Starting Points for a Colorful Landscape

Completing a beautiful outdoor home landscape plan, design and outcome isn’t always as easy as 1, 2, 3. But it can be when you meld the visions of a homeowner with the creativity, talents and expertise of a professional landscaper.

Joe Runde, owner of Runde’s Landscape Contractors, located west of Elgin, has been in business since 1988 and has completed many award-winning landscape projects across the Fox Valley. Those projects include everything from yards, patios and garden paths to wooden garden structures, mailbox plantings and water garden features.

“It’s important to match landscaping to the style of your home, neighborhood and environment,” says Runde. “This gives us all a starting point to engage in a positive and worthwhile conversation to help me massage a client’s ideas and bring them to life.”

Runde finds clients are usually concerned about three aspects of their new landscape: low maintenance, color and fair pricing.

In achieving such a goal Runde first listens to the client. He walks with clients around their house and listens to their ideas. Sometimes, they want to spruce up a front entry; others time they want a beautiful patio. With ideas in mind, it’s time to establish a realistic budget.

“That’s when my three focus points begin: Our enthusiasm, creativity and client education to get the job done,” says Runde. “Landscaping is about common sense, and it’s important for me to guide customers who both overthink and under-think their landscape plans.”

Before hiring a designer, check out the company’s website for project ideas. “It can be a starting point to help determine a landscape style, envision favorite perennials and shrubs, or view both simple and dramatic landscape conversions,” adds Runde.

It also helps to find a designer who’s seriously passionate. “It’s my life,” Runde says. “Even when we go on a personal vacation, it usually revolves around gardening, visiting an arboretum, touring a business, or meeting with one of our main suppliers. I love what I do and I love helping others enjoy their home landscape.”

Runde’s Landscaping is located at 9N299 Ill. Rt. 47, in rural Elgin, (847) 464-5056.