Outdoor Living
What Makes a Landscape Design Great? By Janine Pumilia
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great landscape design is all about increasing the enjoyment of the people who live with it, says Jim Brubaker, owner of Jim Brubaker Designs, Inc., Fort Wayne. “It’s not about what I like. It’s about listening to people and getting a sense of their tastes and lifestyles,” he says. “Do they have kids and pets we need to take into consideration? Do they live here seasonally or year-round? Do they want to do some handson gardening or do they prefer as little maintenance as possible?” Sometimes people don’t know what they want from a landscape – they just know A great landscape design fits the tastes and lifestyle of the people who enjoy it daily. something needs to be done. “I try to introduce color to the landscape as early as possible That’s OK. in spring and extend it as late as possible into the fall,” he says. “In that case, I’ll take them to other job sites, or in some way “That doesn’t only mean blooming plants. It may include berries show them what’s possible for their property, and I watch what and foliage with interesting colors and textures. There should they’re drawn toward,” he says. also be interesting things to see in winter – not just limited to Once he has a good sense of his customer’s needs and tastes, evergreens – for four seasons of enjoyment.” Brubaker draws up a landscape design plan that can be installed Along with proper soil amendment and planting, Brubaker all at once or in stages. He sources plants from local wholesaloversees installation of hardscape elements like stone, pavers or ers and greenhouses, works with two subcontracted installation brick; water and fire features such as fountains, ponds, firepits companies and oversees the work on site. and outdoor fireplaces; trellises, arbors, pergolas, patios and more. “I love working with people. I love plants. And I love being outdoors,” Brubaker says. “And I enjoy seeing how a vision comes to life, surrounding people with beauty.” Brubaker has worked with plants and people all of his adult life, first as a florist and later as the co-owner/president of a local landscape design company. He opened Jim Brubaker Designs with his late wife, Vicki, in 2008. It includes a gift shop, JBD Home, specializing in unique indoor and outdoor home décor, from furniture and lamps to fountains, planters and more, open Wed. to Fri. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, stop in at 909 Lawrence Dr., Fort Wayne, or call (260) 436-3639. ❚ Tell them you saw it in ...
Smart Living Fort Wayne
April 2022 • I
13
