Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional gray two-story stucco exterior home remodel in Vancouver

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Benefiting from varied stone and gravel hardscapes, this back yard is used in many ways. Transitions are marked with a change in structure of paths, walls, and features. The dining area is defined by a seat wall that ends where the fire feature area starts. Garden beds surround the space as an accent, softening the space. A rugged yet warm design for a relatively small back yard. Photo Credit: Linda Oyama Bryan

Example of a huge island style backyard stone and custom-shaped infinity hot tub design in New Orleans

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in San Diego.

Phil Bell
Great room - small cottage medium tone wood floor great room idea in Other with green walls

Phil Bell
Small country girl carpeted kids' room photo in Other with gray walls

Request Free Quote This indoor swimming pool and hot tub in Wilmette, IL measures 14'4" x 39'6", and is 3'6" to 8'0" deep. The spa is 6'0" x 9'0". Indiana Limestone Coping sets off the Ivory-colored exposed aggregate pool finish, and the beige colored ceramic tile on the hot tub dam wall and perimeter. Columns set off the amazing hand-painted ceiling with skylights. Photography by Outvision Photography

Request Free Quote This hot tub is 8'0" round and 3'0" in depth. Raised 18", the hot tub features Bluestone double bullnose coping, an exposed aggregate finish, and stone cladding on the exterior. Photos by Linda Oyama Bryan

Phil Bell
Powder room - small country medium tone wood floor powder room idea in Other with a pedestal sink and green walls

Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in San Diego

Several beautiful features make this jacuzzi spa and swimming pool inviting for family and guests. The spa cantilevers over the pool . There is a four foot infinity edge water feature pouring into the pool. A lazy river water feature made out of moss boulders also falls over the pool's edge adding a pleasant, natural running water sound to the surroundings. The pool deck is exposed aggregate. Seat bench walls and the exterior of the hot tub made of moss rock veneer and capped with flagstone. The coping was custom fabricated on site out of flagstone. Retaining walls were installed to border the softscape pictured. We also installed an outdoor kitchen and pergola next to the home.

Photo of a contemporary landscaping in San Diego.

Inspiration for a 1960s exterior home remodel in Santa Barbara

Request Free Quote This Naperville, IL swimming pool and hot tub measures 20'0" x 40'0" and 10'0" x 12'0" respectively. Both pools are outfitted with automatic safety covers with custom stone walk-on lid systems. The cover lids are also hidden leading edge systems, which completely conceals the cover mechanism from view. The swimming pool and spa coping are Indiana Limestone, and the exposed aggregate finish is Cool Blue Color.

OES | ipe deck flanked by steel planters and covered by a shade structure to extend the roofline; limestone pavers lead to an axis at a lower crushed limestone patio

Concept Photography
Large mountain style backyard concrete patio kitchen photo in Vancouver with a roof extension

Old kidney shaped pool receives a facelift that enhances the entire yard, Clean lines and circles tie all of this together with round Ipe decks, and a circle of exposed aggregate encompassing the spa.

A monstrous change from 1995, the landscape is now a riot of color with perennials and container plantings complementing the boxwood hedge. A bluestone entry and new limestone steps highlight the front makeover. Courtesy of Mike Crews Photography