Urban Oasis Landscape DesignA period correct breeze block wall was built as a backdrop to the kitchen view and an industrial charcoal corrugated metal fence completes the leitmotif and creates privacy around the property.
Sweet Smiling LandscapesWhen I came to this property not only was the landscape a scrappy mess the property also had some very real grading and drainage issues that were jeopardizing the safety of this house. As recent transplants from New Jerseys to Southern California these clients were in awe of all the plants they were seeing in their neighborhood. Living on the water at the Ventura harbor they wanted to be able to take full advantage or the outdoor lifestyle and cool ocean breeze. Being environmentally conscious citizens, these clients were very concerned that their garden was designed with sustainability as a leading factor. As they said in our initial consultation, “Would want or garden be part of the solution not part of the problem.”
This property is the last house on the bottom of a gently sloping street. All the water from the neighbor’s houses drain onto this property. When I came into this project the back yard sloped into the house. When it would rain the water would pool up against the house causing water damage. To address the drainage we employed several tactics. Firstly, we had to invert the slope in the back yard so that water would not pool against the house. We created a very minor slope going away from the house so that water drains away but so the patio area feels flat.
The back of the back yard had an existing retaining wall made out of shabby looking slump stone. In front of that retaining wall we created a beautiful natural stone retaining wall. This retain wall severs many purposes. One it works as a place to put some of the soil removed from the grading giving this project a smaller carbon foot print (moving soil of a site burns a lot of fossil fuel). The retaining wall also helps obscure the shabby existing retaining wall and allows for planting space above the footing from the existing retaining wall. The soil behind the ne retaining wall is slightly lower than the top of the wall so that when the run on water on from the neighbor’s property flows it is slowed down and absorbed before it has a chance to get near the house. Finally, the wall is at a height designed to serve as overflow seating as these clients intend to have occasional large parties and gatherings.
Other efforts made to help keep the house safe and dry are that we used permeable paving. With the hardscape being comprised of flag stone with gravel in-between water has a chance to soak into the ground so it does not flow into spots where it will pool up.
The final element to help keep the house dry is the addition of infiltration swales. Infiltration swales are depressions in the landscape that capture rain water. The down spouts on the sides of the houses are connected to pipe that goes under the ground and conveys the water to the swales. In this project it helps move rain water away from the house. In general, these Infiltration swales are a powerful element in creating sustainable landscapes. These swales capture pollutants that accumulate on the roof and in the landscape. Biology in the soil in the swales can break down these pollutants. When run of watered is not captured by soil on a property the dirty water flows into water ways and then the ocean were the biology that breaks down the pollutants is not as prolific. This is particularly important in this project as it drains directly into the harbor. The water that is absorbed in to the swales can replenish aquafers as well as increasing the water available to the plants planted in that area recusing the amount of water that is needed from irrigation.
When it came to the planting we went with a California friendly tropical theme. Using lots of succulents and plants with colorful foliage we created vibrant lush landscape that will have year around color. We planted densely (the images in the picture were taken only a month after installation). Taller drought tolerant plants to help regulate the temperature and loss of water from the plants below them. The dense plantings will help keep the garden, the house and even the neighborhood cooler on hot days, will provide spaces for birds to enjoy and will create an illusion of depth in a somewhat narrow space.
Today this garden is a space these homeowners can fully enjoy while having the peace of mind that their house is protected from flooding and they are helping the environment.
Colin Cooney DesignsColourful planting displays in this coastal garden design on the Wild Atlantic Way
Idéer för att renovera en stor lantlig trädgård i full sol framför huset och flodsten på sommaren
Idéer för att renovera en stor lantlig trädgård i full sol framför huset och flodsten på sommaren
Phil Hirst Garden DesignContemporary front garden for architect designed property. A stepping stone path of sleek grey porcelain paving leads to the front door. Raised beds of ipe wood lead up the sloping site creating terraces of planting. Tall grasses and perennials create a living screen between the garden and driveway.
