With this client who has been passionate about plants all his life, there was naturally a close collaboration and a lot of input from him. Upon closer inspection you'd find some very exceptional plants that are sort of experimental but "all worth the try" in Gordon's eyes. And he is right! I relished the opportunity to use Star Magnolia stellata, Redbud Cercis 'Avondale' and 'Silver Cloud', Arabian Lilac 'Grand Duke of Tuscany', Royal Bromeliad Vriesea imperialis, also many unusual bulbs such as Scilla. Besides structure providing shrubs and trees (Tecoma, existing Indian Hawthorne with beautiful structures, Sweet Pea Bush, Golden Breath of Heaven, Ilex, Ginkgo, Bronze Loquat etc.) you'll see here also my favorite perennials, succulents and grasses, all as low care and undemanding as well as low-water as possible, to keep the landscape colorful and interesting year round. One of the highlights of this garden are the dry stream beds, bird bath and garden bench that we added. Built originally by himself and his wife, the dry stream beds were overgrown, mostly hidden by plant debris, or half rolling down hill. We had fun selecting a mixed collection of colorful and richly textured boulders of various sizes over, and with the input from 7 team members: Gordon, me, the contractor, the supervisor and three workers, we re-created the stream beds, making sure that anchor stones on the sides were well embedded in the slope, and that stone shelves and “top dressing” with smaller pebbles would add to the visual interest. Now these beds form very pleasing architectural features that look like they have always been there. We were all surprised how quickly all plants adapted to the site and started growing and putting out bloom. Now the old birdbath, a traditional white thing with dove figurines resting on the scalloped bowl, looked out of place, and I suggested to replace it with a stone bowl. And that part of the garden just called for a bench under the Macademia nut tree, to observe the birds and contemplate the whole creation. Only stone would do, but not any stone! Gordon picked a Basalt boulder that was naturally bowl shaped. It’s so heavy that it took 8 men to heave it into place! The Basalt bench was not much lighter, and together they make a very inviting scene. This job should last for a while. Photographed by Emma Almendarez at http://www.emmatheodoraphotography.com/

http://www.jenniferkeslerphotography.com
Dining room - contemporary dining room idea in Atlanta

Design ideas for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

Moss Landscaping's VP of Design, Monica Eatherton, designed this grand landscape for a client who loves flowing lines and lots of of color. Shapely boxwoods frame a series of garden beds which frame the home's motor court. The confederate jasmine is in bloom along a diamond trellis and the four crepe myrtles will bloom white in summer.

This unique 2.75 acre property, located on the Roosevelt Channel on Captiva Island, was transformed from a barren construction site into a tropical garden that would rival some botanical gardens. The homeowners are garden enthusiasts and collaborated closely with Bob Walsh and the landscape team to create a variety of lush landscape gardens including; a Tropical Flowering Tree Garden, Moonlight & Scent Garden, Citrus & Edible Garden, Specimen Palm Gardens, Tropical Shade Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, and Waterfall Gardens with lagoon pools for Koi fish. Outdoor living was of primary consideration as well. The Seminole Indian Chickee Hut overlooks a private Island Beach with hammocks to offer a retreat for entertaining and relaxation while a 42 foot circular Stone Labyrinth is a place for meditation and contemplation. Moon and accent landscape lighting allow the numerous pathways and gardens to be enjoyed well beyond sunset.

Situated in old Palo Alto, CA, this historic 1905 Craftsman style home now has a stunning landscape to match its custom hand-crafted interior. Our firm had a blank slate with the landscape, and carved out a number of spaces that this young and vibrant family could use for gathering, entertaining, dining, gardening and general relaxation. Mature screen planting, colorful perennials, citrus trees, ornamental grasses, and lots of depth and texture are found throughout the many planting beds. In effort to conserve water, the main open spaces were covered with a foot friendly, decorative gravel. Giving the family a great space for large gatherings, all while saving water.

Architecture & Interior Design: David Heide Design Studio Photos: Susan Gilmore Photography
Example of a classic medium tone wood floor sunroom design in Minneapolis with a standard ceiling

Product: Authentic Limestone for Exterior Living Spaces. Ancient Surfaces Contacts: (212) 461-0245 Email: Sales@ancientsurfaces.com Website: www.AncientSurfaces.com The design of external living spaces is known as the 'Al Fresco' design style as it is called in Italian. 'Al Fresco' translates into 'the open' or 'the cool/fresh exterior'. Customizing a fully functional outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, BBQ, fireplace or Jacuzzi pool spa all out of old reclaimed Mediterranean stone pieces is no easy task and shouldn’t be created out of the lowest common denominator of building materials such as concrete, Indian slates or Turkish travertine. The one thing you can bet the farmhouse on is that when the entire process unravels and when your outdoor living space materializes from the architects rendering to real life, you will be guaranteed a true Mediterranean living experience if your choice of construction material was as authentic and possible to the Southern Mediterranean regions. We believe that the coziness of your surroundings brought about by the creative usage of our antique stone elements will only amplify that authenticity. whether you are enjoying a relaxing time soaking the sun inside one of our Jacuzzi spa stone fountains or sharing unforgettable memories with family and friends while baking your own pizzas in one of our outdoor BBQ pizza ovens, our stone designs will always evoke in most a feeling of euphoria and exultation that one only gets while being on vacation is some exotic European island surrounded with the pristine beauty of indigenous nature and ancient architecture...

We gave this Newburyport, Massachusetts townhouse a second life with a full renovation that built upon the impeccable bones of the old building. Salvaged wood and soapstone elements in the kitchen design complement the existing timber ceiling and brick walls while adding additional texture. We refinished the pine floors throughout and added hidden ceiling lights that provide illumination and ambiance without compromising the architectural lines of the space. Beautifully crafted, handmade cabinetry and molding details added to the bedrooms and baths coordinate with the existing Indian shutters. By maintaining respect for its historic authenticity we were able to create for the owners a very special home that resonates with comfort and warmth. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Invoking the regal femininity the paisley portrays, our Indian Wall Stencils has been given a royal look through layers of beautiful floral pattern surrounding a lovely paisley motif. Stencil these Indian inspired wall stencils as a focal point over a bed, mantel, or piece of furniture. Or create a random wallpaper pattern. From Royal Design Studio Stencils.

Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Los Angeles.

Inspiration for a landscaping in Minneapolis.

Colorado four o’clock / Mirabilis multiflora
Design ideas for a landscaping in Denver.

Photo: Pete Veilleux, East Bay Wilds
Inspiration for a partial sun landscaping in San Francisco for summer.

Invoking the regal femininity the paisley portrays, our Indian Wall Stencils has been given a royal look through layers of beautiful floral pattern surrounding a lovely paisley motif. Stencil these Indian inspired wall stencils as a focal point over a bed, mantel, or piece of furniture. Or create a random wallpaper pattern. From Royal Design Studio Stencils.

The perennial garden adds great seasonal color to the landscape.
Inspiration for a traditional partial sun backyard mulch landscaping in Cincinnati for spring.

John C Magee
Photo of a large farmhouse partial sun backyard mulch garden path in DC Metro for spring.

This is an example of a landscaping in Minneapolis.

Invoking the regal femininity the paisley portrays, our Indian Wall Stencils has been given a royal look through layers of beautiful floral pattern surrounding a lovely paisley motif. Stencil these Indian inspired wall stencils as a focal point over a bed, mantel, or piece of furniture. Or create a random wallpaper pattern. From Royal Design Studio Stencils.