Following the garden concept theme, here is a view from a wonderful garden we worked on in Chautauqua. This view is just across from the entry into the main gate. Privacy was important as the outdoor living area is just at the end of this walkway.

A great garden will usually have a strong concept. An idea or a feeling that you want to evoke. With our homes we have a style, Colonial, Victorian, Mission, Cape Cod, Queen Anne, Contemporary, Farmhouse, Greek Revival…or one of many styles that we can describe.

The future looks bright when there are nature loving children growing up who love the flora and the fauna of the Earth!

This home demonstrates dynamic elements. Dynamic means that its always changing. In these early spring days it still gets dark early and the coordination of the house and landscape lighting is an area where a landscape architect can be a great asset.

Strong Houses call for strong landscapes. This spring photo shows us what we are ready for.

In 2000 we were asked to come to Titusville and work with the University of Pittsburgh Physical Plant to develop a plan to tie the campus together. The campus was split by Walnut Street and talks with Titusville officials was favorable for closing the street and making the campus more cohesive.

Sometimes you just have to use your imagination to bring color to springtime on a day like today!

Gardens can create meaning in our lives and evoke a memory or association with people or places. Sometimes it a person, like associating lilacs or roses with your grandmother. Or it could be from a visit to a place like Japan.

Today is spring orientation for the crews of Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors. Each spring just prior to starting the season, we all get together and review the company mission and vision.

Part of the design process involves the needs of the client… this is called the Program. The program is your wish list of your need for space and the types of activities that will occur. How do you live? And how do you want to live in your home and landscape.

We can take your landscape that was ravaged by the winter and transform it into a beautiful yard for your enjoyment.

Astronomically speaking, today is the vernal or spring equinox. Spring starts at 6:45 pm today! Weather-wise it may not feel like spring just yet, but the days and nights are now equal and getting longer.

Come visit us at the Erie Convention Center for the Erie Home & Garden Expo! Doors open today at 2:00pm tip 8:00pm. Friday 12-8. Saturday 10-8 and Sunday 11-5.

When designing the front landscape for a house the landscape should have sufficient strength to for visual appeal as someone is driving by. This photo is almost straight on, but a driver rarely sees it this way.

One of the features in this photo is the hedge of Shamrock Hollies, Ilex glabra ‘Shamrock’. Not a shamrock in the traditional sense of the word, but named as a variety for its rich green color.

After a long white winter and a gloomy, gloamy weekend, we are all anxious for a little color!

Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors worked with architect Richard Weibel with the renovations to Saint Peter's Cathedral in 1988.

Here at Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors, green is our favorite color. You can't get more green in Erie, PA than the annual St. Patty's Day Parade that will be held today at 2:00 p.m.

in 2006 Connex wanted to develop a new building in the Fairview Industrial Park and Dave Marino, LA worked with them to develop a functional and beautiful site for their business.

Gardens as art. Gardens are a sculptural art that you can enjoy by moving thru them. The spatial delineation and the modulation of these spaces are one of the subtle elements that help to make gardens so enjoyable.

Smugglers had always had a warm spot in my heart as it was one of my favorite watering holes before I was married. Good music and great location by the water.

By this time of the year just about every person in Erie and this region has spring fever. The excitement to see some green and some flower color.

Mary Jane Dahlkemper (right) was one of the original reasons for the business. Chuck had to support his young wife and growing family.

St. Jude is the patron saint of lost causes. In this before picture from 1991, you can see why. The lot at the corner of 6th and Peninsula Drive was the former home of ‘Fun Town’ and was a wreck. Buildings were demolished, rides were torn down, the wave pool was broken up and buried.

There’s lots to love about Chautauqua, small lots and clients who love the environment. A fully planted yard means no lawn mowing.

Improving your business environment for 60 years! When this announcement of Sunburst Electronics recognition goes out (as published in MBA Bsuiness magazine, Feb 2015, the photo features Sunburst as landscaped by Dahlkemper Landscape Architects & Contractors in 2001-2002.)

Family business is an interesting venture. I grew up in the family business. My uncles, cousins and friends have worked here. As our business grew, I asked my wife, Kathy, to come and help me in the business.

One good thing about snow: it sure does make things look nice and bright!

This was the situation when we were called to the lot of this new home in 2002. The contractor preserved what trees they could and cut a convenient drive on the left side of the lot to access the garage entry and to work around the house.

Now is the time for spring! This homeowner replaces railroad tie steps and old slates with a clean new approach walk that compliments their home.

The home here is lovely and has a distinctive brick pattern that flows up and down in a wave pattern and with a slate roof the house just felt so cottagey.