"I enjoy taking a walk through my garden to unwind after work even before going into the house."

To celebrate our client’s love of natural stone, specimen native boulders were spaced strategically and integrated into the clay brick paving design. Antique iron railing sections were installed at periodic points in the brick walkway to highlight visual interest or to anchor a corner.

Nature was welcomed back to the property with extensive perennial and ornamental grass plantings. The expanded planting beds and plant combinations create a stimulating nature walk with many vignettes to enjoy throughout the property.

This project has become a reflective and colorful outdoor environment that offers the tranquility necessary to relax the mind and soul.

"You were a part of every step and your management of our project was invaluable to the overall success."

This modern interpretation of a craftsman styled home was the inspiration for the eclectic and contemporary landscape design. Low garden walls which match the house veneer were incorporated to offer a sense of enclosure and add a bold architectural element to define the public and semi-private spaces.

Upon entering into the back yard through the home’s breezeway, the stage is set with the signature element of the design; a theatrical 5’ diameter fire pit and split fieldstone radial bench. The 100 year old cast iron fire pit began its life as a syrup kettle in which sugar cane was melted and still shows the foundry mark from Georgia.

To bridge the change in levels between the upper and lower terrace, a stunning set of convex and concave limestone steps integrate with patterned bluestone to create the dramatic landing.

A restrained palette of perennials and ornamental grasses combined with native shrub and tree species adds refinement and seclusion to the entire property. Additional details include bluestone medallions set in concrete, extensive landscape lighting, and a well engineered irrigation system.

This is a space that both relaxes and invigorates the senses with an unmatched contemporary flair.

Installation by Stone Oak Landscapes

"We call our garden a treasure, one that you helped us discover through your vision and planning."

This Glendale project focused on renovating the dated, sloped backyard whose main feature was a spring fed lake. We designed a radial themed bluestone and brick terrace that centered on a circular dining area which appears to overhang the hillside toward the water.

The spatial layout, nickel finished landscape lighting, and a custom fabricated aluminum and stainless steel cable railing enhanced the contemporary feel the client desired. Massed plantings reinforce the architectural nature of the design.

Symmetrical radial lannon stone steps flanking a split-faced granite retaining wall lead down to a reshaped beach. The beach area then directs you to a lakeshore woodland nature walk and seating on the eastern peninsula perfect for watching the sunset to the tune of crooning frogs.

The homeowner’s now have a beautiful, relaxing oasis to enjoy every day with nature as the star performer.

Installation by David J. Frank
Landscape Contracting
and Mayer Landscapes

"I still can’t believe it’s ours. When I’m on the patio, it feels like I’m at a hotel."

Transforming a long, shallow back yard into a space of multiple outdoor rooms with a strong contemporary flair are what this client asked of us on this project. To take advantage of the narrow backyard we turned the grid of the space at a 30 degree angle relative to the house. This gave the illusion of more depth and allowed us to create rooms that flow from one end of the yard to the other.

Multiple low stucco faced walls with colored concrete caps were offset to create visual interest, help define the small spaces, and offer additional seating areas. The natural bluestone paving, installed in a 24” grid pattern, coupled with the angled floating decks, reflects the architectural style of the project while reinforcing the angle of the layout.

At night, outdoor lighting illuminates the space to create a resort like feel which is enhanced by a glowing wood fire and the soothing sound of a bubbling fountain rising from a cluster of black river rocks toward the center of the patio.

This space is truly a vacation destination right in the client’s own back yard. All they need now is a concierge and room service!

Installation by Kujawa Enterprises, Inc.

"It’s beautiful. I love how you recycled the original lannon and gave it new life."

The owners of this historic east side home, circa 1933, had recently built a new addition which inspired the need to revitalize the landscape. The clients desired a multiple room outdoor environment that could perform as a secluded place for the family to gather, garden, and entertain.

The inspiration for the patio originated with a gear-like brickwork detail on the house’s grand front door. That brick detail was custom designed into the paving to frame the fire pit area which was then screened by installing a surrounding row of arborvitae for privacy and to create an evergreen backdrop.

Following a sustainable mantra, the 76-year-old reclaimed lannon stone was given a second life as paving for the fire pit area as well as steppers and small medallion details. Salvaged granite street cobbles were laid as the plant bed edging to extend the old world charm into the front garden. Both stone elements naturally coordinate with the historic architecture of the house.

Because of the large existing trees on the property, including a magnificent purple beech, the garden was designed primarily with shade plantings. The one spot that had a sunny disposition was on the west side of the new addition where we added a generous raised timber planter for summer vegetables, herbs, and our client’s heirloom rhubarb.

Copper lighting fixtures are located throughout to enhance the elegant feel of project and coordinate with the copper gutters and detailing on the house.

Installation by Stone Oak Landscapes