Michael Papandrea, a Lengthy Island native now residing in Frankfort, Illinois, has made a reputation for himself by remodeling outside areas into breathtaking retreats by means of his firm, The New Garden Man.
With a meticulous eye for element and a inventive strategy honed over a long time, Michael has change into a trusted skilled in crafting landscapes that stability magnificence, performance, and sustainability. His journey from New York to Illinois is marked by a dedication to creating significant areas that carry pleasure and connection to those that use them.
What impressed you to transition into landscaping?
After years in a inventive discipline, I needed a brand new problem that might permit me to spend extra time outdoor whereas nonetheless making an impression. Landscaping felt like a pure development as a result of it combines creativity, design, and the power to remodel one thing uncooked into one thing extraordinary. I’ve all the time beloved nature, and landscaping lets me work with it day-after-day whereas crafting areas that improve individuals’s lives.
How do you strategy creating outside areas tailor-made to a shopper’s way of life?
All of it begins with listening. Each shopper has a novel imaginative and prescient and set of wants for his or her house, so I start by asking how they intend to make use of it. Are they searching for an area to entertain giant teams or a quiet retreat to unwind? Households with kids would possibly want open areas for play, whereas others would possibly need options like an out of doors kitchen or a fireplace pit. From there, I design an area that balances practicality with magnificence, making certain it meets each their purposeful and aesthetic needs.
What’s been one among your most memorable tasks to this point?
One undertaking that stands out was for a pair who needed their yard to really feel like a luxurious resort. We created a multi-tiered patio with a fireplace pit, added a relaxing water function, and planted native greenery to mix the design with the pure atmosphere. After they noticed the completed house, their response was priceless. Moments like that remind me why I’m so obsessed with this work—seeing a shopper fall in love with their yard is extremely rewarding.
What classes have you ever realized about landscaping that make it distinctive?
Landscaping is a mixture of artwork and science. You might want to create one thing visually gorgeous, but it surely additionally must be sensible and sustainable. The most important lesson I’ve realized is the significance of preparation. Planning each element, from plant placement to drainage options, ensures the ultimate product not solely seems to be nice but additionally stands the take a look at of time. Flexibility can also be key—you must adapt to challenges like surprising climate or website situations.
How do you guarantee a design is gorgeous and purposeful year-round?
Designing for all seasons is among the most fun challenges in landscaping. I exploit a mixture of evergreens, perennials, and hardscaping options to create visible curiosity regardless of the time of yr. For instance, incorporating pathways, hearth options, or lighting ensures the yard stays usable and alluring even in cooler months. It’s all about creating an area that evolves superbly with the seasons whereas staying purposeful.
What’s one development in landscaping you’re notably enthusiastic about?
Sustainable landscaping is one thing I’m obsessed with. Utilizing native crops, integrating good irrigation methods, and designing with the native atmosphere in thoughts not solely creates stunning areas but additionally helps the ecosystem. It’s just like the idea of farm-to-table—it’s about working with what’s native and sustainable to get the most effective outcomes. Shoppers have gotten extra conscious of those practices, which makes it an thrilling time for the business.
What challenges do you face in landscaping, and the way do you overcome them?
Climate is all the time a wild card in landscaping, and it will possibly throw a wrench in even the best-laid plans. The secret’s preparation and flexibility. By constructing in flexibility throughout the planning part, we are able to pivot when wanted with out compromising the design. One other problem is making certain that the house will mature nicely over time. By choosing the proper supplies and crops, we are able to create landscapes that look nice not simply once they’re completed however for years to come back.
What recommendation would you give somebody trying to rework their yard?
Begin by defining the way you wish to use the house. Is it for entertaining, rest, or one thing else fully? Having a transparent imaginative and prescient helps information the design course of. I additionally suggest working with knowledgeable who can assist carry that imaginative and prescient to life whereas contemplating sensible elements like drainage, upkeep, and sustainability. And don’t rush—taking the time to plan will all the time repay ultimately.
How do you stability artistry and practicality in your designs?
The secret’s to consider the long-term performance of the house whereas sustaining its aesthetic attraction. For instance, a backyard path might be each a fantastic design factor and a sensible function for navigating the yard. Equally, plant choices have to thrive within the native local weather whereas complementing the design. Putting that stability is a part of the artistry of landscaping—it’s what makes each undertaking distinctive and rewarding.
What’s subsequent for you and The New Garden Man?
I’m centered on increasing our use of modern applied sciences, like good irrigation methods and energy-efficient lighting, to enhance each sustainability and performance. I’m additionally excited to proceed educating shoppers about the advantages of eco-friendly design and the way considerate landscaping can rework not simply their yards however their whole relationship with the outside. My final objective is to maintain pushing boundaries and creating areas that individuals actually love.
Michael Papandrea’s journey into landscaping is pushed by his inventive imaginative and prescient, meticulous consideration to element, and a deep appreciation for nature. His work with The New Garden Man is a testomony to his dedication to excellence, remodeling yards into stunning, purposeful areas that improve his shoppers’ lives.
