--- title: "GreenHeart, LLC — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/greenheart-llc-pfvwus-pf~2013353255 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013353255.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "GreenHeart, LLC" category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/70731bcc0d489b79_8091-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "805 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States" latitude: 38.9982 longitude: -77.0338 phone: "(301) 589-6642" website: http:// rating: 5 review_count: 49 best_of_houzz_awards: 13 followers: 359 last_updated: 2026-08-26 --- # GreenHeart, LLC Original Houzz profile: [GreenHeart, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/greenheart-llc-pfvwus-pf~2013353255) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Silver Spring, MD - **Serves:** Silver Spring, Bethesda, North Bethesda, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase, North Kensington, South Kensington, Hillandale, North Chevy Chase, DC (Washington), Washington - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (49 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2012–2024), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Award winning We create memorable gardens that enrich people’s lives. Essentially, we are space makers, so most of our designs include both hardscape (for entertaining and circulation) and lush plantings. We use sustainable practices and as many native plants as possible, with the overall goal of creating outrageously beautiful spaces. GreenHeart’s specialty is creating outdoor spaces that look terrific seasonally, work well spatially, and feel great to be in. Contact us for a brief consult or a major renovation. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Garden Design - Hardscaping - Landscape Plans - Patio Design - Drought Tolerant Landscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Pool Landscaping - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - Gazebo Design & Construction - Deck Design - Project Management - Organic Gardens - Pond Construction - Shed Design & Construction - Edible Gardens - Custom Bocce Ball Courts - Living Walls - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Master Plans ### Areas Served - Silver Spring - Bethesda - North Bethesda - Takoma Park - Chevy Chase - North Kensington - South Kensington - Hillandale - North Chevy Chase - DC (Washington) - Washington ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - 300,000 A 'typical' landscape design can be $3,500-7,000, and landscape project installation prices vary widely from $25,000 - $300,000 or more. Our projects almost always include construction (of walks, walls, patios, decks, screened porches, pergolas, water features) and lush, layered plantings, plus irrigation and landscape lighting. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | GreenHeart, LLC | | Address | 805 Dale Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, United States | | Phone | (301) 589-6642 | | Website | http:// | | Followers on Houzz | 359 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [GreenHeart, LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/greenheart-llc-pfvwus-pf~2013353255) - **Website:** http:// - **Phone:** (301) 589-6642 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Recipient of a 2022 GOLD and two 2019 International Design Awards from APLD, and a dozen awards for residential landscape projects in prior years. Fellow, Certified in Landscape Design by APLD and by George Washington University - Certified Professional Horticulturalist - **Best of Houzz:** 13 awards (2012–2024), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [Association of Professional Landscape Designers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/association-of-professional-landscape-designers-pfvwus-pf~92795973) - [George Washington University Landscape Design Pgm](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/george-washington-university-landscape-design-pgm-pfvwus-pf~663720360) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 49 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Silver Spring, Dec. 2023** > We had a fantastic experience working with Cathy. She listened to us, and then drew up a unique plan, making excellent use of our space. She is beyond knowledgeable, but doesn't act like she knows best when discussing ideas (even though she really does when talking the idea through) She designed the hardscape, landscape, lighting, water system. She worked with each of the contractors. Our house is beautiful now with an inviting outdoor space we spent the summer in. I have no reservations recommendring her because of the ease of working with her and the quality and beauty of her work. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I love making people's homes more beautiful and functional. And landscape improvements increase in value as they grow! **★★★★★ — HU-22431846113, Dec. 2023** > Cathy Carr recently did a complete redesign of our garden and we are thrilled with the results. She began by asking us what we wanted the space to look and feel like. Throughout, she listened thoughtfully and always responded to our questions with clarity. The lot is quite large and her design divided it into several smaller, more intimate areas, combining structural elements and plantings to give us a variety of seating areas and views. > She worked respectfully with the various contractors and provided creative solutions to some unique problems with driveway widening and site drainage. Cathy was onsite often, checking as each new element--stonework, lighting, irrigation--was installed, and resolved any issues as they arose. > The plantings she chose give us new colors and shapes as the seasons change so we have continual enjoyment of the garden. > On the business side of things, she is well-organized. Invoicing was scheduled logically and payment was easily done by bank transfer. We would definitely recommend her. