Yard Elves Inc. is expanding into commercial landscaping after completing several large residential projects, including a landscape installation on a 40-acre estate. The expansion comes nearly 10 years after owner Alan Horne founded the company, which had previously focused on residential work. Horne was inspired to move into commercial projects after the success of a million-dollar waterfall installation at a large residential property in Estes Park.
2. To whom it may concern,
Yard Elves Inc. installed my landscape in November of 2004. I wanted to let everyone
know I couldn’t be more pleased with the project. The initial meetings with the
management were very professional and there was no question I would get what I
wanted. I did and then some. The crew was professional prompt and accurate. Your men
have a knack for attention to detail and that’s very important to me. I would recommend
Yard Elves Inc. to anyone looking for an honest contractor for landscaping services.
Thanks again for everything.
Sincerely,
Darrell Franklin
Patrol Officer
Fort Collins Police
Dear Yard Elves,
I have been a customer of Yard Elves for many years. Year after year I am constantly
impressed with the level of service I am provided. Your crew is always well dressed and
polite. Having a landscaper that I can count on to be fair, courteous and always available
is a valuable asset to me as a homeowner. I look forward to a long relationship with your
company.
Cindy Gordon
Sergeant
Larimer County Sheriff’s Office
Alan,
Just a quick letter to let you know I spend many hours with my family out by my
waterfall. My wife and I have found it to be the focal point of our property.
Our neighbors have been found in our backyard enjoying it as well. One other point I
would like to mention was that whenever something comes up regarding maintenance or
repair your office staff is always helpful in getting someone over here usually within 24
hours. This speaks volumes to the commitment you have to your customers considering
my waterfall was built in fall of 2002. I have already recommended your company to
several of my colleagues and will continue to do so. Thank you very much for a quality
product.
Sincerely,
Rick Bernum
Captain Station 5
Poudre Fire Authority
3. Yard Elves Inc.
I contacted your office to install a landscape in my lot which was bare. From design
through final installation your entire staff was helpful, courteous and professional. Being
the former equipment manager for the Denver Broncos for the last 11 years, I know that
attention to every detail is vitally important to all other facets of an organization.
I would recommend your company to anyone looking for a company to provide
outstanding service, quality and value. My project was completed in what I consider an
amazing amount of time considering the quality and detail put into it. I couldn’t be
happier. I will recommend Yard Elves Inc. to everyone I know.
Sincerely Yours,
Doug West
National Football League Footwear Specialist
Reebok Intl. Ltd.
Former Equipment Manager Denver Broncos
4. Letter of Recommendation:
Yard Elves Inc.
Fort Collins, CO
To whom it may concern:
This letter is intended to recommend Yard Elves Inc. to prospective future
customers. We are local residents, home and business owners and clients of Yard
Elves. I also feel my background qualifies me to recommend a landscape
company. In 2005, I retired after twenty-four (24) years in the hospitality
industry. My most recent positions included President of Caesars Tahoe, Lake
Tahoe, CA and President of Flamingo Las Vegas, NV. I have employed entire
departments of landscapers and hired companies for multi-million dollar projects.
In 2005 we relocated to Fort Collins, CO. We purchased a home on
approximately two-thirds of an acre that required extensive landscape renovation.
The project also required removal of the existing landscaping. After interviewing
three local companies we decided to retain Yard Elves for the project.
Alan Horne was the only company owner of the three companies solicited that
attended the first meeting. He made an impact on us with his commitment to be
involved in the project, and he was, nearly every day for four months. He also
stressed the company’s efforts in customer service. Alan also displayed an
impressive company history along with samples of past projects. Through each
phase of the project from concept, to working design and execution of each
aspect, we were impressed with the quality of craftsmanship, knowledge and
ability of the Yard Elves team.
Our project required heavy equipment to maneuver and fit numerous boulders
over two tons, extensive sprinkling and lighting systems, a double water feature,
fencing, concrete work, retaining walls, two large flagstone patios and extensive
planting of trees, shrubs and plants. Much of the materials removed from the
existing landscape were reused during the project, saving on expense whenever
possible. This work was done in an occupied house with neighboring homes
close-by. Not one complaint was heard during the project. Additionally our
Homeowners Association was satisfied before, during and after the project.
