Western Outdoor Design & Build has teams of outdoor living experts, specializing in helping Southern California homeowners expand their living place. Many Southern California homeowners want to add a little wow factor to their backyard paradise and they aren’t sure how to do it. An outdoor fireplace can be the perfect backyard addition that guests will naturally migrate to at night. The warm ambiance of flickering flames on a quiet night can also be most relaxing and give your backyard an extra spark of romance.

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $30,000-$60,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: Our company was contracted to do a master plan for the family who was in desperate need of a rear yard renovation. The existing lawn area remained saturated throughout most of the year and the runoff from the neighboring property ran across their back yard, down the side of their property and all the way to the sidewalk in front of their house. The water was so intense that it had begun to cut through the back yard and erode the soil across the sidewalk and into the nearby storm drain. By identifying these drainage problems and discussing solutions with the homeowner, we were able to design and create the aesthetically pleasing and sustainable solution of a rain garden. The goal was to slow down storm water runoff, and catch pollution and sediment by creating a rain garden that acts as a filter prior to entering the storm drain, while enhancing the aesthetics of the property. The rain garden created was a shallow depression, 12 - 16" deep that collects rainfall runoff from all downspouts of the home and water collected into perforated pipes underneath the lawn area. The perforated pipe begins at the highest elevation in the yard and ends in the rain garden, the new lowest elevation that has been excavated down to an 8" depth. The perforated pipe captures the runoff water and allows the water to seep slowly back into the ground as it runs across the property and into the garden. The garden was lined with a geotextile filter fabric to aide in removing contaminants from the water, prevent migration of the stone in to the soil, and minimalize maintenance. A large variety of plant material was chosen, focusing mainly on native wetland species for their tolerance of our local soil types, moisture conditions and the habitat they provide for wildlife. The garden was abundant with native wildlife and was a sustainable ecosystem for birds and butterflies upon completion of the project. After planting, we arranged decorative stone throughout the garden to slow the flow of water and help prevent erosion. The combination of vegetative and stone surfaces provides temporary storage for runoff before the water either evaporates or infiltrates the soil. The surrounding beds throughout the property were also all amended with compost and replanted with plants that work in harmony with the rain garden. The front, side, and rear yards are a beautiful display of colors that bloom throughout the seasons and the plants throughout the entire property provide food and shelter for native wildlife. The rear yard that was once a muddy play space for the kids is now a dry lawn space that can be utilized by the family and their neighbors. This multi­ functional garden has become the focal point of the residence. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

For studioryker, the process begins with an observational survey, long periods of experiencing the landscape, sketching, noting flora and fauna, and understanding the unique terrain and climate conditions. At times, the design team would stand on ladders and lie down on the ground to understand the results of different ground heights and whether to cut into or build up from the land. One of the biggest challenges with contemporary home design in remote locations like Bozeman is minimizing the impact of development on previously untouched terrain. This particular site offered an ideal location for observation without interrupting natural wildlife patterns and migration routes, allowing for a modest 2,260-square-foot property with an attached 638-square-foot garage and a 290-square-foot covered patio and outdoor kitchen. The home features a 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom single-level composition set against a shallow cut along the hill.

Perched in the rolling landscape of Alta, Wyoming, this legacy home was thoughtfully designed to belong to the land, not dominate it. Nestled into the hillside with sweeping views of the elk migration path and the Teton Range, every decision was made with future generations in mind. Led by Julie Cavanaugh, this project reflects her passion for designing legacy homes...places that honor family history, respect the land, and are built to be passed down for generations. With roots on this property dating back to the late 1800s, the homeowners envisioned a home that would tell their family’s story well into the future. As featured in the latest edition of Mountain Living Magazine, this home is more than a retreat, it’s a promise to the past and a gift to generations to come. With 70 acres of land, this timber framed home totals 5,752 sf. - 4 bed, 4.5 bath

Venturing between different imaginative worlds, Jimmy finds respite in a nomadic tent amongst his journeys. Like a homemade fort requires the assemblage of every sheet and towel in the house, active migration demands resourcefulness in the use of available materials. Leather, denim, canvas, and rope allow Jimmy to remain a rugged little boy as he discovers new territories, and is further encouraged to activate space via movable furniture. Roam on. Lively pops of orange and blue from the existing vintage wallpaper by Diego Giacometti for Clarence House and dispersed pillows and stuffed animals from Coral & Tusk set the adventurous mood for this little roamer’s room. Photography by Modern Kids Co

