New cantilevered pool coping & water line tile replaced the old flagstone pavers, decomposed granite and rolled pool beam with synthetic turf strips to "Green-up" the large amount of concrete. The "Raw" engineered concrete wall replaced an old failing wood wall with a new fence on top. The ambient well lights reflecting light off the walls create some spectacular patterns across the wall & silhouettes some of the plantings.

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

New cantilevered pool coping & water line tile replaced the old flagstone pavers, decomposed granite and rolled pool beam with synthetic turf strips to "Green-up" the large amount of concrete. The "Raw" engineered concrete wall replaced an old failing wood wall with a new fence on top. The ambient well lights reflecting light off the walls create some spectacular patterns across the wall & silhouettes some of the plantings.

Design ideas for a mid-sized transitional shade landscaping in Philadelphia.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional hillside mulch retaining wall landscape in San Francisco.

The building was built in 1925 as a gas station, then grew over time into a full service station. When we purchased it had been vacant for a decade, with no utilities and several failed roofs. We installed all new mechanicals, and designed and installed new facades on the far left portion and the center portion to reflect the previous uses of the building. Three of the barn lights are original to the 1930's remodel of the building and were discovered stored in the attic, the rest are reproductions that match exactly. The two schoolhouse fixtures on the interior are originals that we restored. We received the 2015 Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Award for the restoration. Some Richard Leo Johnson

Inspiration for a craftsman landscaping in Vancouver.

Carport canopy tall enough for a RV that slopes back to the roof of the house
Carport - mid-sized craftsman wood and one-car beige carport idea in Portland

This is an example of a small rustic shade side yard vegetable garden landscape in New York.

3 Rail Locust Split-Rail Fence wrapped corral-style around the yard. Primarily installed for dog containment, the wood system is framed heavy gauge welded wire. The black coating is nice because at distance its almost invisible, not taking away from any visibility of the yard, or the appeal of the fence.

Natural Cleft Bluestone random pattern patio & walkway, LED mood lighting, landscape design & construction, masonry fire pit, seating wall and planter using cultured stone veneer, new composite deck installed wit water proofed understory, Bluestone steps, drainage installation, outdoor TV, cultured stone veneer on foundation walls of house

The large alcove houses a giant AC unit which was visible from the street. This gate that leads nowhere allows access for servicing or removal of the unit. The bioswale is constructed of a Geo Grid to allow a dolly to remove AC unit if and when it fails. The beautiful rain chain filters rain water from the roof into the bioswale so the water remains in the garden and not down into the storm drain.

3 different sizes of fence boards - Cordovan Brown (color)
Trendy entryway photo in Los Angeles