Athyrium DesignThis exquisite home on Philadelphia's Main Line underwent a total landscape transformation. Overgrown plantings and invasive species were removed to make room for a transitional landscape that functions for this family's low-maintenance lifestyle. Here, boxwoods are interplanted with native species and formal lines are combined with a rain garden. This updated landscape now supports the client's lifestyle as well as the surrounding environment!
PLT DesignMaking the side return into a useable space with a bespoke bike store with green roof..
Idéer för små funkis bakgårdar i full sol på sommaren
Idéer för små funkis bakgårdar i full sol på sommaren
The Outdoor GreatRoom CompanyThe Vintage Square Gas Fire Pit Table features a stunning 24x24" Dora Brown burner set inside a distressed wood-look tile top. The base is a distressed cedar that will continue to age and wear as time goes on.
Brown Dion DesignSmall courtyard garden with concrete pavers and cottage-style plantings. Now well grown. Mock orange, roses, dogwood in bloom. Japanese maple 'Bloodgood' in the background.
Boyce Design + BuildThis contemporary backyard oasis offers our clients indoor-outdoor living for year-round relaxation and entertaining. The custom rectilinear swimming pool and stacked stone raised spa were designed to maximize the tight lot coverage restrictions while the cascading waterfalls and natural stone water feature add tranquility to the space. Panoramic doors create a beautiful transition between the interior and exterior spaces allowing for more entertaining options and increased natural light. The covered porch features retractable screens, ceiling-mounted infrared heaters, T&G ceiling and a stacked stone fireplace
Studio Design ElementsIdéer för mycket stora funkis verandor på baksidan av huset, med naturstensplattor, takförlängning och räcke i metall
Alderwood Landscape Architecture and ConstructionThese clients' small yard had severe drainage issues, making it difficult for their large family to spend time outdoors. We worked with the clients to create several spaces in the small area that flowed together and met the family's needs. The modern-styled furniture spaces divided by flagstone pavers separated the spaces while an array of short plantings, Japanese maples, and Asian lantern decor introduced fluidity.
Lifescape Colorado.Inspiration för en stor funkis gårdsplan, med en öppen spis och naturstensplattor
Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSolid Oak furniture compliments naturally silvered decking.
Medelhavsstil inredning av en trädgård
Medelhavsstil inredning av en trädgård
Fautt HomesOutdoor living at its finest. Stained ceilings, rock mantle and bluestone flooring complement each other and provide durability in the weather.
Idéer för en stor maritim uteplats på baksidan av huset, med utekök, naturstensplattor och takförlängning
Idéer för en stor maritim uteplats på baksidan av huset, med utekök, naturstensplattor och takförlängning
Keith Zars PoolsThis beautiful, modern lakefront pool features a negative edge perfectly highlighting gorgeous sunset views over the lake water. An over-sized sun shelf with bubblers, negative edge spa, rain curtain in the gazebo, and two fire bowls create a stunning serene space.
ROAM ArchitectureA new pool house structure for a young family, featuring a space for family gatherings and entertaining. The highlight of the structure is the featured 2 sliding glass walls, which opens the structure directly to the adjacent pool deck. The space also features a fireplace, indoor kitchen, and bar seating with additional flip-up windows.
place architecture:designOur clients’ goal was to add an exterior living-space to the rear of their mid-century modern home. They wanted a place to sit, relax, grill, and entertain while enjoying the serenity of the landscape. Using natural materials, we created an elongated porch to provide seamless access and flow to-and-from their indoor and outdoor spaces.
The shape of the angled roof, overhanging the seating area, and the tapered double-round steel columns create the essence of a timeless design that is synonymous with the existing mid-century house. The stone-filled rectangular slot, between the house and the covered porch, allows light to enter the existing interior and gives accessibility to the porch.
Alpine Construction and Design Ltd.Idéer för stora vintage trädgårdar i full sol vattenfall och flodsten på våren
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