Tucked away in a quiet corner of a small city, a forested valley, which was previously overgrown with invasive plants, has become the home of a remarkable custom treehouse and native woodland garden. The owner wanted to create a small meadow garden as a place of respite from which to enjoy the woodland. This original concept progressively evolved to include pathways through the space, a pond to attract wildlife, an expanded native woodland garden, a firepit, and finally a treehouse with multiple green roofs. Its unique character and custom detailing are the result of the vision of the owner, the contractor, and the landscape architects. Thousands of native plants have been placed to restore the valley, but not without challenges. A large deer herd regularly visits the garden, as well as a flock of turkeys pecking at the seeds and smaller plants. Despite these nibbling visitors, the garden flourishes, and it is truly a peaceful retreat for the owners and a place of great exploration for their grandchildren.

Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

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Photo by Barbara Wilson Landscape Architect, LLC A small residential, seaside property located on Fairfield Beach, Fairfield was renovated by the new owners and adapted for their active family. Barbara was the landscape architect in charge of all of the landscape elements upgrades. She designed new bluestone curving paths to access the front and side doors and designed new landscape lighting to enhance the walks. The existing trees were saved and she designed new shade and salt-tolerant plantings which were added to provide seasonal color and interest while respecting the existing plantings. Along the beach front additional native beach grasses were added to stabilize the dunes while removing some invasive plantings. This work will be phased over the next few years in an effort to keep the sand stable. Beach roses were incorporated into a hollow in the dunes. A small lawn area was renovated and the surrounding Black Pines pruned to provide a small play area and respite from the sun. Beautiful reblooming hydrangeas line the edge of the gravel driveway. Rounded beach stones were used instead of mulch in the island planting along the edge of the adjacent road planted with Miscanthus, Mugo pine and yucca. Barbara designed a custom kayak rack, custom garbage enclosure, a new layout of the existing wooden deck to facilitate access to the side doors, and detailed how to renovate the front door into only an emergency access with new railings and steps. She coordinating obtaining bids and then supervised the installation of all elements for the new landscape the project. The interiors were designed by Jack Montgomery Design of Greenwich, CT and NYC . Tree work was completed by Bartlett Tree Experts. Freddy’s Landscape Company of Fairfield, CT installed the new plantings, installed all the new masonry work and provides landscape maintenance services. JT Low Voltage and Electric installed the landscape lighting.

Barbara Simon This a larger property on the Willamette River south of Portland, Oregon. The project was phased in over a number of years. Areas adjacent to the river were planted with natives. There is a continuing battle to keep invasive plants that were existing from spreading in this area.

Tucked away in a quiet corner of a small city, a forested valley, which was previously overgrown with invasive plants, has become the home of a remarkable custom treehouse and native woodland garden. The owner wanted to create a small meadow garden as a place of respite from which to enjoy the woodland. This original concept progressively evolved to include pathways through the space, a pond to attract wildlife, an expanded native woodland garden, a firepit, and finally a treehouse with multiple green roofs. Its unique character and custom detailing are the result of the vision of the owner, the contractor, and the landscape architects. Thousands of native plants have been placed to restore the valley, but not without challenges. A large deer herd regularly visits the garden, as well as a flock of turkeys pecking at the seeds and smaller plants. Despite these nibbling visitors, the garden flourishes, and it is truly a peaceful retreat for the owners and a place of great exploration for their grandchildren.

