This beautiful property is located in the hills above of Montecito with 360 degree of views onto the Channel Islands and the surrounding mountains. Inspired by the Japanese landscape design principal of the borrowed landscape the gardens on this property serves as a kind of picture frame from which to view the natural beauty of its surroundings. This 15-year-old costume-built home was crafted with all the style and workmanship ship found in Villa or Château in the Mediterranean. Unfortunately, the garden design was not as well thought out as the house was. Most of this property receives baking sun, drying winds and is in an extremely high fire danger area. Do to these factors many of the plants on the property were unsuitable for their location. The original planting scheme was also lifeless and colorless. Poor landscape maintenance had left many of the plants on the property sick and dying. We came in to revive this landscape, breathing new life into it. Creating a drought tolerant and fire wise landscape was of utmost importance to these clients. Staying true to the more formal landscape styles found in Southern Europe we also want to create an opportunity to design seamlessly blend with its natural surroundings. We did that by incorporating a lot of California native plants. This vast property also contains an avocado orchard and a vineyard. By adding California native plants the property is inviting in native birds and insects that help keep pollinate the orchard and vineyard and keep pest problems at bay. Because these clients enjoy harvesting from their land we added elements of edible landscaping to this project. We filled pottery and planter beds with fruit trees, culinary and medicinal herbs as well as flowers that can be used in cut flower arrangements. Lastly, we went through carefully pruning diseased plants, treating pest problems an improving the soil. Now the landscape is not only more beautiful it is more protected against fire, is more water wise and integrate into its surrounds with a wholistic approach.

Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional drought-tolerant and full sun backyard stone garden path in Los Angeles for summer.

Chimneyz completed a custom stone retaining wall and exterior masonry installation designed to create a durable, finished outdoor masonry feature that blends naturally with the home and landscape. This project highlights our stone masonry, retaining wall construction, exterior masonry, and custom stonework capabilities, with attention to clean layout, durable materials, and a finished look that improves both function and curb appeal.

This family wanted to improve their curb appeal, especially as they also run a home-based business that welcomes clients. A minimalist planting and aesthetic was requested with a palette as closely resembling the modernist gardens of Palm Springs as possible here in the Pacific Northwest. Challenge accepted! A front path of block pavers was laid in a geometric pattern for high functionality while also feeling fresh and young. Lots of structural plant choices in blues and light greens align with the requested plant style while also providing a deer proof and drought tolerant planting.

Design ideas for a large traditional shade front yard stone landscaping in Vancouver for summer.

Artisitc photo of the belvedere pillar amidst greenery. Products used: -Permacon: -Esplanade Slab in Range Grey -Esplanade Step in Range Grey -Browns Concrete: -Belvedere Garden Wall in Manitou Blend Photo Credits - Cameron Maiolo

A staple for summer entertaining at Canadian homes; the wood deck. This one required stabilizing, replacing rotting boards, re-staining. Advantage Property Improvements services include ground maintenance as a one time service or regular contract to ensure yards stay in tiptop shape such as this backyard.

