Grimes Natural Landscape provides a variety of outdoor remodeling and hardscaping services for residential clients in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. The company utilizes its design/build capabilities to transform its customers’ landscapes with everything from natural stone and water features to outdoor kitchens and fire pits.
Owner Kelly Witt says Grimes Natural Landscape’s personalized approach to landscape construction has been an important aspect of its success. “We listen to our clients’ needs and make sure we’re providing them with quality work that meets their expectations. Whether it’s an intimate garden or a resort-style makeover, we design, build and maintain every project with a strict set of standards.”
Grimes Natural Landscape’s full-service approach includes educating customers about their options and accompanying them to showrooms to look at materials. “Also, if a client wants a specific material that isn’t readily available, we can order it for them or present them with similar items that are in stock,” adds Ms. Witt. “We’ve spent many years perfecting our craft, so we’re prepared for any challenges that we might encounter.”
“For over half a century, our name has been synonymous with custom landscape design and construction, and we strive to uphold that reputation on every job. By blending old-world craftsmanship and integrity with modern technology and concepts, we’re able to ensure the best possible results.”
When it comes to installing an outdoor kitchen, preparation is key.
An outdoor kitchen can transform your backyard and increase the value of your home. However, embarking on this project requires careful planning and consideration of several key factors. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for an outdoor kitchen project:
Assess your space. Determining how much space you have available for your outdoor kitchen will influence the design, layout and appliances that you can incorporate.
Identify your cooking style. Do you prefer grilling, smoking, baking or a combination? Your cooking style should guide your selection of appliances and equipment.
Set a budget. Outdoor kitchens can range from a few thousand dollars for a basic setup to tens of thousands for a fully equipped kitchen. Determine your budget early in the process and include a buffer for unexpected expenses. Consider the costs of materials, appliances, labor and any necessary permits.
Prioritize functionality. Your outdoor kitchen should be practical. A common layout includes the “work triangle” concept, which ensures the sink, refrigerator and stove/grill are placed for efficient use. If you plan to entertain, consider adding seating areas, a bar or an audio/visual system.
Don’t forget about lighting. Proper lighting is crucial for both functionality and ambiance. Include task lighting over cooking/prep areas and ambient lighting for entertaining spaces.
Choose materials and appliances wisely. Select durable materials that are designed for outdoor use. Stainless steel, stone and weather-resistant woods are popular choices because they can withstand temperature changes, moisture and sunlight exposure.
Make sure you have access to electricity, water and gas lines. Consult with a professional landscape contractor to install these safely and according to local codes.
Consider the future. Think about how your needs might change over time and whether your outdoor kitchen can adapt. Flexibility in design can allow for future upgrades or changes.
Few landscape contractors earn Diamond Certified, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise. Even fewer can also claim more than 70 years of industry experience, but that’s exactly the case for Grimes Natural Landscape. “Our name has been synonymous with custom landscape design and construction for over half a century,” affirms owner Kelly Witt. “We have the local know-how and experience to create landscapes that our clients can enjoy for years to come.”
Grimes Natural Landscape provides outdoor remodeling and hardscaping services for homeowners in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. As a design/build contractor, the company has the in-house capabilities to transform its clients’ landscapes with everything from natural stone and water features to outdoor kitchens and fire pits.
Unlike less experienced landscape contractors that take a “one size fits all” approach to every project in an effort to increase their workload volume, Grimes Natural Landscape pays attention to details so it can provide its customers with the best possible experiences. “Our reputation is important to us, so we make sure every client loves the work that we did for them,” says Ms. Witt. “By keeping up with industry standards and providing daily onsite supervision, we’re able to ensure high-quality results.”
Ultimately, Ms. Witt sees Grimes Natural Landscape’s wide-ranging experience as its most important attribute. “From the grand estates of Atherton and Woodside to the countryside homes of Los Gatos and Saratoga, we’ve navigated our way through diverse terrains and the most challenging properties in the Bay Area,” she says. “We’ve spent many years perfecting our craft, so we’re able to meet and conquer any challenges that we might encounter.”