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Thanks so much for sharing your experience. We loved transforming your property into a large and ever-changing garden. **★★★★★ — Jesse Nicholson, Oct. 2021** > Cathy was really great to work with and I would definitely recommend working with her. We had a whole site plan done and did about half of it in 2021. Our two biggest areas that needed addressing were a drainage issue behind the house that had led to some minor flooding and a large home next door that needed some screening. Cathy designed several new beds along the side of the property and since the old patio needed to be torn up to fix the drainage problem, came up with a new and much more functional design. The before picture with the dogwood in bloom shows some overgrown shrubs along the driveway and the large home that was built on what had originally been an undeveloped side yard of our home. > > But where Cathy really was great was in translating our ideas into something that not only looks great, but is well suited to the site and to the area. I love reading stories on Houzz but when it comes to turning an ideabook into an actual landscape that looks good and works, Cathy was invaluable. She provided tons of helpful feedback and suggested things that I would never have come up with on my own. Most importantly, the plants are doing great and we love seeing and the bees and butterflies that are now attracted to the yard. As things have grown in, it looks better and better. We have received so much positive feedback from neighbors. > > Cathy also helped us get a great company to do the work and her input during the installation helped us solve an unanticipated issue. When we received some heavy rain a few weeks after the installation was finished, there were some washout issues with the front bed. Cathy made some suggestions that the installers were able to implement which completely solved the issue. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Thanks so much for your generous comments. We were glad to help you solve your pressing drainage issues AND to create better outdoor living space -- and better curb appeal -- for your family. With your continuing care, the trees will grow to provide the sense of enclosure that we all crave! The shrubs and perennials should continue to delight you and the critters who will be sustained by them. **★★★★★ — Amy Peck Abraham, Aug. 2021** > I found Cathy on Houzz!!! And from these before and after pictures, you can see that Cathy came up with a terrific design that works from all angles in our narrow back yard and which we see from our third-floor bedroom window. She managed the installation too. Shout out to Great American Landscape; especially Carlos who pieced the special flagstone to Cathy’s design for two small patios connected by an enchanting stone path. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Thank you for your review. I very much enjoyed working with you and Jesse. Your appreciation for the unique, and especially your attention to the intricacies of texture and color helped the project immensely. We hope you will enjoy your garden for years to come. **★★★★★ — kellyorzechowski, July 2021** > It was an absolute pleasure to work with Cathy Carr of GreenHeart, LLC. She is an incredibly talented, creative, detail-oriented, honest, responsive and reliable professional! Possessing all of these qualities truly puts her in a class by herself! Not only did she provide a brilliant landscape design for my front and back yards, but she also managed the implementation process with reliability and responsiveness. She translated my vague visions for the project into a beautiful landscape remodel that exceeded my expectations (....which I have been told on more than one occasion may be too high:). I HIGHLY recommend Cathy! **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > I feel honored to read your review: thank you! It is amazing what can be achieved when one's client has great taste and quality standards. What is really great is knowing how the garden will improve over time as the plants grow. We wish you many moments of joy and beauty in your garden. **★★★★★ — Sally Sorensen, June 2021** > We moved from New Orleans to the DC area the last month of 2019 as we had managed to purchase a house next to one of our 3 daughters living in the area. Before we had moved into the house the basement had flooded during an especially hard rain storm. While we were having work done on the back of our house we noticed that our neighbors on the other side were having a very attractive makeover done on their back yard. We watched as Cathy Carr, as it turned out, organized the work on a water issue that they also had in their back yard, and then did a very attractive redesign of the back yard including a new patio. We went together on a beautiful new wood fence between our 2 properties, and decided that she was the one to help us solve our water issues and improve the back yard and parking area. We needed to have privacy without obstructing the safety view of the intersection of 2 alleys where there is a certain amount of car traffic as well as people walking and small children playing. > It has been very easy ,and fun, to work with Cathy. She did the plans for both the front and back yards, but for the moment we are concentrating on the back area. We put in several more mature trees and plants to get a real change. She listened to our ideas and certainly improved on our suggestions with expert knowledge of plants, patio materials, and the right contractors to execute the plans. While the work