Landscapes for modern living

Majestic Courtyard

2011-01-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

This beautiful courtyard of only 370 square feet was designed to create a feeling of tranquility and openness. While entertaining, the homeowner’s guests would arrive and enter through the kitchen door assuming that it was the front entrance.

Our goals were twofold with this project. First, we wanted to add depth, texture and balance to the homes small, yet towering stature. Secondly, we wanted to accentuate the homes front door in order to limit any confusion as to its location. This was achieved by gently guiding visitors along a Three Rivers Flagstone pathway where they were shaded by towering potted Japanese Maples. The Flagstone pathway created both depth and dimension to the courtyard, while acting as a guide for visitors to the newly added cantilever step.

The property did not include a backyard, only a courtyard. The clients had just newly remodeled the interior of their home and were seeking a fresh outdoor look to prepare company for the indoor experience.

Simple yet Elegant

2011-01-05T01:32:00.000-08:00

This 2000 square foot shallow, yet long backyard was over grown with vegetation and possessed an algal infested vinyl liner pond. The home owner loved to entertain and was in need of increasing the amount of usable and enjoyable living space.

Privacy was at its minimum as three neighbors had full-access views into the outdoor space. Additionally, the proportion of plants to concrete was not balanced, thus the yard lacked the necessary feel that was required in order for it to become a source of entertainment and tranquility.

To create a space that would be consistent with the homeowner’s lifestyle, essentially we created three main attractions. First, we custom designed a cascading four foot copper sheer descent fountain. We created a fixed seating space along side of the fountain that not only created a destination in the yard, but did away with the need to fuss over extra seating.

Next, we added a seven food Redwood trellis to the landscape. This directed the eye up, as to detract from the small yard and evoke a feeling openness.

Finally, we stocked the landscape with plants that made those in its presence use all of their senses. We added texture and depth by using Strawberry Trees, Lavender, variegated Flax, Thuja, Lirope, and Lilac Vine.

We wanted those that entered the yard to be enthralled by the beautiful and harmonious fragrances. This was achieved by strategically placing Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, and Citrus throughout the landscape.

Two main features of existing landscape were preserved. First, the homeowner was sentimentally attached to a cherished Fig tree. In order to honor her feelings, we decided to present this fig tree as a form of garden art by planting it into an eighteen inch high raised planter.

Lastly, we preserved the existing concrete patio by resurfacing it with a sixteen by sixteen inch porcelain tile.

Cottage Garden

2011-01-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

What is now a suburban backyard dream was originally a long yard that wrapped around the house with a few existing trees and some bark.

An expansive grass area was added that meandered through the yard in order to draw the eye to the back corner of the house making it appear larger. The grass area added additional usable space for entertaining, barbecuing or for whatever your favorite outdoor activities may be.

A beautiful whimsical dry creek bed was placed into the yard for both functional and aesthetic reasons. A dry creek bed is one way to improve the drainage in your yard, as well as to create the feeling of movement and fluidity.

Cottage like plantings were carefully, yet naturally placed throughout the landscape through the use of rolling mounds. A gorgeous rose garden was created for the owner, who is an avid rose gardener. To create an additional vantage point in the yard, a flagstone patio was constructed that led to a relaxing seating bench.

A copper fountain and garden art were placed throughout the yard. As with all of our designs, we pay careful attention to making sure that all of the senses are stimulated while enjoying the landscape.

Small space with big potential

2010-12-12T23:53:00.000-08:00

One of our most recent projects completed, this small backyard in the downtown Sacramento area was over shadowed by large trees and lacked usable space. Our clients goal was to increase the usable space of the yard while bringing more light and energy to the environment. These needs were met by first removing three large trees from the property. Next, we created destinations throughout the backyard, making it more of inviting.

A masonry fire pit with an 18” high seat wall behind it was designed. In order to direct the eye to the lower portion of the property, we decided to place the fire pit in this location. To achieve a sense of separation, poured concrete stepping stones were placed between the large stone patio and fire pit.

Elevation change throughout the space was gradual with the use of flagstone steps leading to an expansive stone patio. Layering of multiple flowering shrubs and perennials created depth and interest to the landscape.

The garden entrance is framed by an over sized wooden trellis leading you to a place of wonder.

From the rear of the home, a set of French doors opens to an upper terrace surrounded by fragrant shrubs.

A ten foot high wooden fence surrounds the space while adding privacy and vertical interest.