Patio and Retaining Wall

Posted by guardianscapes on Sep 2, 2013 in New Projects, Residential Services | 0 comments These home owners are busy professionals with children entering middle school and high school.  The design was crafted to enhance the living space for the family while providing an inviting area for entertaining colleagues.  The home is situated, like many homes in this area, on a hillside. The first aspect of design was to establish the differences in the grades (elevations) for planning steps, wall heights, and patio levels.  The function of the retaining wall is to create enough space for the patio while also providing additional seating when entertaining guests. Much to the relief of the homeowners, the design of the hardscape included a practical approach that addressed a pesky drainage problem. Existing shrubs were culled, and all were removed from the landscape.  Viable plant materials were moved, and reused throughout the landscape. Shade tolerant plant materials were chosen for ease of care. Lighting features were added to create an inviting ambiance, making evening entertaining safe and easy.  The walls and steps are lit with halogen lamps that fit under the lip of the wall and step caps, spilling soft light where it is most needed.  Matching path and porch lights add a touch of charm.  Up lights installed in the wooded areas call out an evening invitation with light dancing through the tall trees imitating the flicker of a camp fire.  ...
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Details make the difference

Posted by guardianscapes on Sep 2, 2013 in New Projects, Residential Services | 0 comments This wonderful estate was long over due for a makeover. Before anything could be started, a master plan was developed that encompassed all of the areas to be landscaped. This plan assisted the homeowner in visualizing what their estate could become. Intensely over grown shrubs nearly covered the stonework and windows of the home. The patio stone was sunken into the soil and overgrown with grass.  Extensive excavation was needed before work could begin. Viable plants were moved to new areas in the existing landscape. Patio stone was taken up and stacked on pallets for later use and a new drainage system replaced a crumbling system of outdated terra-cotta drain pipes. Existing blue stone was repurposed into the main patio area and front walk.  The fencing was relocated to form a backdrop that enhanced the landscape.  Newly-installed mountain stone walls matched and enhanced the color and theme of the home. Guardian’s creative approach to elevation changes increased living spaces and opened up the flow from one area to another. Plant materials were chosen for color and texture, keeping in mind the look of the winter and summer seasons. Most existing trees were kept in place throughout the landscape. Flanked by very old dogwood trees, new stone steps now lead from an expanse of lawn to a blue stone patio large enough for a small wedding surrounded by lush garden areas. The new design removed cumbersome steps and allowed for easy access from the breeze way to the entrance of the guest house. Guardian’s fanned pergola design creates shade for barbecuing and adds an element of interest that breaks up the expanse of stone patios.  A little creativity with a foam pot and a chop saw give us a clever way to disguise an unsightly and unmovable electrical box for the pool lights. Using river stone mulch around the pool area provides a natural, cleaner aesthetic. Details make the difference....
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Elements of Outdoor Living

Posted by guardianscapes on Sep 2, 2013 in New Projects, Residential Services | 0 comments For relaxation the sound of a water fall and wood fire, all with the comforts of home, is unbeatable.  This family wanted an oasis for unwinding from demanding jobs, and a place for their teenagers to gather with their friends. These needs and the lay of the land inspired this Guardian design. The retaining wall around a circular sunken patio with a fire pit in the center was constructed for extra seating around a fire, a perfect place for teen socializing and s’mores, or a quiet evening family chat. Since the landscape is first seen from the deck above, elements of the landscape plantings were arranged to include the perspectives from, above, below, and from both sides of the garden.  The focal point of the garden is a pondless waterfall requiring minimal maintenance.  By utilizing the space under the deck, a patio added a shady area for afternoon gatherings, as well as a private area for a hot tub. The spacious, multi-level outdoor rooms all offer a wonderful view of the waterfall garden.   Guardian’s design ideas are original to each location and end use. Water Feature Fire Pit Retaining...
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