Chesapeake
what the client wanted:
A phased installation of a new garden to compliment a beautiful new rear addition. Textures, colors and wildlife value. A garden in keeping with the traditional style of the house and the aesthetic of an historic DC neighborhood.
what we did:
Removed overgrown, declining and invasive plants. Removed and replaced a large lawn with native plants. Implemented a multi-year invasive weed management program prior to installation to ensure a successful garden.
what we love:
A two-tiered patio provides ample seating space, with an unobtrusive water feature to enjoy. Natural paths invite exploration of the new garden in the backyard, while formal front and side gardens demonstrate the versatility of native plantings.
Lamar
what the client wanted:
The client wanted to transform an ecologically “dead” backyard into an immersive, dynamic garden that supports birds and pollinators.
what we did:
This was a full-property design, implemented in two phases. We re-graded the back garden, added swales to manage stormwater, and created a bespoke boulder fountain custom-drilled to provide a water source for migratory songbirds. We also installed paths to improve circulation and replaced the pool, lawn, and invasive plant materials with native gardens in both the front and back yards.
what we love:
What we love about this garden is how we repurposed an old swimming pool—along with its chemical and energy requirements—into a densely planted haven for birds, pollinators, and people alike. It’s now a thriving, ecological retreat.
Rosemary
what the client wanted:
The client wanted to manage a weedy slope where grass wouldn’t grow, improving the curb appeal of the home and alleviating stress over the messy, unattractive landscape.
what we did:
We installed a stone retaining wall to separate the upper garden from the street, expanding usable outdoor space and creating a comfortable hangout area. The driveway was expanded around mature trees to improve access to the garage, and new steps were added for kids to use while playing basketball. We reoriented the front walk and steps to create a larger lawn area for gatherings and a border that filtered the upper level from the neighbors. A sidewalk-level border of tough and beautiful perennials complements the stonework.
what we love:
Though the client’s small backyard limited their outdoor use, the front yard offered ample potential. Our design activated this space, transforming the driveway and front yard into an inviting and functional outdoor living area.
Glenmore
what the client wanted:
The client wanted to repair a site that had been damaged during construction, create a backyard escape within a narrow space, and improve access to the back garden.
what we did:
We installed a bespoke pondless waterfall, designed Corten Steel walls to terrace the site, and created a small patio to sit by the water. Lush planting made the side fences disappear, seamlessly connecting the garden to the surrounding wooded lots, making the space feel expansive despite its narrow dimensions.
what we love:
This small but serene garden exemplifies how thoughtfully designed spaces can feel much larger than they are. The combination of water features and terracing has created a peaceful, immersive retreat.
Sherwood
what the client wanted:
The client wanted to eliminate their front lawn to avoid the hassle of mowing and create a space that felt like a natural oasis.
what we did:
We created a suburban meadow in the front yard, with stone pathways for easy access. Custom gabion walls, constructed from leftover washed beech stone and river jack, were added, along with a pondless stream to enhance the natural appeal.
what we love:
Inspired by the garden’s transformation and the wildlife it attracted, our client became a master gardener and monarch butterfly expert. The beauty of the garden provides a peaceful sanctuary that masks the nearby road.
Sazilly
what the client wanted:
The client sought to create an oasis that would attract friends and family to their retreat outside the DC metro area in the Maryland Piedmont. They also wanted to manage border gardens overtaken by invasive species and replace acres of turf and hayfield with beautiful, sustainable gardens.
what we did:
We designed and installed a natural swimming pool, providing the clients with an enjoyable space for entertainment while fostering a welcoming environment for local wildlife. To complement the property’s colonial retreat aesthetic, we incorporated various stone walls and hardscape elements. We also created a spacious vegetable garden, empowering the clients to grow their own food. Large areas of turf and hayfield into conservation landscapes, enhancing the home’s retreat-like atmosphere and promoting biodiversity by attracting birds and pollinators.
what we love:
We love the natural swimming pool, which appeals to family and friends without harming frogs and insects. The gardens complement the stunning views of the Appalachian Hills, while the kitchen garden and orchards provide beautiful organic produce year-round.
