--- title: "LiveWell Outdoors — Landscape Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/livewell-outdoors-pfvwus-pf~1921027034 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1921027034.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "LiveWell Outdoors" category: ["Landscape Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/e6f3a4380fe87740_4411-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "11602 Cheltenham Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772, United States" latitude: 38.8377 longitude: -76.798 phone: "(301) 720-1000" website: https://LiveWellOutdoors.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 82 best_of_houzz_awards: 15 followers: 428 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # LiveWell Outdoors Original Houzz profile: [LiveWell Outdoors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/livewell-outdoors-pfvwus-pf~1921027034) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Contractors - **Location:** Upper Marlboro, MD - **Serves:** Bowie, Clinton, College Park, Laurel, Fort Washington, Greenbelt, Ft Washington, Hyattsville, Takoma Park, Glenn Dale, Lake Arbor, Mitchellville, Largo, Rosaryville, Westphalia, Marlton, Brandywine, Mount Rainier, Cheverly, Springdale, Woodmore, Croom, DC (Washington), Washington - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (82 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2013–2025), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Online consultation - Offers Custom Work At LiveWell Outdoors, we believe your experience should be as extraordinary as the results. We deliver 20 plus years of experience, providing a broad range of disciplines that include landscape architecture, landscape design, and construction expertise. We offer single-source landscape design to help you through every stage of your outdoor project – from initial brainstorming to design and material selection, and of course, final build and installation. We specialize in creating lifestyles for our clients using a phased-in approach based on proper design. Our phased-in approach Design-Build Process means we help you think about your final vision for your outdoor living experience – even if today, you are focused on one element, like the deck or a new patio. As designers, we work within your budget, allowing you to find a comfortable spending plan to create your dreams. Feel free to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! DREAM IT • BUILD IT • LIVE IT ### Services Provided - Hardscaping - Patio Construction - Garden Design - Deck Building - Pergola Construction - Paver Installation - Retaining Wall Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Outdoor Lighting Installation - Masonry - Gazebo Design & Construction - Landscape Lighting Installation - Sod Installation - 3D Renderings - Landscape Designs - Masonry Construction & Repair - Outdoor Structures - Planting Designs - Pools - Putting Greens - Sports Courts - Trellis & Pergola Construction - Water Features ### Areas Served - Bowie - Clinton - College Park - Laurel - Fort Washington - Greenbelt - Ft Washington - Hyattsville - Takoma Park - Glenn Dale - Lake Arbor - Mitchellville - Largo - Rosaryville - Westphalia - Marlton - Brandywine - Mount Rainier - Cheverly - Springdale - Woodmore - Croom - DC (Washington) - Washington ### Typical Job Cost $10,000 - 100,000 Design fees will apply. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | LiveWell Outdoors | | Address | 11602 Cheltenham Road, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772, United States | | Phone | (301) 720-1000 | | Website | https://LiveWellOutdoors.com | | License Number | MHIC 123736 | | Followers on Houzz | 428 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://www.facebook.com/livewelloutdoors - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/livewlloutdoors - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/livewell-outdoors/ - Blog — https://livewelloutdoors.com ## Offers 100% Financing Available. _Call for details!_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [LiveWell Outdoors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/livewell-outdoors-pfvwus-pf~1921027034) - **Website:** https://LiveWellOutdoors.com - **Phone:** (301) 720-1000 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - ICPI, NCMA, LCA member, NADRA member, Master Deck Professional, Master Craftsman (Belgard Hardscapes) - **Best of Houzz:** 15 awards (2013–2025), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 82 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 48.0 - Communication: 44.0 - Value: 48.