Very little extra effort has been required since completion of the project,
however, Alan, Nikki and some of their staff follow-up with us to ensure
satisfaction on a regular basis. They also respond quickly to any of our requests.
We are very pleased with the outcome of our project and highly recommend Yard
Elves to those considering them for a project of any size.
Sincerely,
Mark Rittorno
Fort Collins, CO
5. Sometimes, the challenges of a job can become an artistic catalyst.
When obstacles become minor triumphs, they can add up to a showpiece.
Alan Horne, owner of Yard Elves, Inc., recently enjoyed a particularly challenging landscape remodel in south-
east Fort Collins.
The job was extensive. “Everything was removed but the driveway!” Horne says. The yard had a tough grade
to work with. The backyard design had to accommodate a walkout basement.
Accepting the challenge Ya rd Elves and the homeowner worked out a plan! In the front yard Horne added
berms--dirt mounds cut with boulder accents to give the landscape a sense of depth. Yard Elves also integrated a
new irrigation system, lawn, beds, plantings, and outdoor lighting throughout the yard. In the backyard, Horne
custom built a moss rock retaining wall with a waterfall and custom flagstone patio to create a courtyard feel!
The waterfall was engineered very carefully. “We didn't want water going down behind the retaining wall and caus-
ing a problem,” Horne states. “We made the waterfall out of two separate systems.” Water cycles out of two individ-
ual fountains, which flow into their own cobble pits. From the patio, the two independent systems appear as one cas-
cading waterfall. “When running, the sound of the water adds a certain level of privacy and tranquility,” Horne says.
“You can sit and have a great conversation while the water washes away outside noise.”
The wandering lines of the custom flagstone pathways and stairs mimic the flow of
the waterfall. The fire pit acts as an off-center focal point for the courtyard. The total effect
is stunningly natural. “We created the landscape to make it seem as if the house was
dropped right into it,” Horne says.
The renovation was started in September and took several months. “That's actual-
ly a good time to look at big jobs,” Horne explains. “At that time of year, I can nego-
tiate pretty favorable rates.”
Yard Elves can custom design build just about anything you can imagine. What I
love,” most, Horne says, “is working with customers who allow us to be creative.
I interview the client, and find out what type of functionality, taste, lifestyle and
themes they most enjoy and then find a way of
custom-building that in the field.”
6. A creage projects are land-
scapes for properties of
an acre or more. A c reage landscaping involves
more than just filling a yard with grass and a few bushes.
How will the landscaper deal with drainage on the property? What sort of plant life will he use? How
will decorative elements echo a central theme?
One ranch style home in Loveland provides a recent example of this type of project. Landscaper Alan Horne
of Yard Elves, Inc. designed and implemented a plan for more than an acre of residential landscaping. Beginning
with the front yard, Horne landscaped around a circular driveway to create a dramatic entry-way. The use of an
old wooden cherry sorter as a planter, accents the walkway to the front door.
The back yard continued Horne’s creative approach. He bracketed the irregularly shaped lawn spaces with
gravel, stone and rural design elements. Horne says, “I had an opportunity to create natural, rustic scenes because
the project property backs to a farm.” Horne incorporated xeriscaping, enabling the homeowner to manage water
use on the property thanks to a combination of native plants, rock and imaginative design.
Horne created three separate scenes, all visible from the rear porch. On the left, Horne placed an antique
manure spreader among the mulched wildflowers and boulder accents. Horne imbedded the spreader’s metal
wheels and spokes in the ground, helping to meld the scene to the natural landscape. In the center, flagstone step-
pers lead to a raised garden, topped by a burst of colored wildflowers.
On the right, Horne placed a decorative waterfall. Water
tumbles from flat-stacked boulders into a five-foot deep pond.
Boulder accents, driftwood, a metal wagon wheel and a variety of
Northern Colorado plants decorate the scene. Nearby, creeping
plants spill from stacked, old-fashioned barrels, echoing the
actions of the waterfall. A sign dedicating the pond to the home-
owner’s wife is a final, distinctive touch.
