Holly Days Nursery http://hollydaysnursery.com/horsham-landscapesupply/landscaping/landscapingawards/ Project Entry: The Dresher Pavillion 2014 PLAN Awards for Landscape Excellence WInner Category: Hardscaping-Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: The new owners of this home wanted an outdoor space where they could spend time with family and friends. The space would need to accommodate a larger dinning table, a lounging area and play room for their young children. However, the most important requirement was instant shade as the back of the house faces southwest. Though not a new construction, the home was completely void of any landscape improvements (save the cement pad installed by the builder) or shade trees. The children never played in their backyard in the summer after mid-morning because it was simply too hot. Our solution included a 1,400 ft2 paver patio with arched pavilion stretching across the length of the house. Fans were installed in the pavilion’s tongue and groove paneled ceiling to improve air circulation. Looking forward, October Glory Maples were planted at critical locations to provide additional shade in the years to come. A new walkway and extended entrance area now connects the drive to the contemporary style patio. All were created using Techo-Bloc Blu 60mm Aged pavers in Shale Grey. Sitting walls and pillars were created using Techo-Bloc Mini Creta Wall 3” and 6” Mix, Pillars 3” and 6” Mix (both in Shale Grey) and Techo-Bloc Portofino Caps in Onyx Black. Recessed lights in the ceiling and lights on the pillars extend entertainment hours after dark. While our client was eager to move forward with the paver patio, pavilion and shade trees, they had to weigh the costs of adding of a storage shed versus additional plantings in the backyard. In the end, they opted to add the shed and only the foundation plantings included on the plan view. That said, they look forward to the future installation of additional trees and shrubs, as well as fruit producing plants like raspberry bushes and a strawberry patch. Meanwhile, our client, and especially the children, have enjoyed a full season of cool shade and long summer days spent on the patio.