When Jon LeDuc talks about landscaping, he’s not just talking about grass and stone, he’s talking about lifestyle.
As the owner of Duke's Landscaping, based in Arvada and Golden, LeDuc takes a hands-on, deeply personalized approach to designing outdoor spaces that invite people to explore and unwind. “We ask a lot of questions up front,” he says. “We want to understand how the client lives, what they enjoy, what they want to experience outside. It’s not just about a patio; it’s about the feeling they want when they walk outside their back door.”
For LeDuc and his team, no two backyards are the same. Projects range from cozy patios with vertical garden walls to fully equipped outdoor oases featuring water features, fire pits, and even wellness elements. “We just completed one that included a full sports field, an outdoor living space, a water feature, and a sauna with a cold plunge,” he shares. “It’s about creating a space that people can truly use and enjoy—year-round.”
Designing an outdoor space isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about function. In Colorado’s high desert climate, that often means balancing beauty with practicality. “We use a lot of drought-tolerant plants, and we’re intentional with space,” LeDuc says. “Sometimes it makes more sense to use artificial turf in shaded areas, or to size patios correctly so they’re comfortable without being oversized. We want our designs to work for the long term.”
He also sees outdoor spaces as extensions of the home, especially when they’re divided into what he calls “outdoor rooms.” “When you travel to a resort, you move through different environments, dining areas, lounges, water features. We try to bring that same layered experience to a backyard,” he explains.
As homeowners continue to invest more in their homes, outdoor upgrades are becoming a key part of that picture. “There’s definitely been a shift. People want to explore their own space more deeply,” LeDuc says. “Especially after the last few years, we’ve all learned the value of having a beautiful, functional space to come home to.”
Right now, LeDuc is seeing a return to earth tones and natural textures. “There was a time when modern, very linear designs with concrete and steel were big. That still has its place, but we’re seeing more people lean into organic shapes, warmer tones, and materials that feel more grounded,” he notes.
When it comes to budgeting, LeDuc advises homeowners not to let price drive the entire conversation. “Have a number in mind, but don’t let it limit your vision,” he says. “You can always phase a project—do part now, and more later. That approach often gives people better results in the long run.”
What sets Duke’s apart is its scale. “We’re not a massive company where the client never sees the owner,” LeDuc says. “We’re small and hands-on. I meet with every client, and we stay involved throughout the process.”
As summer heats up, now is actually the ideal time to start planning for next year’s yard. “We do a lot of our construction during the winter,” LeDuc explains. “So, if someone starts thinking about it in July, they’re ahead of the game.”
To explore what your outdoor space could become, visit dukeslandscapecompany.com or find them on Instagram and Facebook for more inspiration.
In the end, LeDuc says, it’s about helping people discover something new right outside their own back door. “We’re not just building backyards,” he says. “We’re creating places you want to explore, every day.”
“We want to understand how the client lives, what they enjoy, what they want to experience. It’s about the feeling they want when they walk outside their back door.”