Steps can be built from a wide variety of materials to meet the needs of the landscape, while functioning safely. The staff at Millbrook Gardens Landscaping and Garden Center also specializes in the design and installation of natural rock paths that fit into a lawn area or between plantings. Photos by Curtis Schmidt.
Patrick Murphy is a student of the historic preservation of masonry, landscape design and horticulture. For him and his staff at Millbrook Gardens Landscaping & Garden Center, each project is all about their passion and attention to detail.
Whether it is the major construction of new rock walls and the accompanying design of plantings to enhance an adjacent home and pool area, or simple pruning and maintenance, all facets – down to the smallest details – get the same undivided attention.
For Patrick and his staff, it’s the only way to do business.
“We do it all when it comes to landscaping and design and planting, but we do it with great care,” said Patrick. “We even encourage the planting of native species and natural pollinators.”
He added, “The Hudson Valley is a beautiful area with many impressive properties and our goal is to build and enhance with an eye toward local history and style.”
Patrick reminds homeowners that fall is the ideal time for planting, pruning and planning. Planting includes perennials, hardy mums, decorative cabbage and fountain grass and bulbs plants, such as tulips and hyacinth. Pruning is for just about any tree or shrub – small or large. And planning is for getting a head start on spring projects by doing the planning and design now, plus any heavy excavation work that is not affected by the weather.
Of course, fall is also time for traditional cleanup, cutting back of perennials, lawn fertilizing and installing plants – and the staff at Millbrook Gardens handles all of those chores, too.
The Garden Center has a fantastic selection of plants and is decorated with pumpkins, cornstalks and all of the traditional elements of a colorful Hudson Valley autumn. Visit Millbrook Gardens Landscape and Garden Center at 3783 Rt. 44 and pick up everything you need to make your property take on the glow of the fall season.
Foreman Federico Antonio and Juan Dominguez of Millbrook Gardens Landscaping and Garden Center work on the construction of a rock wall.
Millbrook Gardens is a full-property landscape center. They provide landscape design and build stone walls, fire pits, steps and walkways, gardens of all types, plus arbors, pergolas, gazebos, decks, fencing and railing. They even build roads and driveways and handle the accompanying excavation and drainage.
For Patrick and his staff, each project begins with listening – listening to the customer to discover precisely what they are looking to accomplish. “It’s a learning process and it’s really the most important element,” said Patrick. “The more you learn, the more you have a guide of what fits the property and the individual and family.”
After the design is approved, it’s on to the implementation stage. Depending on the project, this portion can take up to three or four months. “Many times, we are starting with a blank slate so to speak,” said Patrick. “Our work is like that of an artist. We have to visualize the finished product, but then we have to go through each and every detail to make sure we achieve our desired goal.”
He added, “We have the knowledge and experience to handle just about any project, plus the tools to get the job done. That can range from large excavators all the way down to the small hammers and measuring devices for our intricate stone walls.”
The specially designed planting of flowers and shrubs enhance a pool area.
The staff at Millbrook Gardens has extensive experience in building a wide range of natural stone design elements. Built to last with locally sourced materials, stone walls are not only functional, but also beautiful features of any landscape. Whether the construction is dry-stacked or mortared, they are built with the utmost attention to structural integrity while staying true to the local style.
Steps can be built from a wide variety of materials to meet the needs of the landscape while functioning safely. Patrick and his staff also specialize in the design and installation of natural rock paths that fit into a lawn area or between plantings.
Property maintenance is a full-time job that includes keeping lawns, shrubs, gardens and trees in prime condition during the year-round cycle of the weather.
Part of what sets Millbrook Gardens apart is the approach with customers. “We love our work, and we enjoy passing our passion along,” said Patrick. “Whether it’s designing and building the landscape look you’ve dreamed of for your home, or selecting tools and decorative items for your gardening needs, we are here for you.”
By Curtis Schmidt
Home & Garden Magazine
September 21, 2016
Article used with permission from the Southern Dutchess News