The xeriscaped portion of the acreage mimics natural shapes,
including rock outcroppings and a dry creek bed. Horne achieved that
effect using several different sizes of gravel and the eye of an artist.
Yard Elves designs and installs acreage projects from a half-
acre and up. Horne’s work results in effective water use, proper
soil conservation—and a beautiful landscape that is guar-
anteed to be functional but more importantly, unique!
7. By Brian Kaufman Photos courtesy of Yard Elves A one-acre trout pond built by Yard Elves
reclines in the sun near Estes Park.
preservation and integration: landscape and remodels Trails, an artificial waterfall and a stream and
even a mining cart complete with tunnel all blend
Your home is more than just a building. The trees, shrubs, flowerbeds and lawn neatly into the environment around the home.
add to the overall character of your home, as well as adding thousands of dol-
lars to the home’s value. When the time comes to remodel, your landscape will
be an important consideration. But how do you protect your landscape dur-
ing a building remodel? And should you remodel the landscape itself?
ometimes remodels focus on the landscape itself. Changes to landscape can enhance a home’s
S value while adding significantly to the lifestyle opportunities of the home’s occupants.
Alan Horne is the owner of Yard Elves, a landscape company in Fort Collins. Horne’s
company is a true Cinderella story. “I came to town with a car, a sleeping bag and a televi-
sion,” Horne laughed. “I feel really blessed to have done so well in this community. Our
staff is really excellent.” Today, Yard Elves boasts more than 70 years combined experience
between senior staff members.
Integrating changes into existing landscape and Integrating a landscape theme into
the natural ecology is a challenge and Horne recommends proper planning.
“It’s like a puzzle,” Horne said. “You’ve got to be delicate and take your time, thinking things
through and constantly readjusting.” Jobs are done in sections with a solid day-by-day plan.”
Yard Elves tackles jobs of any size. “I’ve done jobs from $1,000 to two-and-half mil-
lion,” Horne said. “Every job is different. Every job is fun.”
Often, the small jobs are the most challenging. “The tighter the space, the harder it is
to minimize impact,” Horne said, explaining that homes with close-in neighbors allow lit-
tle workspace for heavy equipment.
Larger jobs involve different considerations. Aspen Rock in Estes Park gave Horne a chance
to integrate his work into a beautiful natural landscape. The project had to be approved by the Army Corps of Engineers, ensur-
ing that wetlands weren’t harmed.
The original work included the construction on a one-acre trout pond. It was critical to both the homeowner and
Horne that the pond appeared natural. “We had a lot of parties involved trying to minimize the environmental impact.”
The results were outstanding. Local wildlife began using the remodeled area as a habitat. “You’d see 100 head of elk jump-
ing into the pond at once,” said Horne. “Spectacular.”
The homeowner was pleased, and ord e red more work. The next step was a million-dollar waterfall, running the
length of the pro p e r t y. Again, Integrating the work into the natural landscape was the goal. “We landscaped it to look like
it was always there,” Horne said. “As if they took the house and set it down on this beautiful setting.”
The finished work appears natural, though every stone was engineered and placed in accordance with the remodel
plan. Horne even added a mine shaft with a decorative small-gauge mining cart.
Showpiece job aside, Horne focuses on landscaping starter, middle class and high-end homes along with commer-
cial properties. “Each customer has their own taste. There’s so much diversity.” Horne even crafts xeriscapes with inter-
esting natural touches like dry streambeds and wooden bridges.
No matter what the homeowner’s budget is, Horne advises finding and expert to help with landscape remodels, and
to “Check references. Ask to see prior projects.”
“People throw down rock, grass and a tree,” he added. “[It’s] better to design something colorful and functional. A
good company can help.”
