The vacation home for an Atlanta family, plantings were selected to reflect a breezy, carefree vacation attitude and encourage butterflies and birds. Native plantings are stressed to reduce irrigation needs and to reflect the vernacular landscape of the area.

The vacation home for an Atlanta family, plantings were selected to reflect a breezy, carefree vacation attitude and encourage butterflies and birds. Native plantings are stressed to reduce irrigation needs and to reflect the vernacular landscape of the area.

The vacation home for an Atlanta family, plantings were selected to reflect a breezy, carefree vacation attitude and encourage butterflies and birds. Native plantings are stressed to reduce irrigation needs and to reflect the vernacular landscape of the area.

The vacation home for an Atlanta family, plantings were selected to reflect a breezy, carefree vacation attitude and encourage butterflies and birds. Native plantings are stressed to reduce irrigation needs and to reflect the vernacular landscape of the area.

The vacation home for an Atlanta family, plantings were selected to reflect a breezy, carefree vacation attitude and encourage butterflies and birds. Native plantings are stressed to reduce irrigation needs and to reflect the vernacular landscape of the area.

The vacation home for an Atlanta family, plantings were selected to reflect a breezy, carefree vacation attitude and encourage butterflies and birds. Native plantings are stressed to reduce irrigation needs and to reflect the vernacular landscape of the area.

Erin Lau
Design ideas for a traditional landscaping in Seattle.

u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association u2014 ALE: Wayne Rain Garden Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com 2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence winner Category: Residential Up to $15,000 Award Level: Gold Project Description: Our company was contracted by the client to provide a creative solution to an ongoing drainage problem. Their property is located within 30 feet of a local stream that collects storm water from the surrounding area. The nearby stream and high water table caused the lawn area at the side of their home to flood and to remain waterlogged for a few days after each storm. The client not only had difficulty growing plants in the existing conditions, but also had a problem with mosquitoes due to standing water. Our goal was to design a self-contained, naturalistic rain garden that slowed storm water runoff, allowed for percolation, and promoted infiltration while permitting excess clean water to enter the nearby stream with diminished force. As designed, the rain garden allows the earth to slowly and more naturally absorb excess storm water while filtering out toxins such as excess nitrogen and phosphorous which are frequently found in the landscape, therefore reducing the contaminants entering the stream. A percolation test was conducted with criteria of absorbing a one-inch rainstorm within four hours without overflow. The one-inch storm calculation included an existing downspout from the home, which would be piped into the rain garden to reduce roof runoff. The first test failed due to a deep layer of high clay-content soil. Excavation continued until a layer of sandy loam was reached, the percolation test was repeated, and a successful test result was achieved. Next, the entire rain garden basin was excavated to the sandy loam layer and the soil amended with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media. Geotextile fabric was placed to help reduce migration of the surface stone into the soil and allow for minimal maintenance. Gravel, river stone and small boulders were carefully placed to achieve the look of a natural streambed. A palette of mostly native plants with a few non-invasive ornamentals were chosen for their ability to survive in extreme conditions ranging from floods to drought and were placed according to their specific preferences. Wetland plants were chosen for the lowest portion of the rain garden as that area remains saturated for longer periods of time, with a Chionanthus virginicus as a focal point surrounded by irises and ferns at the lowest depth. Plants tolerant of drier conditions were chosen for the upper edges of the garden. The beautiful colors of Monarda, Ligularia, Eupatorium, Solidago, Chelone, and Rudbeckia were scattered within the upper edge, while movement and softness were incorporated by use of the graceful Nassella that lines the border. Finally, winter interest was provided with a backdrop of Cornus sericea. As built, this small rain garden creates tremendous impact by decreasing the amount of storm water runoff not only on our client's property, but also in the neighboring stream. It serves as a means of slowing the water and providing an area for infiltration back into the earth. The plants provide a habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects, working in harmony with nature and providing beautiful visual interest year-round. Photo Credit: Lisa C. Falls

Gokul Bakshi
Inspiration for a timeless detached garden shed remodel in Newark

Inspiration for a timeless bathroom remodel in San Francisco

Garden 31 in La Canada Flintridge

photo credit: John Gruen
Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

The entire pavilion was constructed from Ipe Wood. The roof has reclaimed slate as an overlay. Copper was used for all trimming. All the glass throughout the structure is hand made speciality glass. There are twelve custom made skylights. Photo credits: Dan Drobnick

A period correct breeze block wall was built as a backdrop to the kitchen view and an industrial charcoal corrugated metal fence completes the leitmotif and creates privacy around the property.

A cabin in Western Wisconsin is transformed from within to become a serene and modern retreat. In a past life, this cabin was a fishing cottage which was part of a resort built in the 1920’s on a small lake not far from the Twin Cities. The cabin has had multiple additions over the years so improving flow to the outdoor space, creating a family friendly kitchen, and relocating a bigger master bedroom on the lake side were priorities. The solution was to bring the kitchen from the back of the cabin up to the front, reduce the size of an overly large bedroom in the back in order to create a more generous front entry way/mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, and add a fireplace in the center of the main floor. Photographer: Wing Ta Interior Design: Jennaea Gearhart Design

Shelly Miller Leer
Inspiration for an eclectic home design remodel in Indianapolis

A well lit walkway wrapped in California native Catalina Cherry and Oregon Grape entices exploration. Even this narrow strip of planted space between the building and walk can play a part in capturing stormwater, reducing runoff, and cooling the space. Photo: Lesly Hall Photography

Example of a master bedroom design in Moscow with green walls