outdoor escapes

OutdoorescapesMendham

WATER FEATURES: transforming the average into the magnifi cent

LANDSCAPE INSPIRATION:

How a stunning property is just one call away

HILLTOP PARADISE IN

CordingSup0409REV1.indd 1 3/12/09 4:40:52 PM

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Lynx-CordingLandscapre-2-09:NJM 2/9/09 1:02 PM Page 1


Lynx’s complete line of outdoor kitchen products combines advancedproprietary technologies and refined features that you can use to design

your own outdoor cooking center. Lynx’s signature integrated illumi-nation uses blue LED lights to light up the control knobs and ultra bright

internal halogen lights illuminate the grilling surface. Karl’s is one of afew select Lynx showrooms where you can view the complete Lynx line.

See it for yourself at Karl’s designer showroom in Fairfield.

Designer Showroom Locations: Fairfield-65 Passaic Ave.Madison-300 Main St. - Rt. 124 (In the Staples Plaza)

Orange*-557 Main St. (On the Border of West Orange)

Perth Amboy*-104 Smith St.

Other New Jersey Locations:Montclair-520 Bloomfield Ave. Belleville-111 Washington Ave. Newton-17 E. Clinton St.

The Best Choices forYour Outdoor Kitchen.

*3.5% Sales Tax

www.karlsappliance.com1-888-98-KARLS

LYNX • MARVEL • SUB-ZERO • VIKING • GE MONOGRAM • WOLFTHERMADOR • DCS • FISHER & PAYKEL • DACOR • BOSCH • MIELEJENN-AIR • FRANKE • GAGGENAU • AGA • BERTAZZONI • ELECTROLUXICON • ZEPHYR • RANGECRAFT • GE • WHIRLPOOL • FRIGIDAIRE • MAYTAGDYSON • KITCHENAID • AMANA • MAGIC CHEF • AND MANY MORE

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Lynx-CordingLandscapre-2-09:NJM 2/9/09 1:02 PM Page 1

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47

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Outdoor escapes 3


4 Outdoor escapes

The 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 com-

pletion—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 real-

ize that expertise varies tremendously

from one landscape fi rm to another. To

learn what to look for in a fi rm, Outdoor

Escapes turned to Cording Landscape

Design, a design/build fi rm known for its

award-winning work. See Cording’s re-

sults for projects both large and small in

the feature article that begins on page 12.

A full-service fi rm assembles the en-

tire team for a landscaping project, from

engineers and architects to pool, irriga-

tion, fence and lighting installers. With an

eye on the desired fi nal product, the fi rm

researches local zoning ordinances, se-

cures 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.

A vision brought to life

reAdy For the lAndsCApe

oF your dreAMs?


5Outdoor escapes

A vision brought to life


CordingLandsCape design

973-263-5003www.cordinglandscape.com

Terraces, Patios, Walls & Walkways

Swimming Pools, Waterfalls & Ponds

Distinctive Plantings & Perennial Gardens


7Outdoor escapes

CordingLandsCape design

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

magnifi cent. Whether you envision a

cascading waterfall or a pond brimming

with Koi, there is an option for you.

nature

the magical


8 Outdoor escapes

“Water creates a peaceful

environment that

naturally draws people to

it by sight and sound,” says Ron Cording

of Cording Landscape Design, an award-

winning design/build fi rm 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.”

1 tAKing AdVAntAge oF slopes. At a home in Basking Ridge, the existing

pool abutted a steep slope, giving it a closed-

in, 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.

2 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

1

2


9Outdoor escapes

multi-level stream and waterfall, which beckon

people to the lower bluestone terrace.

3 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 refl ection and meditation.

4 gArden FountAins. 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.

4

3


10 Outdoor escapes

It’s no secret that avid golfers are a fi ercely competi-

tive 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 popu-

larity 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.

‘fore’ the home

in your oWn bACKyArd,

Any t iMe is tee t iMe.

Golf


“Typically, we design four to six holes for each

green so there is a variety of shots and challeng-

es,” explains Joe Carbone of Southwest Greens of

Metro NY. “With our exclusive partnership with

Nicklaus Design, we can also replicate the con-

tours, 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 Rock-

efeller 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 instal-

lation to make sure the project runs as smoothly

as a perfect putt.

of Metro New York

973-696-3016 www.greensmetronewyork.com

certified nicklaus design installers

Putting Green in my Backyard? What a Great Idea!

2004 PGA Champion


When you use the pros, it shows

12 Outdoor escapes

WorKing With A design/build FirM ensures

your outdoor hAVen Will riVAl the Most

liVed-in AreA oF your house.