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-419380045, Nov. 2024** > Great Company, Very professional Workmanship FIVE STAR PLUS . Will use LiveWell Outdoors for all my Projects going forward. My Nieghbor’s continue to Admire our Deck and Patio . My Wife calls it Her Lani **★★★★★ — HU-419380045, Oct. 2024** > Livewell they are Highly professional and the Quality of work 5 Star Livewell made our backyard dreams come true.We highly recommend Livewell with a five star Rating. **★★★★★ — mrsaj3249ers, Nov. 2022** > I am late in my review but during the summer of 2022 LiveWell installed a patio/deck for me. From the design to the finished product LiveWell was very professional, courteous, and responsive. Matt was fantastic with the design process. He was very patient as we hammered out the final design. During construction, he was available to answer any questions I had. The construction team was on time, neat, and very friendly. They too were able to answer any questions I had in a timely manner. The team discovered an issue I was unaware of with the area way from my basement during the installation that we were able to resolve. I was pleased that it was discovered now because it would have been a mess to deal with later! Connie handled the admin side and she was a pleasure to work with My deck and patio installation overall was really seamless. I have a beautiful product in my backyard for relaxing and entertaining. We will be expanding the area and plan to use LiveWell. **★★★★★ — James Morton, Jan. 2022** > If you are looking for a company to make your outdoor dreams come true, look no further than LiveWell Outdoors! From the design to the finished project, you cannot go wrong! Troy with design, he came up with ideas that we hadn't even thought of! Andy, project lead, was in constant communication with us to let us know what was coming up and kept the project on schedule. The hardscape crew - Jovani, Antonio, Ismael, Josue, Carpentry/Fireplace crew – Oswaldo, Oscar, Joel were all very easy to work with and true professionals in their craft, at the end of each day our jobsite was cleaned up and ready for the next day! Even the subcontractors on this project were outstanding, > Electrician – WiresInc - Mike Wade > Granite – Dynamic Stone – Myra Hernandez > Pavilion – Country Lane > The backyard of our dreams was completed on time and exceeded our expectations exponentially! Thank you LiveWell for making our backyard the place to be! **★★★★ — John Thornburgh, Dec. 2020** > I hired LiveWell to replace and expand my existing roofdeck on my condo in Shaw. Overall, I am very happy with the finished product--particularly the craftsmanship of their carpentry team--but there were some issues along the way that gave me pause. I would consider hiring them again, but I would want to make sure there were appropriate safeguards in the contract if I did. > > Good: > -High-quality work > -Good price and largely stayed on-budget > -When I raised issues they largely worked to resolve them in a satisfactory way > > Things to Improve On: > -Zoning/Regulatory: The third-party they worked with to help shepherd my project through DCRA approvals was horrible. It took a long time to get the project approved--admittedly partially because of the pandemic--but the third-party was slow to reach out to DCRA to get questions answered, submit revisions, etc. I had to step in and essentially take over this part of the process, otherwise I would still be waiting on DCRA approval. > -Communication: Often lacking. I often had to call/email/text my contact multiple times before receiving a response. This was particularly frustrating given the zoning issues described above. Even after I stepped in and ensured DCRA approval for the project, I never received any sort of acknowledgement or apology from the LiveWell team for the work I had to do. Justin was much better about communicating once construction was imminent. **★★★★★ — Blynda Metcalf, May 2020** > LiveWell Outdoors (formally the Sharper Cut) is a first class company. They designed and built an outdoor patio living space for me in February 2020. The project managers and installers are professional and efficient. The workmanship is excellent. We are thrilled with our outdoor living space, it exceeded our expectations. A big thank you to Troy and all the other folks who were part of our project. **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > Thank you so much, Blynda! Your kind comments are appreciated. Your job was certainly a fun job, and you were a pleasure to work with. We're thrilled you love the outcome, and glad that you are now able to enjoy many hours of living in your new outdoor space. **★★★★★ — Marco Clark, April 2020** > Congratulations to LiveWell Outdoors on your new name and brand! We have worked with Bill and Justin Banford under their former company name, SharperCut, for more than a decade. They have done multiple hardscape and landscaping projects on our school campus. From creating a memorial garden in the memory of a deceased student to the legacy entrance of our Fine Arts and Athletics Center to the patio and courtyard outside of our new Student Life Center, and the recently completed contemplative prayer garden, their attention to detail and thoughtful design has captured the essence of these meaningful spaces on our campus. As we now break ground on a new Science and Innovation Center, we have once again contracted with the Banfords, now under their new name LivingWell Outdoors. This new space will be the largest and most ambitious project they have done for us to date. The Legacy Courtyard will tie our campus buildings together in a beautiful and inspirational design while providing both historical and contemplative areas for our students and families for generations to come. I could not recommend them highly enough! From residential to commercial, they do it all and they do so with an honest and personal touch. LiveWell Outdoors is our first and only choice for all of our outdoor