St. Michael’s

St. Michael’s

Large slabs of Native Texas stone are softened with un-mown zoysia grass as they create an informal entry area that connects the driveway to the main entrance to the house. Also at the front entrance is the presence of a fountain and fish pond, with an ipe wood deck. Native and adaptive plants create a wildlife sanctuary in the city and frames the view to the entrance. In the southwest corner of the home, a rain catchment system comes off of the garage to irrigate the owners vegetable garden.

 

Greenbrier

Greenbrier

A Contemporary Spanish / Mediterranean eclectic home in the Park Cities area of Dallas had a very basic front yard, and only grass and some mature Magnolias and a Pecan in the backyard from the previous home. We added a new front entry at the sidewalk, using the brick and cast stone from the house for replication, and expanded the plantings to include more texture and color. In the back yard a medium sized dipping pool, using Ann Sacks glass tiles and dark plaster, with a raised wall and scuppers makes a focal point to the existing outdoor living areas.

This landscape was designed by Patrick L. Boyd, Senior Design Associate with David Rolston Landscape Architects

 

Lawther

Lawther

This sleek modern house enjoys beautiful views of White Rock Lake, but siting the pool in the front yard called for screening from passing joggers, bikers and cars. Designed by architect Robert W. Raymond, AIA, the house angles to gather breezes and respect existing trees. The extensive drainage system is designed to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional, carrying water past the entrance and around the house in several streambeds lined with ornamental grasses.

 

Canterbury

Canterbury

This family desired a modern upgrade to add some personality to their home. A courtyard was added off the porch for a comfortable spot to relax outdoors. The old walkway was sloped and hazardous. It was replaced with sleek, concrete pads that lead right under a lightweight arbor. The old planting scheme was one-dimensional and without any variety or life. The new selection of plants add depth and texture to the landscape.

 

 

Katy Trail

Katy Trail

The planting design for the Katy Trail required low-maintenance, mostly native plants to screen surrounding neighbors and businesses, while remaining open enough for bikers, joggers and walkers to feel safe.

In addition to oaks, bald cypress and other large trees for shade, a mix of smaller ornamental trees and shrubs add color through the seasons. Possumhaws provide color and berries for the birds in winter, followed by the fragrant blooms of Mexican plum in the spring and bright yellow golden raintree blossoms in summer. Tall wax myrtle hedges love the old railroad drainage ditch, and Eastern red cedars and Arizona cypresses create screening on the high-and-dry west side.

Squint your eyes and you could be on a bike trail in Holland or Germany–the Katy Trail is one of Dallas’ most popular parks, even though it’s only about 30 feet wide!

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