Central Kentucky’s mild springs, warm summers, and glowing autumns make outdoor living a year‑round pleasure. Yet turning a bare backyard into a functional, beautiful extension of your home requires more than a patio kit and a few shrubs. It takes thoughtful planning, quality materials, and expert installation—services that Redmond’s Garden Center & Landscape Design has delivered to Lexington and the surrounding counties for almost two decades.
This guide distills Redmond’s in‑house expertise into actionable steps. You’ll learn:
- How to evaluate your site and lifestyle before breaking ground
- Key design elements—from plant palettes to patios, lighting, and water features
- The step‑by‑step process Redmond’s follows for seamless projects
- Maintenance tips that keep your new space thriving
- Why partnering with a Proven Winners® Destination garden center ensures top‑tier results
Grab a notepad, pour a glass of sweet tea, and let’s start mapping the outdoor oasis you’ve always wanted.
1. Evaluate Your Starting Point: Site, Budget, and Lifestyle
Know your microclimate
Lexington’s USDA Zone 6b means winter lows can touch ‑5 °F, while humid summers encourage rapid plant growth. Observe how sun, shade, wind, and water move through your yard at different times of day. Redmond’s design team uses these observations to position patios, select sun‑loving annuals, and site wind‑sheltered seating areas.
Define use zones
- Dining: Need space for a six‑seat table plus grill access?
- Relaxation: Think lounge chairs, a firepit, or hammock posts.
- Play: Grass or synthetic turf accommodates kids and pets.
Listing priorities prevents over‑spending on features you’ll seldom use.
Set a realistic budget
Hardscape costs often exceed plant budgets. According to industry averages, a well‑built paver patio ranges from $15–$25 / sq ft installed, while landscape lighting packages start around $2,000 for entry‑level systems. Redmond’s provides itemized proposals so you can phase work—patio now, water feature next season—without compromising quality.
2. Key Design Elements for a Cohesive Outdoor Space
Patios & Hardscapes
Redmond’s is a Belgard® Master Craftsman, a credential earned through product knowledge and installation excellence. Belgard pavers offer slip‑resistant textures, colorfast finishes, and load‑bearing strength for seating walls, firepits, and driveway extensions.
- Pattern play: Mix modular squares with linear plank pavers for modern flair.
- Seating walls: At 18 inches high, they double as overflow seating and bed edging.
- Drainage planning: A 2 % patio slope prevents puddles and freeze‑thaw cracks.
Landscape Lighting
As a Haven Lighting Certified Installer, Redmond’s integrates app‑controlled LEDs that can shift from classic white to vibrant holiday hues. Lighting zones—paths, uplights, bistro strands—extend usability beyond sunset and boost security.
Water Features
From bubbling urns to koi ponds, moving water introduces soothing sounds and natural humidity. Redmond’s water‑feature crews design biological filtration and recirculating pumps that minimize mosquito risk and maintenance time.
Plant Palettes
Because Redmond’s is a Proven Winners® Destination, the garden center stocks annuals and perennials bred for vivid color and disease resistance. Combine these with native shrubs and shade trees from the five‑acre nursery to balance instant impact with long‑term structure.
| Sun‑Loving Showstoppers | Shade‑Friendly Accents |
| Supertunia® Vista Bubblegum | Heuchera ‘Caramel’ |
| Fire Light® hydrangea | Hosta ‘June’ |
| Little Lime® panicle hydrangea | Japanese painted fern |
2.5 Outdoor Living Add‑Ons
- Outdoor kitchens: Weatherproof cabinetry, natural‑gas grills, and stone counters turn casual cookouts into gourmet events.
- Fireplaces & firepits: Wood‑burning or gas inserts create a four‑season gathering spot.
- Synthetic turf & putting greens: Low‑maintenance alternatives for golfers or busy families.
3. Redmond’s Design‑Build Process: From Concept to Completion
- On‑site consultation—Identify goals, measure grades, and discuss budgets.
- Conceptual plan—2‑D or 3‑D renderings illustrate layout and material palettes.
- Proposal & phasing—Line‑item costs allow phased installation if desired.
- Permitting & utilities—Redmond’s secures any required permits and calls Kentucky 811 before digging.
- Installation—Certified crews handle everything: grading, base prep, plant installation, and lighting wiring.
- Final walkthrough—Homeowners receive care sheets for plants and hardscapes, plus a tour of lighting‑app controls.
The result? A seamless experience that has made Redmond’s “one of the most highly recommended landscaping companies in Central Kentucky,” as noted on their website.
4. Maintenance Tips for Lasting Beauty
Hardscape care
- Power‑wash patios each spring; reseal pavers every 3–5 years.
- Inspect polymeric sand joints for erosion after heavy rains.
Lighting upkeep
- Wipe lenses quarterly for maximum lumen output.
- Check transformer settings to adjust for daylight‑saving time.
Plant health
- Fertilize Proven Winners annuals with a slow‑release granular feed at planting and mid‑season.
- Mulch two inches deep (never pile against trunks) to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Use Redmond’s full line of fertilizers and insecticides—available bagged or in bulk—tailored to Kentucky soils.
Regular care preserves your investment and sustains curb appeal.
5. Sustainable Practices in Design and Product Selection
Redmond’s embraces a design philosophy that celebrates nature, sustainability, and health:
- Permeable pavers reduce storm‑water runoff.
- Native plants like serviceberry and switchgrass support local pollinators.
- LED lighting cuts energy use by up to 75 % compared to halogen.
- Bulk mulch & topsoil sold on‑site protect soil moisture and reduce plastic bag waste.
Ask the team about integrating rain gardens, compost bins, or drought‑tolerant plantings to lower long‑term maintenance and environmental impact.
6. Real‑Life Transformations: Success Stories from the Redmond’s Portfolio
Suburban Backyard Retreat, Lexington KY
- Scope: 400‑sq‑ft Belgard patio, seating wall, and Haven Lighting system.
- Outcome: Family now hosts weekly dinners outdoors; home appraisal rose by 8 %.
Horse‑Farm Guesthouse, Versailles KY
- Scope: Native meadow plantings, water feature, and Sycamore‑stone firepit.
- Outcome: Reduced mowing area by 45 %; attracts monarch butterflies each summer.
Small‑Space Courtyard, Downtown Lexington
- Scope: Vertical herb garden with drip irrigation, synthetic turf strip, bistro lighting.
- Outcome: Created a maintenance‑light oasis for busy professionals with zero lawn equipment.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a design‑build project take?
Simple patio‑and‑plant packages wrap in 2–3 weeks. Full outdoor living builds (kitchen, lighting, water feature) can extend to 8–12 weeks, factoring weather and permit timelines.
Can Redmond’s work with my existing plants?
Yes—designers incorporate mature trees and shrubs whenever feasible, saving costs and preserving established shade.
Do you offer financing?
Redmond’s partners with local lenders to provide flexible payment plans for qualified homeowners. Inquire during your consultation.
Are consultations free?
Initial site visits are complimentary within Fayette and surrounding counties. Travel fees may apply beyond.
8. Next Steps: Bring Your Vision to Redmond’s
Achieving a cohesive, low‑maintenance, and visually stunning outdoor living space is a journey best taken with seasoned guides. From competitive plant pricing in the garden center’s five‑acre nursery to certified expertise in lighting and hardscapes, Redmond’s offers everything under one roof—saving you time, hassle, and costly missteps.
Visit the garden center Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., or explore the contact form to schedule your on‑site consultation.
Call (859) 272‑6697 today and discover why Redmond’s Garden Center truly “sells beauty by the yard.”