Sustainable landscaping featuring low maintenance plants. The orange blooming plants are Dwarf Firebush shrubs. I paired them with Dwarf Natal Plum and Paspalum Ornamental grass. Dwarf Firebush shrubs sport orange flowers tipped with gold, which set off their beauty. A great nectar source for butterflies and hummingbirds adds to it's appeal. They are really tough, so tough they are used in commercial locations and on some roadways. This delightful shrub blooms on and off all year - more during warmer weather - and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to its brightly-colored, tubular flowers. It has a light and airy charm and looks best when it's hand-trimmed to form a natural mounded shape, rather than trying to keep it manicured with hedge trimmers. Now this is not the native variety, for all you native plant purists out there, though many nurseries sell the dwarf as just "firebush," which can get confusing. Here's how to tell the difference: The native grows larger and has slightly "hairy" leaves and deep red to red-orange flowers. It's dwarf "cousin" can be kept smaller and more compact, though with a similar informal look. The smaller variety has smoother leaves and a touch of yellow to the blossoms...and requires a bit more care. This shrub is a fast grower that can be kept 3 feet tall and wide, though you can let it grow larger if you prefer. Though considered evergreen, the plant can lose leaves during a cold winter, though with proper pruning in spring it should sprout new growth and flush out again. A location sheltered from winter winds will help protect it. These plants prefer full to partial sun, though they'll grow in part shade, where they'll flower less with more open growth. Landscape uses for dwarf fire bush: • accent for a mixed bed • informal hedge • butterfly garden plant • lining a walkway or garden path • along a medium-height or tall fence • around a poolcage, patio, porch or deck • understory planting for tall palms • backdrop planting for smaller plants

Clay Construction | clayconstruction.ca | 604-560-8727 | Duy Nguyen Photography
Large transitional white two-story wood house exterior photo in Vancouver with a shingle roof

A modern home's exterior showcasing a beautiful arrangement of red flowers against a sleek white facade. The river rock landscaping and large windows create a stylish and natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Challenge: This Tarrytown property needed a refresh. The existing roof was faded and dated, dragging down the curb appeal of an otherwise stunning home in one of Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods. The owners wanted a high-impact look that would modernize the home’s profile without the massive price tag of a metal roof. The Solution: We installed the GAF Timberline HDZ in Charcoal. This deep, bold color creates a striking contrast against the home's limestone/stucco exterior, instantly giving it a "new construction" feel. Tarrytown Upgrades: The "Slate" Look: The High-Definition (HD) shadow bands of this shingle mimic the depth of expensive slate, fitting perfectly with the high-end architectural standards of Tarrytown. Infinite Wind Speed Protection: Tarrytown is full of old-growth oak trees. We used GAF’s LayerLock™ technology, which mechanically fuses the shingles to provide the industry's only infinite wind speed warranty—essential protection against falling branches and severe storms. StainGuard Plus™: To ensure the roof stays jet-black and free of algae streaks (common in shaded Tarrytown lots), this system features time-release algae-fighting capsules.

For this driveway entrance project, our team revitalized the front bed by rebuilding a low stacked-stone retaining wall and completely redesigning the surrounding landscape. We carefully prepped and graded the planting bed with fresh, nutrient-rich soil and a protective layer of pine straw mulch to promote healthy root growth. To complement the existing stone pillar and wooded backdrop, we selected and installed a curated mix of ornamental shrubs, perennials, and evergreens, creating a clean, welcoming accent for the home’s main approach. To safeguard the investment against local wildlife, we customized the build by incorporating discreet deer netting suspended on durable green posts directly around the bed—a specific solution requested by the homeowner. This functional barrier protects young plants while they establish without detracting from the overall curb appeal. At Pine Valley Turf Management, we tailor every landscape design to our clients' unique challenges, offering creative, practical wildlife deterrent options alongside high-quality hardscape and plant installation.

Hillside Garden Designed by Kim Rooney Landscape architect, located in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle Washington. This photo was taken by Eva Blanchard Photography.

