VHT
Inspiration for a contemporary deck remodel in Chicago with a pergola

Photographer: Peter Ellery
Trendy white mixed siding flat roof photo in Perth

Gravity Shots
Example of a huge trendy three-story concrete exterior home design in Denver

When in their columnar form pyramidal oaks allow for narrow and upright growth habits.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary full sun backyard mulch and wood fence formal garden in Toronto.

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Scott Zimmerman, Mountain contemporary home in Park City, The Colony.
Large trendy gray split-level mixed siding exterior home photo in Salt Lake City

Hidcote lavender Le jardinet

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Family room library - transitional family room library idea in New York with blue walls

Living room - large country open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in New York with white walls, no fireplace and no tv

For a family who believes fitness is not only an essential part of life but also a fun opportunity for the whole family to connect, build and achieve greatness together there is nothing better than a custom designed obstacle course right in your back yard. THEME The theme of this half mile trail through the woods is evident in the fun, creative and all-inclusive obstacles hidden in the natural flow of the land around this amazing family home. The course was created with adults and children, advanced and beginner athletes, competitive and entertaining events all accounted for. Each of the 13 obstacles was designed to be challenging no matter the size, skill or ability of the athlete lucky enough to run the course. FOCUS The focus for this family was to create an outdoor adventure that could be an athletic, social and personal outlet for their entire family while maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape and without altering the sweeping views from the home. The large scale of the challenging obstacles is camouflaged within the landscape using the rolling hills and mature trees as a natural curtain in every season. The beauty of the course does not diminish the functional and demanding nature of the obstacles which are designed to focus on multiple strength, agility, and cardio fitness abilities and intensities. STORAGE The start of the trail includes a raised training area offering a dedicated space clear from the ground to place bags, mats and other equipment used during the run. A small all-terrain storage cart was provided for use with 6 yoga mats, 3 medicine balls of various weights, rings, sprinting cones, and a large digital timer to record laps. GROWTH The course was designed to provide an athletic and fun challenge for children, teens and adults no matter their experience or athletic prowess. This course offers competitive athletes a challenge and budding athletes an opportunity to experience and ignite their passion for physical activity. Initially the concept for the course was focused on the youngest of the family however as the design grew so did the obstacles and now it is a true family experience that will meet their adapting needs for years. Each obstacle is paired with an instructional sign directing the runners in proper use of the obstacle, adaptations for skill levels and tips on form. These signs are all customized for this course and are printed on metal to ensure they last for many years. SAFETY Safety is crucial for all physical activity and an obstacle course of this scale presents unique safety concerns. Children should always be supervised when participating in an adventure on the course however additional care was paid to details on the course to ensure everyone has a great time. All of the course obstacles have been created with pressure treated lumber that will withstand the seasonal poundings. All footer pilings that support obstacles have been placed into the ground between 3 to 4 feet (.9 to 1.2 meters) and each piling has 2 to 3 bags of concrete (totaling over 90 bags used throughout the course) ensuring stability of the structure and safety of the participants. Additionally, all obstacle lumber has been given rounded corners and sanded down offering less splintering and more time for everyone to enjoy the course. This athletic and charismatic family strives to incorporate a healthy active lifestyle into their daily life and this obstacle course offers their family an opportunity to strengthen themselves and host some memorable and active events at their amazing home.

Moderate growth; reaches 18 to 24 in. tall and wide. Full to part shade. Dramatic foliage is a standout in the shade garden. The dark, blue green central rib of each frond fades to silver at the edges. Short habit and spreading form is excellent as foreground foliage and ideal for pots. Herbaceous. 2004 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Tricia Shay Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary black two-story mixed siding flat roof remodel in Milwaukee

Example of a mountain style exterior home design in Salt Lake City

Upright growth habit with dark green summer foliage and bronze hue in the winter. Bloom Color: Pink Plant Size: Intermediate Height: 4 feet Spread: 3 feet Bloom Span: 2.25" across Bloom Form: Semi-double USDA Zones: 6b, 7, 8, 9

This Birmingham Michigan condo was looking for a way to screen the traffic from Woodward Avenue. They wanted to keep the buffer natural but have it grow to become thick enough to filter out the light and noise. Since the site was some what shady and they wanted year round screening. We installed Nigra (dark green) Arborvitae. The will grow to form a living wall that will look beautiful year round and thrive under the canopy of the large evergreens surrounded by the existing ground cover. Our crew was very careful to not disturb either during the installation. Landforms Inc.

Reaches 2 to 4 ft. tall, spreading to 6 ft. wide. Full Sun. Dwarf Deodar Cedar 'Feelin Blue' weeping dwarf with a low, spreading habit. May be formed into a topiary for collectors wishing to shape bonsi type trees. Bluish green needles are attractive for multiple season interest. 'Feelin Blue' is among our favorite types for sale in our garden center and may be planted as a beautiful conifer for containers, small spaces or rock gardens. Dwarf 'Feelin Blue' is the lowest growing form of cedars.

We used a chipboard model to better visualize the forms of the house. Many architects (myself included) use computer generated renderings and 3D models, but making a simple, physical model that you can hold in your hands, put your eye up to it, and view it from different angles is much more satisfying than looking at a computer screen. PHOTO: Ignacio Salas-Humara

The compact growth habit of this dainty variety makes it well suited for small gardens. Bloom Color: Red Plant Size: Dwarf Height: 2.5 feet Spread: 3 feet Bloom Span: 1.25" across Bloom Form: Single USDA Zones: 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9