Designed by Julie Coleman, Director of Design, Allied Member ASID
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage l-shaped porcelain tile open concept kitchen remodel in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Terran Landscapes http://www.terranlandscapes.com Project Entry: Fishers Woodland Garden 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Theme Garden $15,000-$30,000 Award Level: Bronze Photo Description: We were contracted by the client to design a calming space for their staff to relax, take a walk, and enjoy a leisurely lunch as well as to provide their grandchildren a place to run and pick flowers. The space was originally dominated by large trees and had been overgrown with ivy, sumac and aggressive vines, providing an unwelcome, dark space with little color or visual appeal. The client requested a colorful blend of shrubs and perennials that would provide interest throughout the seasons, as well as provide privacy by screening the street traffic along Carisbrooke Road. Our goal was to create the privacy screen along the road by layering plants from the ground to the tree canopy. The theme was to let nature inspire the landscape, allowing a space that was originally woodland to become an enhanced version of itself, creating a beautiful habitat for birds and butterflies to excite the senses and satisfy all who enjoy the beauty of nature. We began by clearing the brush and removing all aggressive vines and ivy that jeopardized the health of the trees. We kept and transplanted all non- invasive or native plant material in the area to various locations throughout the property. Several yards of compost were then tilled into the soil and the existing trees fertilized to provide a rich growing environment. A few challenges occurred during the design process. It was decided that a new generator was to be installed in the woodland and due to a future addition to the house, we were forced to eliminate planned additional impervious pathway surfaces. We provided screening to hide the generator and buffer the noise, and created a meandering path and sitting area out of natural woodchips instead of the proposed bluestone to solve the impervious space issue. The woodchips add a sense of informality and invite the viewer to walk slowly through the space. The reduced noise from the additional screening of the generator allows for quiet reflection as chipmunks scurry and hummingbirds dart about between the flowers. Our plant palette consists of shady understory plants that thrive and flower vigorously from spring through fall. A tall, lush, evergreen backdrop of Ilex opaca and Prunus laurocerasus ‘Schipkaensis’ provides the screening and blends into a middle layer of ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood, hydrangeas and winterberry hollies. Beautiful perennials and groundcovers bloom along the woodland path, providing a low visual layer of color and texture. Movement throughout the garden is provided by the graceful Calamagrostis brachytricha and Hakenchloa that soften the nearby hardscaping. The woodland floor is full of shade-loving Solomon’s seal, hosta, astilbe, ferns, bleeding heart, Tiarella and Aconitum. The street side of this woodland required plants with a preference for a little more sun and drought tolerance. A palette of oakleaf hydrangea, Agastache, Liatris and Rudbeckia softens the fence line and provides the desired color. As designed and installed, the woodland garden successfully provides the client’s family and office staff a quiet space where they can take a peaceful moment and enjoy nature. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Photo: Christopher King Description: In an older plantation house, our clients discovered a leak in their shower pan. The bathroom had been renovated over ten years ago and the clients wanted to maintain as much as possible. The goal was to repair and restore the bathroom to look as if the leak never happened. Our challenge was to design the least invasive solution that would be low maintenance and keep with original style.

We worked closely with this client to convert this half-acre slope from invasive vines, weeds and saplings to create this gorgeous, meadow-inspired, pollinator garden. Using a palate of largely native grasses and flowers is a delight to the senses through the four seasons. And, perhaps most importantly, serves as a vital pathway to our most cherished native birds and bees.

In this project we took a tired old drafty, leaky and an invasive black mold that was in the shower area and brought it back to life !!! Customer had approached us with a common problem (lose tiles) and some mold in the grout joints. This led to a complete gut and rebuild first of the shower area and then the ball rolled from there upgrading the tired old bathroom in the process as well, reusing the tub, all the valves , toilet and bidet. Out with the grey 4x4 tiles from the walls and tub surround, the plastic shower floor base, and 8x8 white floor tiles… The previous situation had a rough built cedar wood vanity which we upgraded to the white oak full of drawers you see before you… We retained cedar as trim for the existing windows and ceiling to maintain the integrity of the original space. Thanks Roz & Ernie for this opportunity…

Heavily overgrown vegetation including invasive vines had taken over the clients backyard. Some vegetation was over 6ft tall.
Design ideas for a large drought-tolerant and full sun backyard landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

Heavily overgrown vegetation including invasive vines had taken over the clients backyard. Some vegetation was over 6ft tall.
This is an example of a large drought-tolerant and full sun backyard landscaping in DC Metro for summer.

This project was all about resurfacing an existing deck, which provides a significant amount of benefits, including: - Enhanced Aesthetics: A deck resurfacing project can transform the appearance of the deck, giving it a fresh and modern look that can significantly improve the curb appeal of the entire home. - Cost Savings: Resurfacing is often more cost-effective than completely rebuilding a deck. It allows homeowners to achieve a like-new appearance without the expense of a full replacement. - Increased Durability: New materials used in resurfacing are designed to be more resistant to wear, fading, and the elements, resulting in a longer lifespan for the deck. - Improved Safety: Addressing structural issues during the resurfacing process ensures the deck's safety and stability, reducing the risk of accidents. - Less Disruption: Compared to a full deck replacement, resurfacing typically involves less disruption to the homeowner's daily routine, as it's a faster and less invasive process. - Customization: Homeowners can choose from a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes to match their design preferences and complement their home's style. - Environmentally Friendly: Resurfacing reduces the amount of old material that needs to be disposed of, making it a more environmentally conscious option. By undertaking a deck resurfacing project, homeowners can rejuvenate their outdoor space, enjoy a beautiful and functional deck for years to come and increase the overall value of their property.

Before Photo of the Front Yard. Overgrown plants, invasives, and weeds have taken over the space.
Photo of a large drought-tolerant and full sun front yard flower bed in DC Metro for summer.