Reproduced with permission - The Coloradoan - March 11, 2006 Remodel and Décor
8. N early a decade after founding Yard
Elves, Inc., owner Alan Horne has
announced the addition of a new commercial
dential project that began with the construc-
tion of a one-acre trout pond. Because the pond
was constructed near wetlands, the Army
landscaping division. The company had pre- Corps of Engineers had to approve the project.
viously concentrated on residential land- Horne and his skilled staff worked to mini-
scapes. Horne decided to expand after work- mize the environmental impact of the project.
ing on several large residential projects. “We The resulting pond drew lots of local wildlife,
recently completed one of the largest residen- including herds of elk. “We landscaped it to
tial landscape installations in Northern look like it was already there,” Horne says.
Colorado,” Horne notes. “This particular The pond project was so successful that the After nearly ten years
landscape construction job took place on a owner commissioned a million dollar water- of steady growth…
forty acre estate. It gave me the inspiration to fall and landscape, running the length of the the“little company that could”
take the next step.” property. Horne’s goal was to integrate the
Horne is no stranger to large accounts. His landscaping into the existing environment,
is large enough for a
clients have included persons associated with “as if they took the house and set it down on new challenge.
Fortune 500 companies, upper level manage- this beautiful setting.”
ment personnel, CEO’S, and CFO’S from Every rock in the project was engineered The challenges of the new endeavor don’t
some of the areas largest employers. Horne and placed according to plan. Horne built a frighten Horne. “It was a struggle getting to
has even completed landscape jobs for a for- mineshaft with a small-gauge mining cart for where I am now. You have to watch every
mer Hollywood Director and a President of a a touch of authentic decoration. The entire penny, even when times are good, that is one
Vegas Casino. panorama can be viewed from the home’s of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the
Still, Horne’s hard-earned successes came rear porch. At night, lights mark the water’s years. In the business world, you’re always
gradually. “Yard Elves started small. I sold my path, providing a spectacular view of the one foot in and one foot out. I try not to take
GTO and used credit cards to finance the start tumbledown waterfall. anything for granted.”
of the company,” Horne laughs. “When I start- The initial response to Horne’s expansion Horne’s long-term plans include spinning
ed, I had one employee—me.” After nearly into commercial landscaping has been posi- off a separate company to handle landscaping
ten years of steady growth and a tive. “So far, we’ve completed greenbelts, and for high-end estates and commercial proper-
lot of support from his entryways.” Upcoming projects will ties. He feels strongly about being involved
family and the commu- include an athletic track, park, and a with the community and supporting the con-
nity, the “little compa- series of town homes. Horne says, tinued economic growth of Northern
ny that could” is “These jobs are similar to the larger Colorado. Eventually, he plans to be involved
large enough for a residential projects we’ve done in with commercial real estate development.
new challenge. the past. I feel very fortunate to have Horne’s strategy is old school. “If I had it
The turning point been given the opportunity to work my way, every job would be contracted on a
was a two-and-a-half for developers, general contractors handshake,” Horne says. “All you have to do
million dollar resi- and builders.” is deliver what you sell. It’s that simple.”
9. By Brian Kaufman
E
veryone ages, but the changing needs of homeowners aren't
always reflected in the design of their homes. Narrow halls
and doorways, steep staircases and yard elevations may be
beautiful, but they aren't always user-friendly. Homeowners are not
always prepared for the very predictable needs of natural aging. What
can homeowners do to design new homes or remodel old ones so that
they can age gracefully in their own home?
Jeff Schneider of Armstead Construction believes that more and
more people are asking that question. “My opinion is, after 9-11 hap-
pened, a lot of people stepped back and decided that they needed to think
long-term about their lives. It's a huge change in the marketplace. People
are looking ahead and planning rather than moving to another home.”
Homeowners want to know what they should do to be able to stay in their
homes comfortably, safely, regardless of their age or level of ability.
What are the building and remodel tips for people who want to
live in their homes long-term? They include:
• Levered door handles. Those round doorknobs are tough to grip!
Levered door handles allow residents to open the door with a soft
push from a hand or elbow.