Dale
what the client wanted:
The client sought to reclaim a steep, underutilized backyard with crumbling retaining walls, transforming it into a functional and inviting space.
what we did:
We removed the deteriorating retaining walls and rebuilt a beautiful stone wall which helped to create a brand-new outdoor oasis. Throughout the process, we took great care to protect the vital roots of neighboring trees, ensuring the health and longevity of the surrounding landscape.
what we love:
A beautifully curved retaining wall now defines the new outdoor living space, adding elegance and flow to the area. The wall gently transitions into a serene, bubbling waterfall that not only enhances the ambiance but also provides effective noise screening from nearby roads, creating a peaceful retreat.
PINECREST
what the client wanted:
The new owners inherited a landscape that lacked seasonal charm and had a driveway and yard in need of rejuvenation.
what we did:
We replaced the deteriorating concrete driveway, while regrading the front yard to direct stormwater into beautifully designed garden beds. These beds are filled with lush native grasses and plants that add texture and habitat to their home. We installed natural steppingstone pathways to connect all sides of the home. In addition, we added layered screening around the backyard and side yards to provide much-needed privacy.
what we love:
The gardens now offer year-round, deer-proof beauty, with a harmonious blend of movement, texture, and color. Not only do they create stunning views both from within and outside of the house, but they also artfully conceal stormwater management solutions, seamlessly integrating functionality with aesthetics.
Takoma
what the client wanted:
The client sought a structured native landscape that would complement the architecture of their home while achieving several environmental goals: cultivating biodiversity, attracting birds, supporting wildlife, stabilizing bare soil, removing invasive species, and improving drainage and soil infiltration. They also wanted to create private spaces for relaxation and entertainment, screen an adjacent uphill house, and reclaim their front garden, which had become a pedestrian cut-through.
what we did:
We started by replacing failing concrete steps with custom-cut boulder steps, along with a new front landing and walkway. We then added back and front patios, screened from street view by trellises, trees, shrubs, and perennials—creating privacy on a corner lot where there was none. After the hardscape was in place, we transformed the yard into a lush, immersive native landscape. We removed all turf and invasive species, expanding the garden throughout the property, and added a generously sized back walk leading to the street with clean geometric lines. A planting plan featuring Armillaria-resistant trees and shrubs was implemented in the upper garden where the disease had been an issue, while a part-shade garden was installed in the back. A year after installation, a hurricane toppled a canopy tree, crushing many new plantings. With the now sunny site, we redesigned the front with a meadow-inspired planting framed by structured walkways and hedges. Neighbors regularly compliment our clients for enhancing the beauty of the neighborhood.
what we love:
What stands out about this garden is its reflection of the dynamic nature of gardens. Originally a shaded space, the garden was transformed into a sun-drenched area after the loss of a large tree. This transition, which took time and thoughtful design, resulted in an even more engaging garden than before.
boston
what the client wanted:
The clients had recently constructed a new home on a wooded lot in Takoma Park. The property featured a steep, builder- grade driveway that connected to the sidewalk and front door, making it difficult to navigate. They wanted a solution that would enhance both functionality and curb appeal while addressing the challenges posed by the slope.
what we did:
To address the slope, we designed a diagonal walkway with 90- degree transitions, creating a gentle path from the driveway to the front door. The walkway was built using concrete pavers, complemented by a segmented retaining wall that seamlessly transitions into natural stone as it leads toward the backyard. To enhance the outdoor living space, we expanded the social area at the rear of the house by adding a corner seat wall to the deck and an additional natural stone patio just above it, creating a functional and inviting outdoor retreat.
what we love:
The front yard features vibrant plantings that beautifully contrast with the dark facade of the house, adding a burst of color and life. One standout is the playful cultivar of our native redbud, Cercis canadensis 'Flame Thrower', which brings unique flair to the landscape. Large swathes of carefully selected plants complement the home's contemporary modern style, creating a harmonious and visually striking setting.
