Residential LANDSCAPE and Garden Design
Beautiful and Practical Landscape Services
It all begins with an idea. Beautiful and practical landscape design. Our design service is holistic in approach with a balanced focus on three design principles: visual appeal, sustainability, and practicality. No relevant factor is disregarded in either the design or build phase as to ensure the space conforms to the unique qualities of your property.
With over 200 successfully completed projects on the resume we are able to bring experience and vision to the design process. Through a commitment to client satisfaction and a dedicated staff, Ponti Landscapes has emerged as a leader in the local landscaping space.
Modern or Contemporary design
Combining soft and hard landscaping elements
Natural or constructed screening and privacy
Dedicated garden areas, beds, and natural areas
Thinking of something else? We'd love to help you bring your idea to life!
Landscape Design Service To Create Beautiful and Functional Outdoor Spaces That Last in Cary, Apex, and the Raleigh, NC Area
Landscape design is more than just picking plants and placing stones — it’s about solving problems, maximizing space, and creating a long-term vision for your outdoor environment. Whether you are starting from scratch or updating an existing yard, a thoughtful design makes the difference between a yard that "just looks nice" and one that actually works for your lifestyle.
What Is Landscape Design and Why Does It Matter?
At its core, landscape design is the planning phase of any outdoor living space project. It’s where aesthetics meet functionality, and every square foot of your yard is considered in relation to:
Sun and shade patterns
Drainage and grading
Soil quality and plant suitability
Your daily routine, maintenance preferences, and future plans
In the humid subtropical climate of central North Carolina, choosing the right layout and plant selections can reduce maintenance, prevent erosion, and help your yard thrive year-round.
Key Elements of Effective Landscape Design
A great design considers your entire property as a living system. Some of the foundational components include:
Hardscaping: Patios, retaining walls, walkways, fire pits, and structures
Planting Design: Choosing native and adapted species that match soil and sunlight conditions
Drainage Planning: Ensuring water moves away from your home and doesn't pool or cause erosion
Outdoor Living Zones: Designated areas for dining, relaxing, gardening, or kids' play
Privacy & Screening: Using plants, trees, fences, or berms to create peaceful, usable spaces
Lighting & Irrigation: Designing with long-term functionality in mind
Designing for Outdoors Life in the Triangle Area
In places like Cary, Apex, and Raleigh, yards can vary widely, from sloped lots and clay-heavy soil to established suburban gardens. A good design respects the existing conditions of the land and tailors solutions accordingly.
Some local design considerations include:
Using drought-tolerant or native NC plants to reduce watering needs
Incorporating shade trees and pergolas to make summer more bearable
Accounting for seasonal color and year-round interest
Designing for stormwater runoff, especially on sloped lots
How the Landscape Design Process Works
Whether you're planning a large backyard makeover or just want to improve your curb appeal, the process typically includes:
Site Assessment: Analyzing sunlight, soil, drainage, slope, and existing structures
Design Consultation: Discussing your goals, style preferences, timeline, and budget
Conceptual Design Plan: A scaled layout showing hardscape features, plant zones, and flow
Material and Plant Selection: Choosing textures, colors, species, and finishes that match your lifestyle
Installation Planning: Coordinating timelines, permits (if needed), and phased implementation
Why Start with Design Before Landscaping?
Skipping the landscape design phase can result in costly mistakes like poorly placed features, drainage problems, and a disjointed overall look. By investing in design first, homeowners gain a clear plan that guides the project, improves budgeting, and ensures the outdoor space functions beautifully both now and in the future.
Want to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Space?
Whether you're dreaming of a backyard oasis, a low-maintenance front yard, or a full outdoor living space, thoughtful landscape design is the first step. When done right, it can improve curb appeal, add property value, and make your yard an extension of your home. Contact us to start a thoughtful design process that brings clarity, creativity, and long-term value to your outdoor space.