• Touch pads for entryways. Rather than
fumble with the house keys, some residents
ABOVE: Accessibility equals freedom. Peggy Graff
use keypad locks that are both secure and and Jon Wright’s landscaping was designed to let
aging-friendly. Graff move around her yard without help using an ele-
• Accessible appliances. Whole new genera- vator and an inclined path. Left to right: Alan and Nicki
tions of appliances feature waist-high pull Horne, Peggy Graff and Jon Wright.
out drawers, including refrigerators and
dishwashers. Built-in drawer pantries store LEFT: A bench lies at the end of a custom pathway
food at countertop height. Front-loading in Graff and Wright’s yard. A boulder fountain and
small rock garden set off the view, and the path and
washers and dryers help avoid bending
railing make it easy for Graff to move around and
and lifting. enjoy the open space.
• One level houses. Stairs are beautiful, but
they're hard to climb! One level houses are PHOTOS BY BRIAN KAUFMAN
wheelchair accessible.
• Low doorway thresholds. Instead of the standard front-door threshold of Horne designed the project to allow Peggy to enjoy her yard from all van-
one and a half inches, CAPS builders put an angled, 3/4 inch threshold. tage points. He installed new beds, boulder accents and plants to enhance the
The rounded threshold helps wheelchairs avoid the sharp angles of a tra- view. A redwood rail offers protection for Peggy, while linking the path to a
ditional entryway. p re-existing deck.
• Curb-less shower stalls with plenty of space. Showers without a curb The results were spectacular. Peggy said, “Yard Elves did three important
allow wheelchairs to roll into a shower unimpeded, turn around and things. They had great attention to detail. They cared about my safety. And
roll back out. since they completed the project, they've been by every few days to make sure
• Four-foot hallways and doors. The ADA (American Disabilities Act) rec- everything is okay.”
ommends 42-inch wide halls and doors to allow for wheelchairs. “This project meant a lot to me,” Horne admits.
Schneider feels that four feet “gives you room for both a wheelchair and The work crew brought Horne's vision to life. “My crew really outdid
grab rails.” themselves.” Peggy and Jon's offered input as the job progressed. Horne said,
• 3/4 inch plywood wall surfaces. Instead of plain drywall, plywood- “They're the reason this job was successful.”
backed drywall allows for the future installation of grab rails without Indoors or out, experts advise planning
major remodeling. for aging in the design phase of building a
• Extra clearance space below sinks and counters-this will allow close “park- house, rather than waiting for problems to
ing” for wheelchair-bound residents to use the workspaces in the home. force a remodel. Schneider notes, “A lot of lit-
Schneider believes that these design ideas will “help the elderly adapt to their tle things can be done in advance, like putting
houses instead of pulling them out and moving them somewhere else.” But what in that plywood instead of drywall. It will
about outdoor space? For example, can landscape be made wheelchair friendly? save money when the time comes to remodel.
Alan Horne of Yard Elves, Inc. recently designed a landscape project for It will also save time. A person can install a
Peggy Graff and Jon Wright of Fort Collins. The project features a back yard handrail themselves if they've planned
deck with an elevator that drops down to a custom flagstone pathway. The ahead. When we remodel, we come into your
sloped path curves through a small aspen grove and rock garden, and then con- 'safe place,' tear it up and make a lot of dust
tinues down to a small patio and boulder fountain. and noise. A little planning avoids that.”
Adapted from the Coloradoan Article - Coloradoan Connection, September 6; Windsor Beacon, September 7; The Coloradoan, September 9, 2006
10. Fort Collins Now - Serving America's best place to live. Page 1 of 2
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Charitable Elves
Landscaper authors book on Inspiration Playground to
help kids in need ARTICLE TOOLS
Print Email Comments
Julie Piotraschke
1:05 a.m. MT Oct 7, 2007
The Yard Elves are perhaps best known in Fort Collins as landscaping INTERESTED?
designers for homes and businesses.
The book The Yard Elves
Now the able creatures and their creator are making the move to the Visit Inspiration Playground
children’s bookshelf. can be ordered for $15.50
at lulu.com/content. Horne
Fort Collins resident Alan Horne, the owner of Yard Elves, together with is hoping to have the book
notable comic book writer Ron Fortier of The Hulk, Popeye and Green on the shelves of Barnes &
Hornet fame, have written The Yard Elves Visit Inspiration Playground.” Noble and B. Dalton in the
Click to Enlarge near future. Horne can be
More Photos & Reprints »
reached at
The 42-page color book is about a group of magical elves, a brother yardelves@gmail.com. All
and a sister, and their neighbors who come together to build a proceeds from the book will
children’s park. be donated to children with
More Coverage disabilities and at-risk
The tale is woven around Inspiration Park here in Fort Collins, which is youth.