These homeowners came to us wanting to upgrade the curb appeal of their home and improve the layout of the interior. They hoped for an entry that would welcome guests to their home both inside and out, while also creating more defined and purposeful space within the home. The main goals of the project were to add a covered wrap around porch, add more windows for natural light, create a formal entry that housed the client’s baby grand piano, and add a home office for the clients to work from home. With a dated exterior and facade that lacked dimension, there was little charm to be had. The front door was hidden from visitors and a lack of windows made the exterior unoriginal. We approached the exterior design pulling inspiration from the farmhouse style, southern porches, and craftsman style homes. Eventually we landed on a design that added numerous windows to the front façade, reminiscent of a farmhouse, and turned a Dutch hipped roof into an extended gable roof, creating a large front porch and adding curb appeal interest. By relocating the entry door to the front of the house and adding a gable accent over this new door, it created a focal point for guests and passersby. In addition to those design elements, we incorporated some exterior shutters rated for our northwest climate that echoed the southern style homes our client loved. A greige paint color (Benjamin Moore Cape May Cobblestone) accented with a white trim (Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee) and a black front door, shutters, and window box (Sherwin Williams Black Magic) all work together to create a charming and welcoming façade. On the interior we removed a half wall and coat closet that separated the original cramped entryway from the front room. The front room was a multipurpose space that didn’t have a designated use for the family, it became a catch-all space that was easily cluttered. Through the design process we came up with a plan to split the spaces into 2 rooms, a large open semi-formal entryway and a home office. The semi-formal entryway was intentionally designed to house the homeowner’s baby grand piano – a real showstopper. The flow created by this entryway is welcoming and ushers you into a beautifully curated home. A new office now sits right off the entryway with beautiful French doors, built-in cabinetry, and an abundance of natural light – everything that one dreams of for their home office. The home office looks out to the front porch and front yard as well as the pastural side yard where the children frequently play. The office is an ideal location for a moment of inspiration, reflection, and focus. A warm white paint (Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee) combined with the newly installed light oak luxury vinyl plank flooring runs throughout the home, creating continuity and a neutral canvas. Traditional and schoolhouse style statement light fixtures coordinate with the black door hardware for an added level of contrast. There is one more improvement that made a big difference to this family. In the family room, we added a built-in window seat. This created a cozy nook that is used by all for reading and extra seating. This relatively small improvement had a big impact on how the family uses and enjoys the space.

Combinations of annuals are endless, the varieties are constantly being improved for disease resistance and heat tolerances. Just pick any container, fill it with some great soil, we recommend Gardeners Gold and Bumper Crop, and plant with your favorites. Keep in mind the different choices for sun or shade. Feed frequently, water properly, and prune constantly to maintain fullness throughout the year. Ganim's Garden Center & Florist

New plantings beds added to replace large, overgrown shade tree that was removed to provide more sunlight to the garage and guest parking area. A mixture of flowering hydrangeas, ornamental grasses, black eyed susans, and catmint provide seasonal interest and summer flowers.

This Newbury Park front yard design pairs lush artificial turf with decorative river rock to create a clean, modern, and water-wise landscape. The curved layout softens the property lines while delivering a low-maintenance solution that boosts curb appeal, improves drainage, and stays green year-round, perfect for Southern California living.

This family wanted to improve their curb appeal, especially as they also run a home-based business that welcomes clients. A minimalist planting and aesthetic was requested with a palette as closely resembling the modernist gardens of Palm Springs as possible here in the Pacific Northwest. Challenge accepted! A front path of block pavers was laid in a geometric pattern for high functionality while also feeling fresh and young. Lots of structural plant choices in blues and light greens align with the requested plant style while also providing a deer proof and drought tolerant planting.

Jill Davis
This is an example of a mid-sized transitional full sun backyard brick landscaping in Chicago for summer.

The best way to improve your home's curb appeal is by updating tired landscaping with a fresh look. (Photo by Mike Crews)
Inspiration for a mid-sized traditional full sun front yard landscaping in Chicago for summer.

Granite boulders, mulch and perennials improve hillside stabilization. Brick pathway leads through the garden and past a basalt retaining wall. anna caitlin photography

The small, closed in kitchen was opened up, creating a large, open space. The exposed structural concrete column was polished, making for a unique and interesting focal point.

Beautiful front walkway and steps accented by a Belvedere pillar, and gardens. Products used: -Permacon: -Esplanade Slab in Range Grey -Esplanade Step in Range Grey -Browns Concrete: -Belvedere Garden Wall in Manitou Blend Photo Credits - Cameron Maiolo

Lawn Aeration can really turn compacted lawns around by improving soil drainage and encourages worms, microfauna and microflora which require oxygen. However, lawn aerators are pretty large. Let Weiss Earley handle the machinery and you enjoy your time!

An entry garden teeming with colorful plants attracts hummingbirds, creating a lively and enchanting atmosphere. Delicate blooms and vibrant greenery welcome guests, enhancing the charm and natural beauty of the entrance.