was in progress, she stopped by, usually daily, to supervise and suggest adaptations of the plan based conditions discovered as the work progressed. Looking forward to work with heron the front soon! **★★★★★ — HU-236019470, June 2021** > We recently chose Cathy Carr, Greenheart Garden Designs to do a thorough “refresh” of our backyard landscape. This involved designing an entirely new layout for paved paths, refurbishing a low dry-stack wall, reshaping and enlarging a small deck, installing lighting, and completely re-imagining the greenscape. Cathy worked with us to identify aspects of the yard we liked and integrated those features into an imaginative design. The final plan combined attractive hardscaping (using a combination of natural and cut pavers) with a selection of plants selected for heartiness, ease of maintenance, and attractiveness throughout the year. Every step of this process—from the initial meeting to plan review to installation—went smoothly. Execution of the plan was also hassle-free: the three contractors did excellent work, and Cathy was on site every day to ensure the project stayed on schedule and to answer any questions we had along the way. We’re so happy with our new yard and have had many compliments from friends and neighbors. We would highly recommend GreenHeart for projects large and small! **★★★★★ — Terry Unter, June 2021** > From the outset Cathy Carr was attentive to all of our ideas and wishes and adapted them to the available terrain. She gave excellent advice regarding options and choices and developed a great plan. She was attentive at all stages of the implementation and quickly made alterations as our ideas and the work evolved. Cathy brought some excellent partnerships to implement the project and we are extremely happy with the results and all of the subcontractors who collaborated on the project (fence, hardscaping, landscaping, irrigation and lighting plus installation of a fire bowl connected to our main gas supply). As the plantings start to grow, the project is looking better and better. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Thank you for the kind words. Good projects require great clients! **★★★★★ — Maureen Kentoff, Dec. 2020** > Cathy was and continues to be not only a pleasure to work with, but someone whom I trust implicitly to deliver an outstanding project. We did a complete overhaul of our front and back yards upon completing a home addition. It was no small challenge, despite the small plot, given that we were completely transforming a traditional brick colonial into a modern, Scandinavi-Zen oasis. From day one, Cathy has been professional, attentive, timely, communicative, confident and outstanding at finding just the right balance between listening to our needs and translating them through her vision into reality beyond what we imagined. Her pricing is more than fair, and she works in perfect harmony with the trades - it’s obvious that they enjoy working with her, too. Thanks to Cathy’s design skills, installation experience, and ability to blend the urban and rural, modern and traditional, we have been enjoying our outdoor living areas on a daily basis. It feels like we’ve doubled our living space. We would gladly work with Cathy again and recommend her highly for your project. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > What a pleasure it is to know and work with you! The best is yet to come, as your plants grow and design effects reveal themselves over time. Thank you very much for the opportunity. **★★★★★ — mkeckremodel, Dec. 2020** > Cathy Carr designed and supervised installation of new hardscaping (an enlarged front stoop, walkways) and landscaping for our entire yard (around 1500 front, sides, and back), and dealt with runoff issues inevitable on a sloping street. She and Great American Landscaping did a wonderful job - transforming a humdrum yard to a garden people stop to ask about and admire, and that gives us an enormous amount of pleasure. At her suggestion, we we enrolled in a county “Rainscapes” program, and established a “conservation garden” in which native species of plant attract wildlife and are arranged to absorb as much runoff as possible, with berms and drains to capture water that ponds there. > > Our initial ideas were vague. Cathy walked us through major choices, and we left many decisions to her, almost all of which worked well. Something is blooming from early spring until late fall, and foliage colors continue to change through early winter. As it grows and fills out, it will get even better, but already we love to sit and watch the butterflies and hummingbirds. Our front stoop has become a lovely slate porch on which to sit and watch the world go by, and we now have a small patio in the back. > > Cathy is also a delightful person to work with - creative and fun, and patient in answering my endless emailed questions. I recommend her enthusiastically. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > I loved working with you to transform your property for your next 25 years there. I appreciate and applaud your willingness to participate in improving our environment by agreeing to install a large cistern and conservation landscaping, both of which contributed to eliminating drainage issues. **★★★★★ — exteriorsoutdoorstyling, Nov. 2020** > Cathy did an amazing job designing and overseeing every aspect of our new pavilion, patio and surrounding garden. Her attention to detail, experience working with the contractors and materials meant that they project moved smoothly and was installed on schedule. Cathy cleverly used some of our our existing plant and hardscape material after the project was completed to add on to our existing garden, and did so seamlessly! We loved working with Cathy - she was a true professional and a pleasure