Quax loves contemporary design and with the Havana room the sleek line and solid wood get a place in the range, confirming its place on the international design scene. Tested by internationally recognized bodies on EN-716 for the beds and EN-12221 for the changing tables and with long-term use in mind. The metal base is finished with a black powder coating. The upper structures are a mix of lacquered and solid wood panels. The charm of solid wood is reflected in its pristine patina and is the guarantee of a natural product that over time becomes increasingly unique and valuable. A contribution that should not be underestimated to the natural and the cozy interior, a caress for the senses. Depending on the tree’s habitat, color differences are possible and proof of its essence. At Quax we use sustainable materials. All the furniture boards meet the strict E1 standard on formaldehyde emissions. We support durable forestry and ask our suppliers to submit the PEFC and FSC certificates. Special care also goes to the furniture fittings. Only reputable suppliers provide us with, among others, quality sliders for the drawers and reliable connecting techniques. The paint finish is another point of attention, we only work with international quality supplierssuch as Akzo Nobel and no local producers. All producers are responsible for the certificates of their products, for example EN 71-3 with attention for the migration of harmful elements. Design also plays an important role in the business philosophy of Quax. In the Havana room the bars are milled out in the Mdf board, which does not only contribute to the fancy nature of this range but also to the sturdiness of the sideframes, not comparable to traditional bars. The range includes beds 120x60 cm, 140x70 cm with optional bedrail, a chest of four drawers with optional changing extension and a two or three-door wardrobe. Kris Van Damme for Quax

Venturing between different imaginative worlds, Jimmy finds respite in a nomadic tent amongst his journeys. Like a homemade fort requires the assemblage of every sheet and towel in the house, active migration demands resourcefulness in the use of available materials. Leather, denim, canvas, and rope allow Jimmy to remain a rugged little boy as he discovers new territories, and is further encouraged to activate space via movable furniture. Roam on. Lively pops of orange and blue from the existing vintage wallpaper by Diego Giacometti for Clarence House and dispersed pillows and stuffed animals from Coral & Tusk set the adventurous mood for this little roamer’s room. Photography by Modern Kids Co

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000 Award Level: Silver Project Description: We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’ drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an environmentally friendly solution. Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture 14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies. Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces. New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies. For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms. Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff. The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size, can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper storm water management. Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

Perched in the rolling landscape of Alta, Wyoming, this legacy home was thoughtfully designed to belong to the land, not dominate it. Nestled into the hillside with sweeping views of the elk migration path and the Teton Range, every decision was made with future generations in mind. Led by Julie Cavanaugh, this project reflects her passion for designing legacy homes...places that honor family history, respect the land, and are built to be passed down for generations. With roots on this property dating back to the late 1800s, the homeowners envisioned a home that would tell their family’s story well into the future. As featured in the latest edition of Mountain Living Magazine, this home is more than a retreat, it’s a promise to the past and a gift to generations to come. With 70 acres of land, this timber framed home totals 5,752 sf. - 4 bed, 4.5 bath

Driven by a passion for the salt life and a love of the natural beauty of the area, they will leave the Northeast on a trek for the Florida Gulf Coast. The winters there are simply too cold to tolerate for any length of time. And why would they suffer those freezing temperatures when the average temperature on Longboat Key in January is 71 degrees? However, this is no migration and the subject is not a bird. My clients cannot be referred to as “Snowbirds” either. This is a homecoming. More so, it is a new beginning; a resurrection! “From the crown of the palm tree, there grew a flame. The flame revealed a nest. As the flames of change kissed the nest, a new being was born. This fantastic creature was born in the image of its predecessor, but it was given a new life. Indeed, it was resurrected. Behold the Phoenix!” Many years ago, they were pulled from the area in the pursuit of better employment. All the while, they maintained a strong connection with the Gulf Coast. This is where they would spend the best years of their lives. Now is their time of rebirth. The property they chose is on boating water on the Bay side of Longboat Key. The property is among the few undeveloped lots scattered around the island. Over the years it had been planted with a variety of tropical species including many of the common house varieties such as Ficus, rubber trees, and Areca Palms. Loving the locale, these species quickly outgrew their space. In the shadows, native Sabal Palms stretched their trunks in an effort to survive. A Phoenix Reclinata Palm sat unassumingly beneath the shadow of a large Ficus. We liberated them by removing all of the invasive varieties. We then relocated all ten of the resident Sabal Palms (our State Tree) on site. The home, designed by celebrated local architect Mark Sultana of DSDG, Inc., is a contemporary flat. The layout is a single living level above parking and grade level outdoor spaces. The architecture is crisp and inspiring and it is sensitive to the smaller scale of the eclectic neighborhood in which it will be constructed. From the elevated balcony, the residents will enjoy watching the many local manatees as they hug the sea wall looking for warmth on chilly mornings. From grade level decks, they will get up close and personal with the abundant schools of mullet in the canal. A northern exposure to the open side of the plan will allow for the amazing breezes offered by passing cool fronts.

We just finished this beautiful flagstone pad and path, for the flagstone we used the Variegated Bluestone from Smith Rock. Our customers main problem with their yard was their chickens tearing it apart, we didn’t have too many options for a solution due to huge Sweet Gum roots spanning the length of their yard. We worked around them and got it done! The infill we used here was 3/4-1.5 river rock to minimize the migration due to chickens.