Seabreeze Sparkle Pressure Washing completed this paver cleaning, re-sanding, and sealing project in Port Orange, Florida. The pavers had built-up dirt, organic growth, faded color, and loose joint sand before service. We pressure cleaned the surface, removed debris from the joints, applied fresh joint sand where needed, and sealed the pavers with a commercial-grade sealer to help enhance color, protect the surface, stabilize the joints, and improve curb appeal. This project shows the full process of professional paver cleaning, paver sanding, and paver sealing for a cleaner, brighter, longer-lasting outdoor space.

Laced Up™ Elderberry / Sambucus nigra

Living room - mid-sized industrial open concept concrete floor living room idea in Wichita with yellow walls, no fireplace and no tv

Decorative Concrete Walkways for Great Curb Appeal When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature. Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway. Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution. Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.

Decorative Concrete Walkways for Great Curb Appeal When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature. Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway. Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution. Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.

Decorative Concrete Walkways for Great Curb Appeal When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature. Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway. Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution. Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.

The hillside garden two years after it was planted. This sloped hillside was been transformed into a beautiful tapestry of colors and textures in every season. I specified drought tolerant plants and shrubs that are low maintenance and deer resistant. Located in Novato, CA - Marin County. The hillside has filled in beautifully! © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Decorative Concrete Walkways for Great Curb Appeal When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature. Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway. Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution. Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.

Decorative Concrete Walkways for Great Curb Appeal When navigating around a property and creating a pathway, a concrete walk will do a great job. Concrete is often used for walkways as it is the perfect solution to provide a contoured, conforming surface to the ground while blending in with it’s surroundings. Concrete walkways are a popular choice when a solid consistent surface is desired. Concrete will help to avoid weeds growth as well as offer a smooth surface without any trip hazards that are common with shifting concrete pavers or brick walkways. Concrete is also ideal if you want to include concrete steps, curves or ramps as it can be formed and poured into any shape or curvature. Decorative concrete can blend seamlessly into the surroundings as it has limitless design possibilities, options and color choices. Concrete walks can be customized to suit your needs and landscape decor. Stamped concrete is an ideal way to add a textured pattern or design to a freshly placed concrete slab walkway. Concrete can add a lot of curb appeal to your Denver home and the best part is that concrete walkways can be a cost effective solutions when compared to other hard surface materials, while providing a long lasting solution. Even though concrete is recognized as a grey boring surface, Colored Concrete will add the much needed flare that makes your concrete walkway or pathway stand out from the rest while offering a great way to get wherever it is you’re going around your property.

Photo of a mid-sized contemporary drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone landscaping in Denver with a fire pit for summer.

This simple and elegant Woodlands landscape is full of vibrant color and curb appeal.
Photo of a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard mulch formal garden in Houston for spring.

Winter jasmine. Creative commons license. Photo credit Daniel/dadoobe

Several years go, the owners of a recently built contemporary home in Brookline asked us to introduce the traditional, period design aesthetic that they prefer. This year, our work involved rebuilding a staircase and remodeling the family room and the living room. In the living room, we focused on the fireplace, which had been very modern in design. We installed a more traditional stove and added a refinished 100+ year-old mantel, found at Restoration Resources. We also built custom-fabricated shelving and added a new stone tile surround. The fireplace was also the focus of our work in the family room, where we added new doors to the firebox and introduced a new stone hearth. We also introduced a one-of-a-kind mantel made from a piece of old growth oak, formerly part of a ladder at Boston Harbor that we discovered at Long Leaf Lumber in Cambridge. After cutting the mantel, we used the remainder of the wood to create a coffee table. Finally, the original modern wrought-iron staircase was removed. In its place, we built a more traditional grand staircase with stained red oak wood and anchored it with a refinished antique newel post found at a salvage yard in New Hampshire. Smaller posts for the stair landing and at the top of the staircase were built and stained to match. Photo by Shelly Harrison