MORE OP-ED ARTICLES
currently being built just south of Overland Trail and Drake Road. The
Inside Politics: How the West Might
be Won $1.35 million playground will accommodate children of all abilities. It is planned to open Oct. 27.
Boucher: Council Members Show
Their True Colors Horne, who founded Yard Elves about a decade ago, has been active in the funding of the park, but
he was inspired to write after a visit to a Ronald McDonald House. When a relative had to have a leg
removed because of cancer, Horne, with his wife Nicole, spent time visiting him at the Mayo Clinic.
Across the street was the Ronald McDonald House where Horne saw children who had lost legs or
arms from cancer. It made a lasting impact.
So when the Yard Elves landscaping business became more successful than Horne anticipated—he
started it out of his garage and has since completed $10 million in landscaping projects—he knew how
he wanted to share his fortunes.
A friendship with Craig A. Secher, president and founder of Realities for Children Inc., provided him
with further motivation. And Fortier, who also is Horne’s stepfather, provided an ideal writing partner.
Horne hopes the book will not only provide an amusing and moralistic tale for kids, but will also be a
way to help children like the ones he saw years ago at the Ronald McDonald House.
Horne is donating all proceeds from the book to disabled children and at-risk youth in Larimer County.
“I wanted to take something close to my heart and do something good about it,” Horne said. “To me,
that’s true charitable giving. You want to be there for the community and to make a difference.”
This book isn’t the last chapter for the Yard Elves, rather it’s the first in a series. Horne says the elves
will appear in a book on cancer followed by one for burn victims. And after that, maybe a toy line too.
Wherever the elves go next, Horne said they’ll go where they’ll help others.
“Our dream is to build a strong business and have enough revenue to reach children all over the
world,” Horne said.
http://www.fortcollinsnow.com/article/20071007/NEWS/71005014 10/13/2007
11. An Inside Look
at Alan R. Horne Installing Quality…
…One Yard at a Time!
I nominate Alan R. Horne for the “2006 Entrepreneur Bravo Award.”
Alan is the owner and operator of Yard Elves, Inc. which is a locally owned and
operated landscape business that started here in Fort Collins.
Alan’s life long passion of becoming a businessman and his dreams of a better
life fueled him in the start up of Yard Elves.
Alan started small in business dominated by larger companies. Despite many
struggles and a highly competitive industry, Yard Elves Inc. has close to a ten-
year track record of growth and profitability.
Alan is always striving to improve the industry and to make it more professional.
This professionalism appeals to both his employees, but more importantly to his
customers. He prides himself on making each landscape unique. From selecting
the designer, to picking the construction crew that best fit’s the job, Alan’s coach-
ing style and team approach makes him successful at integrating landscape arc h i-
tecture into almost any environment.
One thing I particularly enjoy about Alan is that he is willing to take chances on
more challenging jobs. His determination is unmatchable and one of his strongest
assets. I truly believe this is the reason he has been awarded five, six, and even
seven figure projects during his career.
Alan keeps himself well grounded by being humble. He acknowledges that his
success comes from the company that he keeps which are his family, friends,
employees and loyal customers. He constantly tries to support anyone in need if
within his abilities. Alan currently supports Realities For Children, The Boys and
Girls Club, Muscular Dystrophy Association and Adoption Dreams Come True.
Alan has even commissioned and co-authored a book for children with disabili-
ties. Proceeds will benefit Larimer County at-risk children.
Respectfully Submitted,
Remi L. Abrams
Sales Associate, Yard Elves, Inc.
YARD ELV E S, INC.
2519 S. Shields, Suite 110 • Fort Collins, CO 80526 Phone: (970) 224-5369 Toll Free: 1-888-824-5369
w w w. y a r d e l v e s . c o m