to work with! **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Thank you for the complimentary review and for the opportunity to create this complex space for your family. Your project was a joyful collaboration with SDF Builders, Olson Weaver Lighting Design and Install, and YOU, Exteriors Landscape Design. Your deep knowledge of and unerring taste in outdoor furnishings (including New Age outdoor kitchen products) truly makes the space. The retractable screens and Tungsten heaters allow for almost-four season use. Enjoy! **★★★★★ — Lee, Nov. 2020** > We are very pleased with Cathy and the work she did for us. I would recommend her highly to anyone looking to reimagine/refresh their landscaping. > After an initial meet she designed a plan taking into account our various requests (including squirrel proof plants, color throughout the year, and raised beds to grow vegetables). Cathy was creative and able to solve long standing issues for which we had not found a solution. > Cathy recommended and coordinated the various contractors (carpenter, landscaping company, lighting/irrigation, etc.) all of whom did exceptional work and whom we’ve since recommended to our friends. > Cathy made the process as easy for us as possible. She followed up with contractors as needed and consulted with us as the transformation of the yard progressed. > We were lucky and pleased to have found someone as creative and organized as Cathy. We highly recommend her. **Comment from GreenHeart, LLC:** > Without wonderful clients like you, we could not create outdoor living spaces and gardens that look good in all seasons. Your complex project, which included new fencing, porch steps, deck, flagstone patios and walkways, outdoor kitchen, plantings, irrigation, and lighting came out very well because of your commitment to a quality project. Thank you for the opportunity! I look forward to watching it improve over time. ## Selected projects - [Many Options for Entertaining on Kalorama Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/many-options-for-entertaining-on-kalorama-road-pj-vj~2527297) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 8 - Description: Cathy Carr, FAPLD, of GreenHeart, LLC designed this walled garden. Gilday Renovations was refurbishing the inside of the house and introduced Cathy to the new homeowners. They wanted to remove a swimming pool and a monolithic brick patio that took up the entire back yard. New Select Blue thermal 2'x2' squarel PA flagstones were used to create the paving for three outdoor rooms, with oversized flagstone steppers connect them. The large living room space, which features an Allison Armour Aqualens… - [Romantic Classic Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/romantic-classic-garden-pj-vj~2243627) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 16 - Description: This elegant, semi-detached town home in Massachusetts Avenue Heights needed a makeover. The homeowners love blowsy English country garden plants and classic garden colors. GreenHeart helped them with an overall plan that transformed the ho-hum space to a beautiful pleasure garden. Our design greatly increased their sense of privacy and enhanced the value of their home. - [Narrow DC Property](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/narrow-dc-property-pj-vj~384381) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 8 - Description: Homeowners had an ugly view of their narrow back yard. The garage is accessed from a back alley; it takes up some of the yard space. My design provided three new entertaining areas: a transitional deck just outside the sitting room door which is perfect for enjoying a cocktail; a grilling and dining terrace set on the diagonal to visually widen the space; a 'getaway' upper garden 'living room' from which to view the house. Lush plantings provide four season interest: color, fragrance and texture… - [Mid-Century Home: Charles Goodman, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mid-century-home-charles-goodman-architect-pj-vj~385588) - Location: Kensington, MD - Photos: 15 - Description: The artist-homeowner wanted two patios that he could use for pleine air painting. We re-located his AC unit and constructed a flagstone patio surrounded by a stone seat wall to the right of his front door. A berm of soil in front of the wall created more privacy for his work. New mostly native plantings provide privacy and four-season interest. A second gravel patio to the left of the front door has become a private contemplative space. The new front walkway now has a graceful curve and a genero… - [Traditional in the Front, Modern in the Back](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-in-the-front-modern-in-the-back-pj-vj~6660556) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 16 - Description: GreenHeart clients' home in Cleveland Park DC was built in 1925. It is classic in the front but a glass-walled addition by a previous owner makes it contemporary in the rear. The homeowners have a strong sense of design evidenced by their interior furnishings and a lovely art collection. Our design directive was to create a mostly-evergreen and simple, geometric planting palette in the front and a softer, more colorful and inventive garden in the rear. In the back garden, they wanted space for a… - [Screened Pavilion Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/screened-pavilion-retreat-pj-vj~702846) - Location: Silver Spring, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: The screened pavilion, at the end of a narrow suburban property, provides both a bug-free destination and a spot from which to look back at the main house. Made with Mahogany walls, Ipe flooring, a standing seam metal roof, and containing a ceiling fan and futon, it is a wonderfully private garden spot. A