Unleashing the hidden potential of a prop-

erty 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 full-

service design/build fi rm, 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 archi-

tect to help formulate a comprehensive master plan.

• Ron presents the client with preliminary plans and

explains how the various spaces will integrate func-

tionally while being aesthetically pleasing.

• He coordinates subcontractor proposals to elimi-

nate any “surprises” in the fi nal cost.

• Then he revises and fi nalizes the landscape plan to

align with the overall budget.

• In collaboration with the client, Ron selects the

building, hardscape and planting materials that

refl ect the client’s personal style.

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

When you use the pros, it shows


14 Outdoor escapes

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 expe-

rienced 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 hilltop pArAdise

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 enter-

taining, including a sunset terrace.

Because the area is heavily populated with deer, Ron also

decided to call in his fencing contractor prior to starting construc-

tion—even though fence installation is typically one of the final

components of a project. “We wanted to interrupt the deer pattern


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.


16 Outdoor escapes

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 in-

stalled 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 town-

ship 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.”


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 nor-

mally 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 land-

scapes 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 land-

scape keeps its value,” adds George. Ron and his team pre-

fer 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 hear-

ing our clients tell us how much they enjoy spending time

in the landscape with family and friends.”


18 Outdoor escapes

More 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 fea-

ture 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

All fenced intodAy’s FenCes proVide

A beAutiFul bACKdrop to

your Fresh-Air spACe.


plantings from hungry deer. For this, six- to eight-

foot-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, ex-

plains, aluminum fences are strong and resist cor-

rosion 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.”

All fenced in

Visit our Indoor Showroom at

1107 Rt. 23 South, Wayne, NJ 07470 | www. Janfence.com | 973-694-4055

JAN FENCEFamily owned & operated over 50 years

0% FINANCING


20 Outdoor escapes

Gone are the days of sore, reddened eyes

and faded bathing suits from pool chlorine.

Saline sterilization systems now use com-

mon table salt to automatically produce just enough

chlorine to safely and effectively keep a pool sparkling

clean. Saline swimming pools also have the soft, silky

feel of natural water.

High-tech advances have greatly improved pool

costs and maintenance as well. Variable-speed pumps

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

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

effi cient today; and top-quality fi lters capture two to

three times as much of dirt and debris that regularly

sneak into a pool.

Computerized control systems can now be pre-

programmed and actually extend equipment life. They

Beauty SafetyEnjoyment...of IllumInatIon

Lightfor all the

reasons

1-866-696-4335 www.performingnightly.com

c u s t o m l i g h t i n g d e s i g n s

reduce energy costs by triggering the circulation sys-

tem, heater, lights and auxiliary equipment only when

needed and turning on during off-peak hours, when

energy rates are lower.

Barry Marson of Marson Pools, northern New

Jersey’s leader in swimming pool concepts, creation

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

hanced with the addition of waterfalls, fountains and

multi-color lighting effects. The sound and movement

of water has a soothing quality that is therapeutic to

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

swimming pool color, which has a subliminal appeal

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

with the color blend and texture of the pool fi nish,

play a very important role in achieving a picture-per-

fect fi nal result.”

todAy’s teChnology MAKes

For A CleAner, sWeeter sWiM.

todAy’s teChnology MAKes

Pools of perfection


Beauty SafetyEnjoyment...of IllumInatIon

Lightfor all the

reasons

1-866-696-4335 www.performingnightly.com

c u s t o m l i g h t i n g d e s i g n s

Pools of perfection


“Irrigation is vital to ensure that your new landscape fl ourishes

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 man-

aged properly. That means, for example, programming the system with a

maintenance schedule that’s customized to the site and its plantings.

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 pro-

vide underground irrigation for planting beds) when possible. These

systems are more effi cient and less wasteful because they deliver

water directly to the root systems rather than sprinkling the surface.

• Have a certifi ed water auditor conduct an audit of your existing system

to recognize any defi ciency and make the appropriate changes.

• Consider installing solar-sync powered controllers. These devices gath-

er solar temperature data used in the calculation of water evaporation

and then automatically determine the amount of irrigation required.

I r r I g at I o nMorris & Bergen County

™

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!”

Morris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyMorris & Bergen CountyI r rI r rI r rI r r II g atg atg atg atg at II o no no n™

wiselyheed these eCo-Friendly t ips

For A VerdAnt lAndsCApe.

wiselyIrrigate


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.comNJHIC# 13VH00820300

Marson Pools


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

973.263.5003www.cordinglandscape.com

NJ HIC#13VH03157400

C o r d i n gL a n d s C a p e d e s i g n


outdoor escapes

Documents

designer showroom locations

karls designer showroom

complete lynx line

outdoor cooking center

smith st

clinton st

lynx showrooms

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