Al Bello Design's Blog

Halfway Through with the Project

albellodesign — Sun, 03 May 2009 03:16:49 +0000

We are in the process of completing a project in Buda, TX. It’s great to see the elated look on a client’s face as the whole grand scheme comes together, supplanting their wishes and dreams right in their backyard.

Completed Completeness

albellodesign — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:29:27 +0000

I finished all the irrigation on-site today. Let me give a general walkthrough: First, my primary area of focus in this design is the Courtyard portion of the enclosed section (of the lot):

JoanneCourtyard

I focused a plethora of attention and energy in this area, as this is one of the client’s favorites. The initial thing is to soften the corners, which I did through the use of a Mountain Laurel in the far corner (not visible for about 1 season due to maturity) and the use of Shell Gingers to soften the squareness. I continued the curvilinear line with Butterfly Iris, and some existing Oleander as the foundation/backdrop shrubbery to the whole scheme.

I took advantage of the curve already existing in the edge of the driveway, and used a Blood Good Japanese Maple to “overstory” the remaining plantings. Inside of my newfound curve, I softened the remaining house corner and gutter with a beautiful Magnolia Espaliade on a trellis. This magnificent beast will produce a “chingo” of very large white flowers, and do so in a rapid and repetitious fashion. Understory with some River Ferns.

I utilized the compact and fragrant nature of Dwarf Gardenia (white) to “shrubberize” the area in front of the Shell Ginger, and I planted the remaining portion of the area with a mixture of Penstemon (native), Dianthus Multi Color, and Penta (mixed vibrant pastel).

Road relief STIMULUS

albellodesign — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:55:40 +0000

The Texas Transportation Commission has decided to spend $1.5 billlion to move forward on several area road projects. These projects include:

* flyover bridges at U.S. 290 and U.S. 183
* a new I-35 bridge in Buda
* the widening of FM 1460 in Round Rock

Maybe, just maybe, I can drive home in less than an hour…

Another Satisfied Customer

albellodesign — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 03:25:22 +0000

I shall be closing a job today, and I will post pics ASAP. It’s always nice to see a job completed, especially when it’s mine.

Almost Finished

albellodesign — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:50:58 +0000

I’m about to complete a great project near the University of Texas. It’ll be great to see another satisfied Client’s space completely developed. Pictures to come…

Completed Website

albellodesign — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 03:32:02 +0000

I have completed my website, hope it interests the viewers (and gets me some e-mail). Al Bello Design.com

Hope Everyone’s Great

albellodesign — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:06:54 +0000

Such an interesting process it is to design landscape. Intricate, involved, aligning subtleties with contrast.

Signed up with iList!

albellodesign — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:16:30 +0000

This is my ad, tell me it’s good…or maybe not! Met a commercial builder yesterday, I hope that everything works out and we can go ahead as planned!

Another Hard Day Finished…

albellodesign — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:19:43 +0000

…And not a moment too soon? I wish there were 32 hours in the day, so I could make everyone happy (including myself).

Hectic Schmectic!

albellodesign — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:41:32 +0000

These first days launching a website are CRAZY! It’s so hard to figure out exactly what the best marketing options are. Plus, I don’t think I could ever put enough stuff to read on there!