curved stone wall retains the hill on the left and irregular flagstone is used to create the patio and path. Boulder steps lead up from the auto court. - [Shade Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shade-garden-pj-vj~1438598) - Location: Silver Spring, MD - Photos: 2 - Description: This mature landscape welcomes the homeowners with flowering trees, shrubs, and perennials. Tiarella, hosta, and solomon's seal mingle with ferns, hellebore and lungwort. The landscape contractor who installed this garden over many years is Garden Gate Landscaping. - [A More Visible Entrance](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-more-visible-entrance-pj-vj~2243696) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 7 - Description: Cathy Carr of GreenHeart, LLC designed the landscape for this attractive Chevy Chase, MD home. The front entrance was opened up by transplanting existing boxwoods from either side of the walkway leading up to the front door door to a new location at the top of the hill. The lower area's Linden tree canopy made it too shady for turf to grow, anyway, so the lower lawn was replaced with beautiful flowering shade-loving perennials. New flagstone walkways were built straight to the front door, and to… - [Inside-Outside Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inside-outside-living-pj-vj~1447869) - Location: Silver Spring, MD - Photos: 3 - Description: Cathy Carr of GreenHeart, LLC designed this screened porch/pergola for homeowners who love to spend time outside. Their previous patio was a small concrete pad and we upgraded it by adding to the concrete base and capping it with flagstone. Now the homeowners have an outdoor kitchen/dining room area and an outdoor living room. The portion of the room that is screened has skylights and, since the homeowners love fresh breezes, the screens are motorized to appear only when mosquitos are bad. The p… - [Drainage Issue Artfully Solved](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/drainage-issue-artfully-solved-pj-vj~479473) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 5 - Description: The homeowner's contemporary home had one big problem: Water leaked regularly into the basement. The design not only resolved the problem, it created a much more beautiful space and view. - [Space for Parents and Children](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/space-for-parents-and-children-pj-vj~2919248) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: A house addition required rebuilding the back patio and garden for these homeowners. GreenHeart designed a new shade garden for the path to the back yard and transplanted as many mature plantings as we could. A more generous patio was constructed: colorful plantings alongside provide interest and separation from the large lawn, where kids can run around freely. - [Attractive In-Town Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/attractive-in-town-residence-pj-vj~384403) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 6 - Description: We capped the front porch with PA flagstone and built a lattice panel covered with climbing Hydrangea to provide privacy from the neighbor. A brick retaining wall was constructed along the sidewalk. Shade-loving Sum and Substance Hosta, Pieris japonica, Hellebore, Yew, and Azalee thrive under a mature Saucer Magnolia. - [Pool Renovation Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pool-renovation-project-pj-vj~789703) - Location: Arlington, VA - Photos: 2 - Description: Replacing the old wooden fence with ornamental steel fencing kept the pool safe and created a garden. PA flagstone pool coping and decking allows the pool to feel like part of the natural landscape. - [Avenel Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/avenel-residence-pj-vj~384354) - Location: Potomac, MD - Photos: 6 - Description: This is a large home on a tiny lot and the front entrance was unattractive and hard to locate. A new front porch with wide steps highlights the front door. A generous walkway of PA flagstone installed on the diagonal visually widens the entry and upright flagstone retains the soil of the plant bed. - [Front Entry Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/front-entry-renovations-pj-vj~9724) - Location: Washington, DC - Photos: 8 - Description: Before and After views of four vastly different homes in the DC Metro area. - [Kensington Dog-friendly Backyard](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kensington-dog-friendly-backyard-pj-vj~6660522) - Location: Kensington, MD - Photos: 13 - Description: GreenHeart has worked with these homeowners for several years, because their first priority was their front -- read 'curb appeal' -- yard. They needed more space to entertain than their simple concrete patio allowed. They also have an energetic dog, so keeping lawn was important. We enlarged and modified the old patio by lowering the grade at which the patio sits. Instead of it being immediately outside the back door, we built the first of several steps down to it. Additional steps past the pave… - [Small Property, Four Outdoor Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/small-property-four-outdoor-spaces-pj-vj~384387) - Location: Chevy Chase, MD - Photos: 9 - Description: The home is small and the family likes to entertain; I was asked to provide as much outdoor living space as possible. The back corner became a private spot in which to chat and listen to the water fountain. The sunroom opens to a deck close to the outdoor dining space. A grill is located near the kitchen door in the far right property corner. Crepe myrtles minimize overhead wires. A private yard that feels intimate can still handle larger gatherings. - [Surrounded by