needs! **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > Thank you so much for your kind words. We appreciate having the opportunity to work on the various projects at Bishop McNamara School, and certainly look forward to working on the magnificent Science and Innovation Center. We are proud to be a part of such innovation and creativity! **★★★★★ — D C, April 2020** > Thanks to Bill and the LiveWell Outdoors team, I am a satisfied client. My initial contact (I was referred by another client) was for landscaping services. Bill met with me and listened to my wants/needs and provided knowledgeable insight for the design of my landscaping project. The crew was friendly, courteous, very respectful of my property, extremely neat, very professional in their duties and upon completion, clean up was the final task to a job well done! > > Another project (deck and screened gazebo) with this wonderful company was exemplary. Working with Bill and the design team to see a completed project on the computer, prior to installation, was amazing. Again, throughout this experience, Bill, Justin, the design team, the front office staff, and the crew working at my home were all very professional. The workmanship of the project was excellent!! I have and will continue to recommend LiveWell Outdoors to family, friends, and anyone for landscaping/hardscape and outdoor living needs. So if you are looking for a company to make your outdoor dreams a reality, look no further LiveWell Outdoors is your one stop shop company to make your outdoor dreams come true. > > With much appreciation, > > Denise C. **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > Thank you for your kind comments. Although we have worked with you on a few different occasions, this latest project was the most fun. We strive hard to create a specific atmosphere for our clients - one of service, excellent craftsmanship, and one where everyone in our company is accessible. When a customer recognizes all of that, it is very much appreciated. We are so glad you are pleased with the results. There will be many years of enjoyment with family and friends in your new outdoor living space. Enjoy! **★★★★★ — Cliff Hess, Dec. 2019** > We were super pleased with the work and service Sharper Cut and his team provided. I needed a walkway installed in our front yard. They designed a walkway and a landscape island for us. When it came time for installation, Bill was available at every step of the way. Very professional, responsive, easy to work with and high quality work. **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > Thanks for sharing your experience, Cliff. We're so glad you're happy with the results! **★★★★★ — Lynn Graze, July 2019** > This is a great company. Bill keeps on top of every detail. We had a pool put in as well as and all new landscaping in the spring of 2018. He turned our yard into a resort. We were so happy that we signed up for his yearly package of lawn and plant maintenance and will again next year. They are a full service company that pays attention to detail and the latest technology. **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > That's music to our ears, Lynn! We want all our clients to have an amazing experience and to enjoy their very own resort in their backyard. Thanks so much for the kind comments! **★★★★★ — Brent and Donna Hufnagel, Dec. 2018** > We reached out to Sharper Cut for a consultation last summer after reading a number of rave reviews and getting a personal reference. We began designing a mid-size project last fall and signed a contract after the holidays. Our house sits on an incredibly steep slope over half an acre, and we needed help designing a space that would provide us some practical use while minimizing the amount of lawn we’d need to mow. We wanted level patio spaces, garden walls, and a walkway around the side of the house that brought you into this new space. Retaining walls and lots of them were in our future. > > The design team drafted a few concepts for us and we loved everything about them. We saw so much potential in both, and posed a lot of “What if”s and “Could we”s in order combine elements of both designs. We felt like we were becoming one of those clients that could never make a decision, and were requesting tweaks in the conceptual stage to no end. But we were constantly met with professionalism, insight and a willingness to really help us get our outdoor space the way we wanted it. > > Sydney’s design eye is exceptional, and Bill is friendly while remaining straight forward, a combination we both liked and respected. Every option was discussed from a practical and a cost perspective: materials, plants, what would be worth doing now to save money over the long run or what we could do ourselves in order to save money. Our project did incur some unforeseen costs due to our county and changes in the permit and inspection process: an issue no one saw coming. But the Sharper Cut team was forthright with those costs whenever they arose and worked diligently to find the most cost effective solution for everything. > > It really felt like a partnership with a team of people that were on our side as opposed to a business looking to profit off of a client. We were either corresponding via e-mails or jumping on phone calls every other day throughout