In this article (5 sections)
Introduction
The North East Hardscape Expo is an annual event that brings together landscape professionals, hardscape installers, and industry suppliers to showcase their latest products, services, and designs. It is a great opportunity for participants to learn from each other, network, and compete in various contests that test their creativity, skill, and teamwork. One of the highlights of the Expo is the outdoor living space competition, which challenges teams to build a functional and aesthetically pleasing residential space in a limited time and area. In this blog post, we will share our experience as one of the competitors in this year's Expo and how we managed to land in second place.
Preparation
As soon as we learned about the outdoor living space competition, we knew we had to start planning and practicing. We gathered our team of four members, who each brought their own expertise in design, masonry, carpentry, and planting. We also reached out to our sponsor, Belgard Outdoor Living, for their support and guidance. They provided us with the materials and tools we needed, as well as some helpful tips on how to incorporate their products into our design. We spent several weeks brainstorming, sketching, and revising our ideas until we came up with a concept that we were confident could impress the judges.
Competition Day
The day of the competition was both exciting and nerve-wracking. We arrived at the designated area and saw our competitors setting up their own spaces. It was interesting to see the different approaches and styles that each team had chosen. Some went for a minimalist and modern look, while others went for a rustic and cozy vibe. We stuck to our plan of creating a space that combined natural elements, such as wood and stone, with pops of color and texture from plants and accessories. We divided our tasks and started working on the hardscaping, such as laying the pavers and building the retaining walls, while also incorporating the Belgard products, such as the outdoor fireplace and the grill island. We also added some unique features, such as a waterfall and a mini-golf course, that we hoped would catch the judges' attention.
Results
After 10 hours of intense work, the time was up, and we stepped back to admire our creation. We were pleased with how everything came together, and we felt like we had done our best. However, we knew that the competition was tough, and we had no idea how the judges would rank us. We waited anxiously for the results, and when they were announced, we were thrilled to hear that we had placed second! The winning team had impressed the judges with their innovative use of outdoor lighting and water features, but we were proud of our achievement nonetheless. We received a trophy, some prize money, and most importantly, the recognition of our peers and the industry.
Conclusion
Participating in the North East Hardscape Expo's outdoor living space competition was a challenging and rewarding experience. It allowed us to showcase our skills, learn from others, and have fun in the process. We also appreciated the support and guidance of our sponsor, Belgard Outdoor Living, who helped us make our vision a reality. We look forward to next year's Expo and hope to come back even stronger and more creative. If you are a landscape or hardscape professional, we encourage you to consider joining the Expo and its competitions. Who knows, you might just surprise yourself and land in the top ranks!