McMansions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/surrounded-by-mcmansions-pj-vj~396243) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: The homeowners live in an area where 'scrape and build' McMansions are prevalent. The brick-edged flagstone patio was present and the huge house two doors down was in the process of being completed when I was commissioned to design a solution that would let my clients love their home. Design program included creating screening from the looming neighbor and something nice to look at out the family room's double doors. A water feature delights: the homeowners even installed another bay window from… - [A Cottage Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-cottage-garden-pj-vj~385581) - Location: Washington Grove, MD - Photos: 8 - Description: This cedar home is located in a wooded community known for informality and eclecticism. The old brick patio did not reflect the character of the neighborhood. It had also been poorly installed and was intersected with cracked and broken concrete. Plantings were overgrown and needed editing. - [Swimming pool project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/swimming-pool-project-pj-vj~9725) - Location: Bethesda, MD - Photos: 10 - Description: Homeowners wanted a swimming pool and spa for their family of five to enjoy with friends and neighbors. Land sloped steeply from the bottom of a straight line of steps down from the deck. Main design idea: classic Cut and Fill approach. We constructeda 3.5' tall retaining wall at the bottom of the property to raise the elevation and lowered the swimming pool level by 18" (3 steps). [See all 46 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/greenheart-llc-pfvwus-pf~2013353255) ## Ideabooks - [Main bath](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158528272/list/main-bath) — 4 ideas - [Julie + Jonathan's](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/157336300/list/julie-jonathan-s) — 26 ideas - [Garage arbors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145718106/list/garage-arbors) — 32 ideas - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/141738330/list/wish-list) — 3 ideas - [Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127726768/list/cottage) — 18 ideas - [Friedman](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127113176/list/friedman) — 2 ideas - [Rosenberg](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121956840/list/rosenberg) — 9 ideas - [Deck Railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23476730/list/deck-railings) — 54 ideas - [Gate and Entryways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23232878/list/gate-and-entryways) — 48 ideas - [Gravel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22711760/list/gravel) — 44 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24698052/list/lighting) — 6 ideas - [Outdoor Inspiration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1156842/list/outdoor-inspiration) — 103 ideas - [Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103859119/list/outdoor-kitchen) — 22 ideas - [Pavilions](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/48692213/list/pavilions) — 44 ideas - [Plantings incl Screening](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117504181/list/plantings-incl-screening) — 16 ideas - [Pergolas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23232708/list/pergolas) — 115 ideas - [pool paving grass](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32749559/list/pool-paving-grass) — 99 ideas - [Potager Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47144456/list/potager-gardens) — 18 ideas - [WALLS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29795982/list/walls) — 41 ideas - [Wire Fencing](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34051862/list/wire-fencing) — 22 ideas [See all 33 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/cathy-carr) ## Community Q&A **Q: Trees** *(in Photo Questions)* What are the narrow trees that you have planted? A: Hornbeams, Carpinus betulus. Good luck with your project! **Q: Beautiful! Can you share who built it?** *(in Photo Questions)* We’re looking to build something very similar. I would love to ask you a few more details. Dimensions, materials, etc. Thanks! A: Thanks for your interest in my work. I designed the five-sided structure as a custom design of one. It is approximately 15' wide and 10' deep. The framing was PT pine, the cheek walls are veneered with Mahogany and the flooring is tongue and groove Ipe. A standing seam metal roof covers the ceiling plywood. There are two 2x4' skylights on the long side of the pavilion. Rather than screens, the uppermost 'windows' are plexiglass panels rather than screens. **Q: grass in front of pastas** *(in Photo Questions)* what is the grass/plant name in front of the sum substance Hostas? A: That is a common spreading evergreen ground cover called Liriope muscari. It has small purple flowers in August. **Q: Flagstone?** *(in Photo Questions)* What kind and whats the color please? Looks beautiful. A: The flagstone is from Pennsylvania and is irregular in shape, purchased by the pallet. It is 'full color' which means while it is mostly bluish-gray, and sometimes called Bluestone, it also has brown, green and even rust tones. **Q: Lovely garden design** *(in Photo Questions)* Nicely done! Thanks for sharing the plan view! A: you're welcome! glad you enjoy. **Q: What are the tall trees.** *(in Photo Questions)* Great job developing a sense of enclosure and privacy. Curious what the deciduous trees in the row along the alley are and how quickly they grew from the skinny saplings in the before project. Thanks. A: The narrow deciduous trees will continue to grow together and taller. They are fastigiate hornbeams, Carpinus betulus Fastigiata. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-26.*