The TotalScape Journal

When fall hits, your outdoor living space needs a refresh. The right hardscape and landscape lighting upgrades can completely change how you use and enjoy your yard. A few smart updates will boost ambiance, make your space usable longer each day, and give it a fresh, cozy vibe. It’s perfect...

To prepare patios, walls, and walkways for Fort Lauderdale’s humid season, inspect surfaces for cracks and drainage issues, then pressure wash and clean off mold, algae, and debris. Repair any damaged jointing sand, mortar, or pavers, and apply a breathable sealer in two thin coats to resist moisture and prevent...

A well-chosen water feature does more than beautify your landscape — it can help lower the ambient temperature around patios, seating areas, and plant beds. By using evaporative cooling, moving water absorbs heat from the air and makes your outdoor space feel fresher. The more surface area and motion, the...

Layered lighting in the landscape turns a flat outdoor space into something richer and more inviting. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, each serving its own function, you get depth, safety, and beauty that a single source can’t deliver on its own. The Three Tiers of Landscape Lighting Ambient...

Mixing artificial turf with real grass creates a hybrid lawn that gives you the best of both worlds. Use synthetic turf in high-traffic or problem areas and preserve natural grass in spaces where beauty, texture, or biodiversity matters. It’s a smart, flexible approach especially here in South Florida where sun,...

The ideal pergola for tropical climates is built using rust‑proof materials such as aluminium, vinyl, or wood from dense tropical trees (e.g. teak). These withstand heat, humidity and salty air without cracking, warping or fading. The preference would be for a design that allows air to pass through and provides...