What makes a landscape feel like a resort
Resorts use the landscape to make guests feel taken care of from the moment they arrive. Apartment communities, HOA clubhouses and hotels in Reno use the same ideas to stand out: outdoor rooms that work day and night, generous shade, the sound of water, and planting that looks full all season.
Here are the elements we see make the biggest difference, and what to plan for so they hold up to daily use.
Outdoor rooms
Grill stations and outdoor kitchens
A covered grill area with prep counters is the most-used amenity at many communities. See our guide to outdoor kitchens.
Shaded dining and lounge areas
Pergolas and shade structures with tables nearby turn a pool deck into a place to spend the afternoon. In Reno they must be built for wind and snow load.
Screens and walls
Screen walls, hedges and tall grasses give a sense of privacy and block afternoon wind, which matters more here than almost anywhere.
Pool decks and gathering spaces
Every resort centers on the pool. Around a community pool, use planting that does not drop leaves, berries or petals into the water, keep sprinkler spray off the deck, and choose paving that stays cool and is not slick when wet. A gas fire feature nearby keeps the area in use after sunset. See our guide to fire pits.
Water and sound
A fountain or boulder stream near seating adds the sound of moving water and masks road and parking lot noise. See our guide to water features.
Lighting for evenings
Low-voltage lighting on trees, walkways, seating areas and water features makes the space usable and safe at night, and makes the property look its best on evening tours. See our guide to landscape lighting.
Planting that looks lush in the high desert
Resort planting usually means layers: trees for shade, large shrubs and grasses for structure, and seasonal color at the edges. In Reno the trick is to get that full look with climate-adapted plants on drip irrigation, and to save annual color for the spots guests see most.
- Shade trees on the south and west sides of seating areas
- Ornamental grasses that move in the wind and look good in winter
- Containers with seasonal color at entries and along the pool deck
- Small turf areas only where people actually lounge or play
Browse our project guides, see our enhancements service, or request a free quote.