The concept of the garden was based on, “Brazilian Hummingbirds II”, a painting the MFAH has in its collection by the artist, Martin Johnson Heade. Heade travelled to the rainforest in Brazil between 1863 and 1864 and painted a series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds in the lush foliage of the Brazilian rainforests. His painting, Brazilian Hummingbirds, II, evokes the sultry atmosphere of the Brazilian rainforest with its misty quality and subtle lighting. His interest in ornithology can be seen in his detailed depictions of the hummingbirds. The garden location is adjacent to one of Buffalo Bayou’s steep, wooded ravines. The ravine, with its native plant communities and topography, is a perfect back- drop for a garden with a rainforest theme. Because the date for the garden opening coincides with the spring migration of hummingbirds into our region, the hummingbird theme seemed appropriate for this garden competition. The garden will include a variety of tropical plants native to the rainforests such as bromeliads, orchids, heliconia, and passion fruit flowers. In addition, native plants to our region such as the Sabal Minor and Southern Wood Fern will be included to integrate plants that are found nearby in the ravine. The Heliconia flowers produce considerable amounts of nectar, a high energy food essential for hummingbirds who are known to consume three times their bodyweight in a single day. In addition to nectar producing plants, there will be hummingbird nest materials dispersed throughout the garden. A misty quality to the garden will be provided by a misting system, and tropical colored lights will be lit at night for special events. Visitors to the garden will have a unique sensory experience reminiscent to that of Heade’s travels to Brazil’s rainforests.

Venturing between different imaginative worlds, Jimmy finds respite in a nomadic tent amongst his journeys. Like a homemade fort requires the assemblage of every sheet and towel in the house, active migration demands resourcefulness in the use of available materials. Leather, denim, canvas, and rope allow Jimmy to remain a rugged little boy as he discovers new territories, and is further encouraged to activate space via movable furniture. Roam on. Lively pops of orange and blue from the existing vintage wallpaper by Diego Giacometti for Clarence House and dispersed pillows and stuffed animals from Coral & Tusk set the adventurous mood for this little roamer’s room. Photography by Modern Kids Co

NexGen Lawns installed artificial grass in those hard to maintain smaller landscaped areas with specialized air panels through AirField Systems. The AirDrain panels provide an extra one inch of air which allows for a vertical and horizontal drainage unmatched in the industry. Infill migration is a thing of the past! AirDrain is perfect around trees and landscape, instead of a gravel base. Allowing the trees surroundings to remain untouched. And what if you decide to remove the artificial turf, no digging out a gravel base of any kind. Just remove the grid, you’re done! The AirDrain panel is able to tolerate the harsh heat and bitter cold which classifies it as a “NoBreak” plastic. The specialized air panels install into place faster than gravel giving you that synthetic grass to enjoy sooner and year round. AirDrain Drainage ASTM D 4716 Synthetic Grass and Natural Grass Testing

The fall garden stroll brings its own unique delights. The cool, crisp air, soft rustle of leaves and migrating birds create a special ambiance. (Photo by RStarovich)

Western Outdoor Design & Build has teams of outdoor living experts, specializing in helping Southern California homeowners expand their living place. Many Southern California homeowners want to add a little wow factor to their backyard paradise and they aren’t sure how to do it. An outdoor fireplace can be the perfect backyard addition that guests will naturally migrate to at night. The warm ambiance of flickering flames on a quiet night can also be most relaxing and give your backyard an extra spark of romance.

NexGen Lawns installed artificial grass in those hard to maintain smaller landscaped areas with specialized air panels through AirField Systems. The AirDrain panels provide an extra one inch of air which allows for a vertical and horizontal drainage unmatched in the industry. Infill migration is a thing of the past! AirDrain is perfect around trees and landscape, instead of a gravel base. Allowing the trees surroundings to remain untouched. And what if you decide to remove the artificial turf, no digging out a gravel base of any kind. Just remove the grid, you’re done! The AirDrain panel is able to tolerate the harsh heat and bitter cold which classifies it as a “NoBreak” plastic. The specialized air panels install into place faster than gravel giving you that synthetic grass to enjoy sooner and year round. AirDrain Drainage ASTM D 4716 Synthetic Grass and Natural Grass Testing

The cherry furniture from the clients' former home in Maine was used in a bedroom suitable for the grandchildren to visit. Jewel tones of blue, green and gold are bolder here, mixed with the cherry wood for a campy look. A local artist's graphic bird prints reflect the migrating birds that flock from Florida to New England in the summer, just like the clients.

The migration to the city is happening everywhere. This home is all about that process. Downsizing, mixing favorites with new and adding unique character. The design is a mix of vintage and modern with a nod to the locations industrial past. Vintage chairs feature Thibaut fabric for a fresh look. A framed 1920s magazine AD, favorite artwork, antique ceramic vase from days gone by, and new pieces bring this family back their Philadelphia roots. This space is a great example of a successful transition to a new phase. The homeowners lover their city place!