Downers Grove Pond With Stream Next To A Flagstone Patio With Granite Cobble Fire Pit
Inspiration for a traditional stone pond in Chicago.

Silent A Photography The backyard features a stream that flows through the landscaping. The backyard is enjoyed at both levels of the house. There are gabled dormers with balconies that take advantage of the beautiful view on the second floor. On the first floor, the use of bi-fold doors from the dining/living spaces open onto the backyard creating a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor living.

Downers Grove Pond With Stream
Photo of a traditional pond in Chicago.

Catherine Tighe
Mid-sized trendy formal light wood floor living room photo in New York with gray walls, a two-sided fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

Rob Karosis
Design ideas for a coastal backyard landscaping in Portland Maine.

Pondless waterfall in backyard of wooded lot
Inspiration for a small rustic shade backyard gravel water fountain landscape in Kansas City for fall.

Design ideas for a large tropical full sun backyard pond in Los Angeles.

Outdoor Makeover
Inspiration for a transitional landscaping in Atlanta with decking.

Downers Grove Water Feature
This is an example of a traditional pond in Chicago.

This propery is situated on the south side of Centre Island at the edge of an oak and ash woodlands. orignally, it was three properties having one house and various out buildings. topographically, it more or less continually sloped to the water. Our task was to creat a series of terraces that were to house various functions such as the main house and forecourt, cottage, boat house and utility barns. The immediate landscape around the main house was largely masonry terraces and flower gardens. The outer landscape was comprised of heavily planted trails and intimate open spaces for the client to preamble through. As the site was largely an oak and ash woods infested with Norway maple and japanese honey suckle we essentially started with tall trees and open ground. Our planting intent was to introduce a variety of understory tree and a heavy shrub and herbaceous layer with an emphisis on planting native material. As a result the feel of the property is one of graciousness with a challenge to explore.

Powder Room. Photo by Clark Dugger
Example of a small trendy medium tone wood floor and brown floor powder room design in Los Angeles with a wall-mount sink, white walls and a two-piece toilet

Foyer
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional staircase remodel in Miami

Pool
Example of a mid-sized transitional backyard stamped concrete and rectangular natural pool design in Miami

Inspiration for a traditional retaining wall landscape in DC Metro.

Foyer
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional dark wood floor and brown floor entryway remodel in Miami with white walls and a dark wood front door

Pool
Pool - mid-sized transitional backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped natural pool idea in Miami

Roger Wade Studio
Inspiration for a rustic water fountain landscape in Other.

Master Bath
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master white tile and porcelain tile marble floor and gray floor bathroom remodel in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door and gray countertops

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