the project. And Bill and Sydney both came on site to check in with the crew and project manager to monitor the overall progress and make sure things were being done the way they knew we wanted them. > Even when we saw little things we were sure would be addressed through the project, we’d reach out to ask questions just for assurance, and we always got answers quickly and respectfully. > > Our front yard was a mess longer than we expected due to a lot of rain days, and the amount of materials our project required made it difficult getting in and out of our house for a while but it was worth it. Overall the project went smoothly and came out better than we could have imagined. So much so that we are starting a 2nd albeit smaller project with them in a few months. > > We’d recommend The Sharper Cut anytime for a project of any size. They clearly know what their doing, and they do it very, very well. **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > Brent and Donna -- Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. We couldn't be more thrilled to hear that you walked away feeling that you and our team were true partners in this process. That's exactly as it should be! > > We know it's been a little while since your project ended and hope that you have fabulous plans to enjoy your "new" space this year. Thanks again for your kind words! **★★★★★ — Mary de Sousa, July 2018** > We contracted with Bill, Connie and Matt to design a landscape plan for us. All three of them were an absolute delight to work with and very professional. We had tried several other landscape companies before Sharper Cut and were very unhappy. With Sharper Cut, we were impressed from the first minute. They listened to our hopes, responded to our questions, presented us with a beautiful design proposal and were even able to help my 3D-challenged husband see, feel and understand the proposed design through technology. They also provided the minute details we had requested. I wish we were moving forward with the development phase! Quite unexpectedly, we stumbled across the place we want to retire and decided to buy a home there instead of going through with the project on our existing home. But I will be recommending Bill and his team to all of my friends!! **Comment from LiveWell Outdoors:** > Most folks would not take the time to provide such a wonderful review when they've decided not to utilize our services because of moving away. We sincerely appreciate your taking the time to do that, however! The ideas you had for your project were awesome, and we were certainly looking forward to working on your project. Additionally, working with you and your husband would have been an enjoyable experience and we regret not having that opportunity either. It definitely sounds like where you are moving will complete another spectacular phase of your life. The home and its surroundings sound absolutely perfect. We appreciate your offer to recommend us in the future! We wish you the best of luck in your next home. ## Selected projects - [Backyard Patio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-patio-pj-vj~5724506) - Location: Bowie, MD - Photos: 6 - [Backyard Urban Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-urban-retreat-pj-vj~2629590) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 6 - [Summer Fun: Patio, Outdoor Kitchen, & Pergola](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/summer-fun-patio-outdoor-kitchen-and-pergola-pj-vj~5724455) - Location: Bowie, MD - Photos: 6 - [Backyard Oasis - Gambrills, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-oasis-gambrills-md-pj-vj~154742) - Location: Davidsonville, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: Custom backyard oasis design - [Backyard Staycation - Upper Marlboro, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-staycation-upper-marlboro-md-pj-vj~62943) - Location: Upper Marlboro, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: The client wanted the backyard to be her vacation hot spot. She does not have the time to travel and has several dogs to care for. She wanted a home away from home at home. She needed space to entertain family and friends. Her backyard design consists of a water feature with night lighting and fire features, a patio, an outdoor living area and fireplace and a putting green. - [Backyard Retreat and Phase 1 Entry Way - Bowie, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-retreat-and-phase-1-entry-way-bowie-md-pj-vj~732749) - Location: Bowie, MD - Photos: 65 - Description: The design is by Bill Banford and Michael Boeck. The client had us create a master landscape design plan for his newly built home. There was literally a blank slate - flat and open. The rear patio was created with destination points in mind. Main entertaining area, pavillion patio, outdoor kitchen, pergola and water feature area. The patio was constructed using stamped concrete in a vermont slate pattern with cool gray concrete dye called Chromix in dark charcoal. The pavillion patio was a concr… - [Fort Washington Hardscapes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fort-washington-hardscapes-pj-vj~2042445) - Location: Fort Washington, MD - Photos: 24 - Description: Client had a blank slate in backyard, but wanted a space to entertain. We installed an Outdoor