James Golden's Federal Twist garden. Photo by Jay Sifford.

Photo of a large coastal drought-tolerant and full sun backyard landscaping in Boston for summer.

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

Example of a classic pool design in Atlanta

Natural Walnut Acoustic Slat Panels were installed in this apartment living room to add dimension and character to an otherwise cookie-cutter space. Because of their minimally invasive installation, these acoustic slat panels were a perfect choice for this rental space. The rich, dark wood stands out starkly against the white walls, but match perfectly with the rest of the furniture in the apartment. The LED light kit rounds out the entire installation and makes the living room feel complete.

This exquisite home on Philadelphia's Main Line underwent a total landscape transformation. Overgrown plantings and invasive species were removed to make room for a transitional landscape that functions for this family's low-maintenance lifestyle. Here, boxwoods are interplanted with native species and formal lines are combined with a rain garden. This updated landscape now supports the client's lifestyle as well as the surrounding environment!

To gain more usable space in this narrow landscape and update the hardscaping and overgrown garden, my design reconfigured the pathway with poured-in-place concrete pavers accented by Mexican pebbles and a stunning variety of succulents and other site-appropriate plantings that thrive in shade and part sun. We removed the tree to create a patio area large enough to fit a table and chairs for a small group. Non-invasive/clumping Bamboo was added to help screen the patio and provide privacy. Other shade to part-shade plants were included that provide a variety of textures and colors throughout the seasons. Low-voltage lighting was installed for safety and ambiance. Design and Photos: © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

While on vacation, our clients found a very talented artist whom they commissioned to make two sinks for their master bath rehab. We designed the space to highlight these magnificent bowls. By keeping the use of blue to a minimum, the sinks became the focal point. In supporting roles, we utilized iridescent tiles on the walls and a coordinating faux stone tile. While this room was large enough to separate the shower from the bathing area, a separate water closet wasn't in the cards. So a less invasive frosted glass panel provides some additional privacy during the morning routine. Designer: Larry Rych Photographer: Stephanie Bullwinkel

Native & non-invasive plantings for waterfront Jamestown residence to provide buffer from adjacent Right-of-way. Juniperus 'Robusta Green', Hyrdrangea quercifolia, Ilex glabra, Clethra alnifolia, Vaccinium corymbosum, Hamamelis virgininia

Tom Benjamin, RLA, LEED-AP BD+C
Inspiration for a large coastal home design remodel in Providence

Located directly across from a fresh water lake, the grounds have been landscaped to create a habitat garden. Rainwater collected by the butterfly roof cascades into a rain garden, populated by water-loving perennials. Throughout the property a total of 63 native, non-invasive, plant species have been used to provide a shifting color palette throughout the year and a variety of flowers and fruits attractive to wildlife.

After opening the view of the river and removing invasive plants
This is an example of an eclectic landscaping in Portland.

The homeowner wanted to take an existing landscape and remove all of the plant material and install new shrubs. I came in and removed a Spruce tree that was going to become diseased and eventually the homeowner's would have to have it removed. I was able to plant the new plants right through the existing rocks. I planted Barberry, Hydrangeas, Ninebark, Boxwood, Cypress, and a Specimen Cedar Tree. The job was minimally invasive to the property.

Mother Natures masterpiece. Extremely rare Makamong burl table slab! This slice of burl came from an ancient forest tree of Laos. Surviving it's youth as a sapling, it survived despite tropical monsoons, insect invasions and wars to become a behemoth 16 feet in girth and 50 feet to its first branch. It eventually succumbed to old age and began the inevitable journey back to earth from whence it came. This burl was recused before its total demise but not before some insects left some damage in the outer sapwood. A unique, one-of-a-kind forest gem. The slab dimension are 61 long x 34 wide x 17 high. It now sits as a coffee table on a burled redwood base. It would also make a nice bistro table or a wonderful desk. I am selling this as a coffee table cost of $3200. Let me know if you are interested

Older Parksville local Law firm and Dental office entrance lobby required a redesign update. The original fir wall board panelling felt like you were going back in time or having a visit to a shauna. Anita Redesign advised to creating a modern wall paneling painted and painted old wallpaper walls, painting stair railings, updating carpet and new artwork. The overgrown brick planter was painted and plants scaled down in order to not be so invasive upon entrance of the small foyer.