BACKYARD RECREATION With a large yard to work with, our client wanted to maximize the space's potential. The existing metal fence and plantings surrounding the pool visually cut the yard in half and limited the way the yard could be used. We opened up the space by removing the existing metal fence, extending the existing pool deck with over sized flagstone, adding a covered outdoor kitchen, covered cabana area, fire bowl and plantings. The yard has become an extension of the home and provides several gathering spaces to enjoy. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After MEDITERRANEAN DESIGN Our Plano, TX client had envisioned the creation of a serene garden where they could come and sit to reflect or to share with close friends. Being close to a busy street, it was imperative to screen the view of the road which could be seen from their breakfast window through the wrought iron fence. To address their goals, our design incorporated a water feature in a brilliant blue hue. Within a brief time the evergreen wisteria will cover the wrought iron fence and provide a year round screen as well as deep purple flowers in the summer. We selected large leafed plants such as palm, canna, nandina, and Little Gem Magnolia to create a semi-tropical look. The result is a mini-oasis within the confines of a small space. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After FORMAL DESIGN One of the more unique opportunities that we've had is to design the space for a columbarium. Columbaria are resting places for cremated ashes. It really takes us back to the days when cemeteries were located next to a church or place of worship. In Texas, columbariums can be located next to a church which makes visiting loved ones convenient. The church committee selected an unused playground on campus as the location. Our discussion led us in the direction of a creating a formal setting. With that in mind, the layout is symmetrical and is enclosed with evergreen plantings to include roses, hollies, magnolias, boxwoods and junipers. We use large splashes of annuals for bursts of color that we change with the seasons. As this is a public space, we designed paving surfaces with easy access for the elderly and handicap. We've found that not only does this area function as intended, it has also become the place for wedding photos as well as a place for individual prayer and reflection. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After CONTAINERS We love containers. They can have a big impact in any setting. By investing in large pots you will have more success with your plantings. Small ones dry out too fast especially in the Texas heat. And since we are dedicated to landscaping Dallas and the surrounding areas, we know that our client's will appreciate the beauty of a well planted container. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After OUTDOOR LIVING The covered sandbox in the yard had served its purpose. It was time for an outdoor kitchen. The Plano, Texas couple knew well what they wanted to achieve. They envisioned a grill, refrigerator, warming drawer, sink and bar. They had a keen eye for good design. Not until we met had they been able to find someone that could take their goals and design a space that worked for them. Working closely with our lead landscape designer, David, we incorporated design cues from the house into the counter areas and appliances were positioned to minimize the amount of metal shown. In addition, large containers replaced smaller pots. Drip lines ensure that planters are watered regularly. As one guest told us, the space just feels right. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After POOL PARTY The children were not children anymore. They were now teenagers with different needs like a gathering space and an outdoor eating area for friends to "hangout". Could we meet their objective? Could we transform their backyard into a cool place for teenagers and soon to be college students? Yes, we can do that. Defining areas of function was the first step. Then designing a plan using brightly blooming plants and surfaces with more textures would draw the teenagers. Even our recommendation to add vibrant colored shutters would have a huge impact. The space works for the young and the young at heart. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After DRIVE UP APPEAL Our expertise lead us to provide the landscaping for a 2007 Parade of Homes entry. If you were thinking the home looks like something from Harry Potter, you are right. It was designed to reflect elements you'd expect to see. Although landscaping Dallas is our objective, we emulated the theme into the plantings as well. Tall vertical Italian Cypress, brilliant red Home Run roses, blood red cannas and spiral junipers were some of the plants selected. The rubble rock retaining walls reflected the castle theme even more. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After COURTYARD This 2007 Parade of Homes entry won Best Outdoor Living. We were glad to know that we were instrumental in winning the award. We relied on our design experience in selecting and placing the furniture, cushions, tables, outdoor rugs, containers, and plantings for this beautiful Italianate home. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After HOUSE WITH A VIEW The house was awesome but the backyard was lacking. As is often the case, home builders leave the backyard as a clean slate for homeowner's to personalize their outdoor living areas. The great views to the fountain located in the pond behind the house were quickly being hidden by the fast growing plants and the patio was large but not large enough for guest. Once we knew the goals of our client, we went to work. Our design included an extended patio, covered sitting area, fire pit and several large trees. Our continued garden maintenance ensures that the beauty is maintained and ready for guest at anytime. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After ARBOR WALK Our projects are varied in size and style. This was a large commercial courtyard which also required working with a committee. Working closely with our expert landscape designer, David, together they created a mini-masterpiece. Our ability to work with a wide variety of clients helps us to distill their objectives. Its been one of the reasons we are successful in developing great landscape designs and completing beautiful projects that meet our client's goals. Click on photo to enlarge image. Before After 2633 McKinney Ave, STE 130 #108, Dallas, TX 75204  |  6633 Manitowoc Dr., Plano, TX 75023  Copyright © 2011 Landscape Studio | Landscaping Dallas and Landscape Design Dallas