Living by Belgard Grana slab patio in Bella blend with a Laffit border in SIlex Grey and a Belgard Belair seat wall in Silex Grey. It is now an inviting space for family and friends. Photos by Candy Wheelock Photography - [Backyard Pool Entertainment Area - Potomac, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-pool-entertainment-area-potomac-md-pj-vj~161392) - Location: Potomac, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: The design is by Bill Banford and Patrick Wallace. The client approached us for a landscape plan for their new home. The design included a custom pool design with water feature and lighting; an outdoor living area with outdoor fireplace; outdoor kitchen; new patio, retaining walls and walkways; and landscape lighting on the front of the house. - [Patio & Deck - Bowie, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/patio-and-deck-bowie-md-pj-vj~715243) - Location: Bowie, MD - Photos: 30 - Description: The design is by Bill Banford. The client had us do her previous landscaping (see Rear Hardscape and Front Landscaping - Bowie, MD). When she moved to her new home, she gave us a call to design and install a patio and deck. The patio was constructed using Outdoor Living by Belgard grana slab in bella blend with a lafitt paver in sable / brookestone color border. The seat wall was constructed using Belgard Hardscapes belair wall in brookestone color. The deck and stairs were installed using Fiber… - [Deck,Outdoor Living Area and Waterfall - Huntingtown, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/deck-outdoor-living-area-and-waterfall-huntingtown-md-pj-vj~62899) - Location: Huntingtown, MD - Photos: 36 - Description: This landscape design was created to make the deck feel like it was floating in the woods. They loved the view of the woods from their house and did not want it obstructed. We used a cable railing for the deck so that they could enjoy their view. They also wanted a place to use to relax. The design features an outdoor fireplace and patio. There is a path to their waterfall and pond feature. - [Water Feature and Planting Design - Waldorf, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/water-feature-and-planting-design-waldorf-md-pj-vj~644051) - Location: Waldorf, MD - Photos: 16 - Description: The design is by Bill Banford. The client wanted to create a design that he could phase in over time to make it appropriate to his budget. He also wanted destination areas set up for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. The design included new plantings in the front and side yards. They also had an existing pond that was not built or installed correctly that we removed. We also removed an existing pergola. A new waterfall and pond was installed into their existing patio. What a wonderful transfor… - [Phase 1 - Deck & Patio - Upper Marlboro](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/phase-1-deck-and-patio-upper-marlboro-pj-vj~2042071) - Location: Upper Marlboro, MD - Photos: 22 - Description: This design was done by Sean Ryan​ and Bill Banford​. The client approached us because she was not thrilled by the look of her yard and wanted a reason to use it. We met with the client and created a design that worked with their budget and their needs. The first phase included a new deck using Fiberon Composite Decking​; patio using Outdoor Living by Belgard​ London Cobble in Bella blend in a K pattern; and a wall using Belgard Belair in Delaware blend. An outdoor kitchen was built on the deck… - [Backyard Waterfall - Upper Marlboro, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-waterfall-upper-marlboro-md-pj-vj~169708) - Location: Upper Marlboro, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: The client wanted to maximize the small sloped space in the backyard. They enjoyed the sound of water and needed something that was dog-friendly as well. The waterfall falls down the careful design of boulders into a pond filled with koi. There is a bridge that goes over the pond to the rear patio. - [Landscape Designs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/landscape-designs-pj-vj~685285) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 46 - Description: Various design plans, 3D screenshots from designs using Dynascape, Viz Terra and Pool Studios - [Small Space Transformation - Davidsonville, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-space-transformation-davidsonville-md-pj-vj~113435) - Location: Davidsonville, MD - Photos: 13 - [Grill Space, Rear Patio and Plantings - White Plains, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grill-space-rear-patio-and-plantings-white-plains-md-pj-vj~771494) - Location: Waldorf, MD - Photos: 21 - Description: PROJECT DIARY - The design is by Bill Banford and Michael Boeck . The client had purchased a new home that had a blank slate for the yard. Very open to suggestions and was looking for entertainment space as well as polite privacy from neighbors. They had the team create a landscape design that can be phased in over the years. The first phase included a grill space, patio and plantings. The grill space included a Hanover wall with an attached cedar pergola and lighting. The rear patio was install… - [Front Yard Curb Appeal - Huntingtown](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-yard-curb-appeal-huntingtown-pj-vj~298214) - Location: