Striking Texas native botanical design with local river rock top dressing. Photographer: Greg Thomas, http://optphotography.com/

David Morello
This is an example of a traditional backyard garden in Houston with with lawn edging.

These Landscape Architectural elements were designed and installed by Great Oaks Landscape Associates Inc. Great Oaks used pergolas and arbors to accent the patio's, sitting areas, and outdoor living spaces.

Garden bed that wraps around side of house with natural stone and plantings with brick edging.
This is an example of a large modern side yard full sun xeriscape for summer in Other with with lawn edging and river rock.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

Learn more about this design or receive a quote by contacting us online: https://creativeenvironments.com/contact-us/

3d rendering for a landscape design project in Claremont, CA. - A mixture of drought tolerant plants and grasses with modern look materials make this house the envy of the block

Dry colorful garden with a dazzling, amazing look. Rich color and bold textures bring life to the front yard. Lush and vibrant garden that replace the usual lawn. Islands of planting create plenty of space to walk by or sit and enjoy the plants.

Southwestern landscaping services in the backyard of Riverside, CA home. New grass, plants, and patio construction.
This is an example of a large and desert look backyard full sun xeriscape for summer in Los Angeles with concrete pavers.

Design ideas for a mid-sized and desert look modern backyard partial sun xeriscape in Other with concrete pavers.

Large and desert look backyard partial sun xeriscape in Denver with natural stone pavers.

Small and desert look sloped full sun xeriscape in Denver with natural stone pavers for summer.

Photo by Ketti Kupper
Design ideas for a small and desert look contemporary front yard full sun xeriscape in Los Angeles.

Design ideas for a small traditional backyard garden in London with natural stone pavers and with lawn edging.

Contemporary backyard partial sun garden in Madrid with with lawn edging.

Design ideas for a small and desert look traditional backyard partial sun xeriscape for spring in Albuquerque with concrete pavers.

The Zoysia 'carpet like' turf extends to the Fieldstone banding and planter edging. We see newly installed plants and a wrought iron handrail along the serpentine wall. In the distance, is the focal point, a Sculpture / water feature, providing a serene sitting area

Neil Landino. Design Credit: Stephen Stimson Associates
Design ideas for a large contemporary sloped full sun formal garden in New York with concrete pavers and with lawn edging.

Large contemporary backyard formal garden in Seattle with mulch and with lawn edging.