion of the space. There are four distinct seasons in our region, so why not have a beautiful functioning garden year round?

Most people don't realize that how you plant something is important to long term growth. Checking trees and shrubs for girdling roots, not mulching up past the root flare, ripping apart perennial roots, and firmly packing soil around the plants is crucial for long term survival. After an installation, we teach proper watering techniques to you so that things get established quickly and efficiently. Right after installation the plantings are watered thoroughly, with detailed instructions for follow up that season. Our plants are from the highest quality growers, and are handpicked to be sure of that high quality. We like to layer plantings, so that over a very short timespan, plants grow in together helping to keep weeds at a minimum, and over time the amount of mulch used is lessened.

Landscape maintenance is high on our list of priorities. All of our plantings are low maintenance, but things can get out of control very quickly, especially if there is already a preexisting weed problem. We can come twice a month, or twice a year depending on how much you need us. Over time it requires very little to keeping things beautiful. Plants start growing in, keeping weeds out, and pruning is done as needed. Using native plants also helps with insect problems, as these plants have evolved to handle the stress of our weather extremes. We do not use any chemicals or fertilizers on our plantings, which is also another benefit using natives, as they are adaptable to our rocky clay soil of Pa. We also provide deer control if necessary, using natural sprays to help keep them from devouring the plantings, or if the problem is severe, just sticking with plants they don't eat (at least not yet!). Your garden will always be evolving, so it's important to know that while maintenance should be minimal, it is crucial to keep things looking their best in all 4 seasons.

The fire is the main comfort of the camp, whether it be summer or winter, and is about as ample at one season as at another. It is as well for cheerfulness as for warmth and dryness.” -Henry David Thoreau

Only a poet can capture in words the experience one enjoys in front of a wood fire. KM Gardens can incorporate a fire feature into your outdoor living space. From simple fire pits to custom fireplaces.

“The most tangible of all visible mysteries-fire” -Leigh Hunt

We are excited to help make your outdoor living space exactly what you imagine. Whether it’s Pa bluestone flagstone or other natural stones we will help you create a customized, usable space that is both functional and aesthetically beautiful all year long . KM Gardens is there from the initial design through the completion of every detail. We’ll even help layout your patio furniture! Our patios are thoughtfully designed with the home’s surroundings in mind. If you need to create a new space or want to renovate an existing patio, KM Gardens will help make your outdoor living space a warm and inviting sanctuary 365 days a year.

Retaining walls are carefully engineered barriers used to restrain soil that would naturally slide into landscapes, driveways or foundations. At KM Gardens, we use natural stone to build a dry stacked stone wall, a masonry wall, or a very cost-effective boulder wall. We will incorporate a retaining wall into your current landscape design to provide a functional, seamless, and timeless foundation for your garden.

Whether you are creating a welcoming path to your front door, stepping stones around your beautiful garden, or a walkway to your pool, KM Gardens can help. We specialize in designing and installing unique walkways using a variety of different materials that fit any budget. If you want flagstone, brick, or pavers we can create just the right path for you.

Many older pools are in need of restoration. A pool that is aged could be missing tiles, have unsightly or loose coping or sunken concrete. If you’re in need of a complete restoration or just an updated area surrounding the pool, KM Gardens can transform your summer retreat to a vacation like oasis.

Outdoor kitchens and living spaces have never been easier to create or more affordable. At KM Gardens we have years of experience incorporating built-in grills into our patios. Imagine a masonry grill surrounded with custom counter tops made of bluestone, granite, or other unique materials. Add a sink or refrigerator, some seating space for family and friends and you will find backyard entertaining easier than ever.

Nothing is as soothing as the sound of running water. We can transform a small area with a re-circulating fountain or a larger space with waterfalls and streams to make your outdoor living space into a lush oasis. Using beautiful natural stone and boulders, a pond will bring your garden to life, attracting a variety of birds, crickets, frogs and butterflies. You and your family will be able to leave your day-to-day stress behind by sitting in the garden, listening to the sound of lapping water and just breathing in nature as it gloriously surrounds you.

Landscape lighting is an essential element to walkways, garden, patios and pool areas. Low voltage lighting can transform your daytime haven to a magical and enchanting evening paradise. We at Km Gardens can design a lighting package that extends your time outdoors naturally. Your family will relax well into the night as you comfortably enjoy natures beauty throughout each season.