Huntingtown, MD - Photos: 23 - Description: The client wanted to improve their curb appeal and create a new landscape design for the front yard. The finished product was more then she could have hoped for. - [Driveway Gate and Curb Appeal - Davidsonville, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/driveway-gate-and-curb-appeal-davidsonville-md-pj-vj~720864) - Location: Davidsonville, MD - Photos: 11 - Description: The design is by Bill Banford and Patrick Wallace. The client had built a new home in Davidsonville, MD and wanted to create a landscape design to enhance the beauty and architecture of the custom built home. Phase 1 was the driveway gate and phase 2 was the front entrance plantings and driveway planting area. The design included landscape lighting to enhance the look at night. Beautiful end result. We cannot wait to start phase 3... After photos by Matchbook Productions. - [Backyard Pool Area - Huntingtown, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/backyard-pool-area-huntingtown-md-pj-vj~146955) - Location: Huntingtown, MD - Photos: 29 - Description: The client needed a reason to enjoy their backyard again. We worked with them on a landscape design that created a beautiful pool area. Photos by Candy Wheelock Photography - [Front Renovation & Outdoor Kitchen - White Plains, MD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-renovation-and-outdoor-kitchen-white-plains-md-pj-vj~164311) - Location: White Plains, MD - Photos: 42 - Description: The design is by Bill Banford. The client approached us for a two part project. The first phase was to renovate the front of the property. The design included a paver driveway and paver walkway to replace a failing concrete pad and sidewalk. The enhanced entry way included a retaining wall, new steps and a portico. All elements of the design tie into the architecture of the home. The second phase was in the backyard. The client wanted to add to the entertainment area with an outdoor kitchen. The… [See all 117 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-contractors/livewell-outdoors-pfvwus-pf~1921027034) ## Ideabooks - [Outdoor Living Areas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7476811/list/outdoor-living-areas) — 3 ideas - [Small Space Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7476880/list/small-space-ideas) — 1 idea - [Cool Hot Tub Areas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7099939/list/cool-hot-tub-areas) — 8 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/livewelloutdoors) ## Community Q&A **Q: what to plant along these steps?** *(in Landscape Design)* We have a small sloped “bed” in our backyard between a few steps and a fence, under a lilac and Japanese maple so it gets dappled sun. The previous owners attempted to put in small terraces using flagstones next to the stairs. I have no idea what to plant here. Does anyone have ideas that are not too difficult for a novice gardener/homeowner to maintain. I live in Washington DC. A: There are a few plants that could do well in your space. Japanese Painted Ferns are unique and don’t get very large. There are varieties of Heuchera including "Plum Pudding" and "Palace Purple" that might work well. Other options include Hostas, Brunnera, Dwarf Hydrangeas, and Fragrant Sarcococca. Visit Monrovia.com, copy/paste the names of each plant in the search bar, and you'll see pictures of each of them. Would love to see which ones you end up choosing. Good luck! **Q: Need help with front yard design** *(in Landscape Design)* newly built home. don't want mulch anymore. looking for modern flower bed design A: Mulch can be extremely beneficial for your planting beds. But if you'd like to reduce the amount you use, you could use ground covers. They would cover the space and eliminate the need to do much mulching. You can also use gravel or decorative stones (like Mexican Beach Pebbles). Hope this helps! **Q: need curb appeal ideas!** *(in Landscape Design)* Had to dig up entire front yard 2 years ago for septic tank repair and lost most of the shrubs in our front yard leaving a ugly, boring & blank slate behind. Need some inspiration and ideas! A: It seems that you have quite a bit of shade in your yard. You can redesign the front yard so that it's more conducive to the shade plants. Hostas, Hydrangeas, Azaleas, and Viburnum can be good options for shady areas. There are several varieties that can add a pop of color to your yard. Hope that helps! **Q: I need landscape ideas and advice** *(in Landscape Design)* Landscape ideas and advice would be greatly appreciate. A: Hi Michael - Are you looking to add color, introduce new plants, create garden beds? Or, are you thinking about hardscaping? Do you have already have a wishlist of things you want to work on? Once you share a little more about what you want to do, I'd be happy to share some suggestions. **Q: Curb Appeal for Front of House** *(in Landscape Design)* Need Ideas for front of house A: A little paint and some potted plants at the entry (if there's room) can greatly help improve curb appeal. When do you plan on starting this project? **Q: What size was this pavillion?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The size is 22' x 16' --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*