This project was an entry to the Water Wise Landscape Recognition Program in Brantford. Features include: Spillway from downspout directed to supply water to drip-line of young Red Maple. This replaced a lawn that was in constant battle with invasive weeds and crabgrass. The grade of the yard was changed to retain as much rain water as possible to significantly reduce run-off. All plants used require little to no water need outside of what Mother Nature provides.

Are you looking for the perfect late spring and early summer wispy, white, fragrant flowering tree? If so, the fringe tree is what you are looking for! Not only do these trees create a beautiful addition to any yard, they can also make it look like it snowed when their petals fall. These trees don’t grow as tall as some other flowering trees, making them perfect for planting close to your patio, in small yards, under power lines, or as a shrub border. Our team at Five Star Tree Services has come up with some tips on how to care for these delightful trees and the different varieties they come in. Fringe Tree Appearance The average height of a fringe tree is about 10-20 feet tall. This makes it easy for it to fit into any garden nicely. The most prominent thing about this beautiful tree is its white fragrant flowers which bloom in May and early June. These flowers are grouped together in thin, fleecy hanging bands that are 6-8 inches long. These flowers appear all over the tree just before all the leaves start to sprout. After the flowers have fallen, you can enjoy the oval-shaped, dark green leaves for the summer and then the delightful yellow leaves during the fall. The female trees can produce a blackish-blue fruit after the flowers fall, this is a great way to attract your local birds. The bark on the tree is scaly and has red furrows with dark brown ridges. It does best in full sun with well drained but moist soil. It can also tolerate drought and is good with air pollution. With its strong branches but delicate flowers, in order to maximize your enjoyment of the flowers, make sure to plant this tree somewhere that is sheltered from the wind. The Facts Fringe trees are actually related to the olive family and are native to easters North America. They naturally grow on streambanks and hillsides in moist woods. Due to the tassel-like flowers, another name for this tree is Old Man’s Beard. As a remedy for gallbladder inflammation, previously, the bark from the fringe tree has been used in herbal medicine. It has also historically been used as a way to treat wounds. Varieties of Popular Fringe Trees There are 2 popular fringe trees: Chionanthus Retusus- this is a Chinese fringe tree. It is tall with lush branches and beautiful leaves. Other varieties under this are: -Pizazz -Carolina Moonlight -Rubrum -Emerald Snow -Burgundy -Snowdance Chionanthus Virginicus- this is the native easters North American fringe tree we have been focusing on. Care Instructions Luckily, these trees are easy to care for. To have a happy tree and many blooms, follow these tree care tips. Growth Zones- 3-9 Plant- in moist soil that has good drainage. Height- 12-20 feet when mature. The growth rate is about 6-10 inches a year. Sun Exposure- full sun Flowers- May to early June. The blossoms usually last about 2 weeks. Prune- Do not prune during dormant times. Once the tree is older, it won’t require much pruning. Simply cut out damaged, weak, or dead branches. Deer Resistance- deer rarely damage these trees. Threats With this easy to care for tree, you don’t have to worry about much. However, there are a few pests to look out for. In order to fight off pests like spider mites and scales, proper planting, watering, and fertilizing will keep it healthy and pest free. If a tree gets stressed, borers will take this opportunity to tunnel inside the tree and eat the bark. To keep these trees safe, avoid injuring them. These trees can also act as a secondary host for the emerald ash borer. Avoid planting a fringe tree in known areas where these invasive insects like to live. How Five Star Tree Services Can Help If you have been looking for the perfect flowering tree to plant in your yard, the fringe tree might be the best one for you! If you have any questions about what trees are best for your property, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355! Here at Five Star Tree Services, we can offer different options and also offer you our Richmond Hill Tree Planting Services!

This project showcases the practical and aesthetic application of high-performance outdoor bamboo decking for a staircase and walkway in a challenging forest environment. Our challenge was to create a durable and safe passage that respects the delicate ecosystem. The chosen bamboo material is specifically engineered for exterior use, offering exceptional resistance to moisture, insects, and decay—making it an ideal choice for this setting. The design focuses on clean lines and a non-invasive footprint. The installation required precise engineering to ensure stability and longevity on the uneven terrain. The result is a robust and low-maintenance pathway that provides secure footing while blending beautifully with the surroundings. This project demonstrates our commitment to using innovative, sustainable materials to solve complex landscape design challenges.

Floating cork floors are naturally resistant to invasive organisms such as mold and mildew. It is one of the better hypoallergenic flooring options available, making it an first-rate choice for allergy sufferers. Available in dozens of colors and natural tones, floating cork flooring can easily suit any home’s design aesthetic. It also an easier install in comparison with other flooring choices.