hardscapes

Paver walkway around pool and also paver fire pit patio.

Custom Residence Naples, Florida Lori Hamilton Photography

New buff riven York stone paving, selected to compliment the stone brickwork of this property in the Cotswolds. 300 m2 of flagstones in total required which was also used for the steps.

Hand-stacked rock wall encloses this terrace.

Notice the gorgeous natural colors in these newly installed Buechel Stone Chilton Outcropping Steps. Click on the tag to see more at www.buechelstone.com/shoppingcart/products/Chilton-Outcro...

photo by Ketti Kupper

Patricia Tyrrell

Frank Spiker and All Natural Landscapes

This lavish project in Reservoir is comprised of several separate outdoor entertaining spaces. The main area is for formal dining and entertaining and contains an impressive and fully functional outdoor kitchen with all the trimmings. A pizza oven sits alongside the 4 burner BBQ, wok burner and sink. The walls are clad in Jindera stone, creating a textural contrast to the smooth hand-made Merbau cupboard doors and custom Bluestone drop down bench tops and splashback capping. Sandstone pavers add texture and warmth to contrast nicely against the dark kitchen. And above it all looms a strong, dressed cypress arbour. Fast-growing, deciduous wisteria was chosen to plant at the base of the arbour, which will grow into a beautiful canopy of leaves. The leaves of this deciduous creeper will fall in autumn to allow warming sun through and, once mature, will produce spectacular draping mauve flowers in spring. Generous planting of Bamboo in the side garden beds form a thick, lush hedge and give great privacy form the neighbours and a feeling of seclusion. Along the rear boundary, maples and magnolias have been selected with their own up-lighting to create beautiful organic features while not impeding the view of the parklands behind. The once small and confined upper deck has been modified, reclad and massively expanded with wrap around steps cascading down to the larger lower level. The upper level of this extensive Merbau deck has some informal seating with views to the rear parklands. The lower, asymmetrical deck creates another comfortable sitting area with its own luscious garden beds and tiered water feature centrepiece for informal entertaining. The main flight of steps is also designed to double as seating, providing the garden with a massive seating capacity! Tucked away in its own magical corner of the property is the sunken lawn area, complete with a fire pit, bespoke bench seating with cushions, garden steppers and path lighting. This area is for intimate relaxation around the fire with a drink, book or whatever takes your fancy. Throughout the landscape there is a feeling of space, relaxation and luxury. However, it is most prominent at night when the entire garden becomes illuminated with a dazzling garden lighting system. The essence of this design is found in its multiple zones, all with their own scope and feel. It is the entertainer’s dream landscape!

JF