Iron Fence Painting Wicker Park Homeowners Can Trust: A Windy City Painters Case Study Wicker Park is full of architectural character — ornate 1890s greystone two-flats, vintage brick facades, and wrought iron fencing that has framed these streets for well over a century. However, what iron fence painting Wicker Park properties require is not a simple weekend job. Winters here are brutal on metal, and consequently Windy City Painters has spent years perfecting the restoration process that keeps these fences standing strong. In particular, this case study walks through a recent project completed for a classic Wicker Park property. Project Overview The property featured a full wrought iron perimeter fence that had suffered years of freeze-thaw cycling and road salt exposure. Paint had failed across most of the pickets, and oxidation had progressed into active rust at several base rails. Consequently, the homeowners needed more than a fresh coat of paint. They needed a genuine metal restoration, and that is precisely what Windy City Painters delivered. Materials Used Windy City Painters selected products specifically rated for Chicago's climate extremes: Rust-Oleum Professional Rust Inhibitor Primer Sherwin-Williams DTM Acrylic Enamel (two finish coats) 3M rust converter gel for active oxidation zones Wire brushes, angle grinders, and detail brushes for precision work The Process: How Windy City Painters Restores Rusted Iron Every iron fence painting Wicker Park project follows a disciplined, multi-stage process: Preparation. Wire brushing and angle grinding remove all loose, flaking, and compromised material. Rust converter gel is applied directly to active oxidation zones, chemically stabilizing the metal underneath. Repairs. Pitted sections and structurally weak joints are addressed before any coating touches the surface. Notably, skipping this step is the most common reason fence paint fails prematurely. Priming. A full rust-inhibiting primer coat seals every bare metal surface, preventing moisture from reaching the iron beneath. Application. Two finish coats of direct-to-metal enamel are applied by hand for even coverage across pickets, finials, and rail joints. Finishing. A final inspection confirms full coverage, sharp lines, and a smooth, uniform sheen from every angle. Furthermore, this same process protects the ornate details so common on Wicker Park fencing — decorative finials, scrollwork, and gate hardware — without losing the historic character that makes these properties special. Advice for Wicker Park Homeowners Before starting a similar project, homeowners in this neighborhood should keep a few things in mind: Never paint over active rust. Untreated oxidation will continue spreading beneath the new coating, and the paint will fail within a season or two. Always prime bare metal before applying a finish coat. Skipping primer is the single fastest path to peeling. Choose coatings rated for temperature extremes, since Chicago's freeze-thaw cycles are harder on metal than most climates. Inspect ground-contact areas each spring, as base rails typically rust fastest due to snow melt and road salt runoff. Budget for prep time. In fact, most of the labor in a quality iron fence painting Wicker Park project happens before a single coat of paint is applied. Similarly, ask whether the contractor uses rust converter on active oxidation, since skipping this step often shortens the life of the finish considerably. Moreover, historic greystone properties often have decorative ironwork that requires extra care during grinding and priming so the original detailing is preserved rather than sanded away. What to Expect: Timeline and Investment Homeowners often ask how long an iron fence painting Wicker Park project takes from start to finish. In general, prep work — wire brushing, grinding, rust conversion, and repairs — takes up the largest share of the schedule, while primer and enamel application move relatively quickly once the surface is properly stabilized. Cure time between coats also affects the overall timeline, since rushing this stage undermines durability. Consequently, Windy City Painters builds a realistic schedule around weather conditions rather than forcing the job into a tight window. In addition, investment varies based on fence length, the amount of active rust present, and whether ornate detailing requires extra hand-finishing. Homeowners considering this project should request a full on-site walkthrough rather than a rough phone estimate, since rust severity is difficult to judge accurately without seeing the fence in person. Why Wicker Park Homeowners Choose Windy City Painters Windy City Painters has become the trusted painting contractor for Chicago's North Side and Near West Side, and iron fence painting Wicker Park residents request most often reflects that reputation directly. In contrast to quick-fix contractors who paint straight over rust, Windy City Painters treats every project as a full restoration. As a result, clients get a finish that holds up through multiple Chicago winters rather than one. In addition, for related projects, Windy City Painters also offers interior painting, cabinet painting, drywall and plaster repair, and full metal refinishing services for fences, gates, and porches throughout the neighborhood. Ultimately, that range of services is what makes us a true one-stop contractor for Wicker Park homeowners. See more of our work and request a free estimate at www.windypainters.com. Ready to transform your Wicker Park home? Contact Windy City Painters for a free estimate — visit www.windypainters.com today. Proudly serving Wicker Park, West Town, Lincoln Park, Roscoe Village, Lakeview, Ukrainian Village, River North, and all of Chicago.

New cantilevered pool coping & water line tile replaced the old flagstone pavers, decomposed granite and rolled pool beam with synthetic turf strips to "Green-up" the large amount of concrete. The "Raw" engineered concrete wall replaced an old failing wood wall with a new fence on top and pop-out concrete planters create some movement of space along the wall giving room for some focal point planting, lighting, boulders to soften the hard lines and some spectacular color and texture. The ambient well lights reflecting light off the walls create some spectacular patterns across the wall & silhouettes some of the plantings.

Vertical fence - Bottom 6 ft- Top section = Horizontal fence topper - 2 ft tall - Painted White
Contemporary exterior home idea in Los Angeles

The compact front landscape of this Sausaltio home underwent a major transformation. Much of the failing concrete retaining walls were removed to gain more patio space. Ledger stone veneer was installed on existing walls. A new built-in BBQ/grill with full range bluestone for counter tops, patio floor and stairs. I also designed a contemporary, stepped, horizontal redwood fence along both sides of the sloped driveway. Low water plantings including low light succulents such as Echeveria imbricata (hens and chicks), Sedum 'Angelina', Agave attenuate, were included in this contemporary facelift. Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

New cantilevered pool coping & water line tile replaced the old flagstone pavers, decomposed granite and rolled pool beam with synthetic turf strips to "Green-up" the large amount of concrete. The "Raw" engineered concrete wall replaced an old failing wood wall with a new fence on top and pop-out concrete planters create some movement of space along the wall giving room for some focal point planting, lighting, boulders to soften the hard lines and some spectacular color and texture. The ambient well lights reflecting light off the walls create some spectacular patterns across the wall & silhouettes some of the plantings.

Engineered cedar siding creates beautiful gray-blue tones at the exterior of the home, while adding a textural element to activate the simple exterior design.