Inspiration for a huge modern desert and partial sun courtyard stone formal garden in Phoenix for spring.

This landscape / hardscape involved a range of desert plants and flora found throughout the Hill Country.
Photo of a southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and full sun stone landscaping in Austin.

This is an example of a large southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Denver.

This is an example of a small southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and full sun hillside stone landscaping in Denver for summer.

This property was covered with pink rock when our client called us. In an effort to be gentle on the environment, and to save money, the client took our suggestion to work with what they had by incorporating more contrasting rock to bring the property together in a cohesive design. The clients are active birders and wanted to grow their own food including vegetables and fruits. We worked with interior designer, Nikki Klugh, to select gorgeous furniture to compliment the design.

This is an example of a large southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Denver.

Design ideas for a southwestern desert and full sun backyard stone landscaping in Phoenix.

This photo was taken four years after completion of the landscaping. Four years ago, we renovated this desolate, weedy front yard by creating terraces with beatiful stone retaining walls. Then we added colorful, drought tolerant plants that grow so well in San Francisco's Mediterranean climate. We installed drip irrigation and concealed it with attractive ginger rock pebble mulch.

This landscape / hardscape involved a range of desert plants and flora found throughout the Hill Country. The natural bluffs and boulder work were tied into the pool waterfall and were installed to give the appearance the house was perched on a limestone cliff.

Inspiration for a large southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and partial sun side yard stone landscaping in Denver.

Photo of a large southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Denver.

Inspiration for a southwestern desert and full sun front yard stone landscaping in Phoenix.

Inspiration for a huge modern desert and partial sun courtyard stone formal garden in Phoenix for spring.

This is an example of a large southwestern drought-tolerant, desert and partial sun backyard stone landscaping in Denver.

This area was originally home to mainly two trees. A large White Spruce and a Bradford Pear. Both succumbed to a violent wind in 2021. By the early summer of 2022 it became a Michigan garden designed with an Arizona feel. Western red pavers run through-out for maintenance and access. There are numerous species used here but also much repetition for cohesion.

I was initially contacted by the builder and architect working on this Modern European Cottage to review the property and home design before construction began. Once the clients and I had the opportunity to meet and discuss what their visions were for the property, I started working on their wish list of items, which included a custom concrete pool, concrete spa, patios/walkways, custom fencing, and wood structures. One of the largest challenges was that this property had a 30% (or less) hardcover surface requirement for the city location. With the lot size and square footage of the home I had limits to how much hardcover we could add to property. So, I had to get creative. We presented to the city the usage of the Live Green Roof plantings that would reduce the hardcover calculations for the site. Also, if we kept space between the Laurel Sandstones walkways, using them as steppers and planting groundcover or lawn between the stones that would also reduce the hard surface calculations. We continued that theme with the back patio as well. The client’s esthetic leaned towards the minimal style, so by adding greenery between stones work esthetically. I chose the Laurel Tumbled Sandstone for the charm and character and thought it would lend well to the old world feel of this Modern European Cottage. We installed it on all the stone walkways, steppers, and patios around the home and pool. I had several meetings with the client to discuss/review perennials, shrubs, and tree selections. Plant color and texture of the planting material were equally important to the clients when choosing. We grouped the plantings together and did not over-mix varieties of plants. Ultimately, we chose a variety of styles from natural groups of plantings to a touch of formal style, which all work cohesively together. The custom fence design and installation was designed to create a cottage “country” feel. They gave us inspiration of a country style fence that you may find on a farm to keep the animals inside. We took those photos and ideas and elevated the design. We used a combination of cedar wood and sandwich the galvanized mesh between it. The fence also creates a space for the clients two dogs to roam freely around their property. We installed sod on the inside of the fence to the home and seeded the remaining areas with a Low Gro Fescue grass seed with a straw blanket for protection. The minimal European style custom concrete pool was designed to be lined up in view from the porch and inside the home. The client requested the lawn around the edge of the pool, which helped reduce the hardcover calculations. The concrete spa is open year around. Benches are on all four sides of the spa to create enough seating for the whole family to use at the same time. Mortared field stone on the exterior of the spa mimics the stone on the exterior of the home. The spa equipment is installed in the lower level of the home to protect it from the cold winter weather. Between the garage and the home’s entry is a pea rock sitting area and is viewed from several windows. I wanted it to be a quiet escape from the rest of the house with the minimal design. The Skyline Locust tree planted in the center of the space creates a canopy and softens the side of garage wall from the window views. The client will be installing a small water feature along the garage for serene noise ambience. The client had very thoughtful design ideas styles, and our collaborations all came together and worked well to create the landscape design/installation. The result was everything they had dreamed of and more for their Modern European Cottage home and property.

Inspired by the desire to connect the cozy contemporary interior with the natural desert landscape, this project created an inviting outdoor kitchen and pool area. With split-faced limestone cladding, a gray-toned countertop, and large-format vein-cut limestone pavers, the design seamlessly bridged the indoor and outdoor spaces. Windowed cutouts on the feature wall framed picturesque sunsets, offering an open feel while ensuring privacy. Through innovative design elements and careful material selection, this desert oasis surpassed expectations, providing unforgettable moments of outdoor dining and relaxation in a harmonious and stylish setting.

Babcock Custom Pools: Transforming Backyards into Oases with Palms If you seek a swimming pool that boasts an interplay of aesthetics, elegance, and proficiency, then Babcock Custom Pools is the solution you have been searching for. Our pool-crafting experts boast an extensive portfolio of pool designs that have consistently surpassed our clients’ anticipations. A hallmark of our designs is the seamless integration of palms – an element we passionately incorporate into our custom creations. At Babcock Custom Pools, we take great pride in our unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Our process, from the initial consultation to the final construction, is a testament to our pursuit of excellence. Our team of experts consists of seasoned professionals who possess a passion for creating pools that not only serve their practical purpose but are also visually stunning. Palms are a ubiquitous choice for pool landscaping, and for good reason. They add a tropical vibe to your outdoor space, and their presence imbues the area with a lush, serene atmosphere. Furthermore, palms provide the much-needed shade on a hot summer day. At Babcock Custom Pools, we wholeheartedly embrace the use of palms in our designs, and our clients rave about the results. We appreciate the fact that each of our clients is unique, and their pool designs should be a reflection of their individuality. As such, we work closely with our clients to craft customized designs that align with their specific needs and preferences. Whether you envision a sleek, minimalist design or a more traditional aesthetic, our team will collaborate with you to create a pool that perfectly embodies your style. When it comes to constructing pools, we use only the finest materials and the most advanced technologies. Our pools are designed to be durable, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance, ensuring that you can spend more time relishing in the pool and less time maintaining it. In conclusion, if you desire a custom pool design that is both beautiful and functional, Babcock Custom Pools is the answer. Our team of experts will work hand-in-hand with you to create a pool that exceeds your expectations. And, of course, we will not forget to incorporate an ample amount of palms – because we love palms and are confident that you will too. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

5 months old
Photo of a mid-sized modern drought-tolerant, desert and full sun courtyard stone and wood fence landscaping in Los Angeles for summer.