PGA Pro Paul Casey's new backyard artificial putting green complex by Celebrity Greens. PlushGrass drove to Arizona to install the sod wall bunker for Paul.

Angela Kearney, Minglewood Designs

This shade arbor, located in The Woodlands, TX north of Houston, spans the entire length of the back yard. It combines a number of elements with custom structures that were constructed to emulate specific aspects of a Zen garden. The homeowner wanted a low-maintenance garden whose beauty could withstand the tough seasonal weather that strikes the area at various times of the year. He also desired a mood-altering aesthetic that would relax the senses and calm the mind. Most importantly, he wanted this meditative environment completely shielded from the outside world so he could find serenity in total privacy. The most unique design element in this entire project is the roof of the shade arbor itself. It features a “negative space” leaf pattern that was designed in a software suite and cut out of the metal with a water jet cutter. Each form in the pattern is loosely suggestive of either a leaf, or a cluster of leaves. These small, negative spaces cut from the metal are the source of the structure’ powerful visual and emotional impact. During the day, sunlight shines down and highlights columns, furniture, plantings, and gravel with a blend of dappling and shade that make you feel like you are sitting under the branches of a tree. At night, the effects are even more brilliant. Skillfully concealed lights mounted on the trusses reflect off the steel in places, while in other places they penetrate the negative spaces, cascading brilliant patterns of ambient light down on vegetation, hardscape, and water alike. The shade arbor shelters two gravel patios that are almost identical in space. The patio closest to the living room features a mini outdoor dining room, replete with tables and chairs. The patio is ornamented with a blend of ornamental grass, a small human figurine sculpture, and mid-level impact ground cover. Gravel was chosen as the preferred hardscape material because of its Zen-like connotations. It is also remarkably soft to walk on, helping to set the mood for a relaxed afternoon in the dappled shade of gently filtered sunlight. The second patio, spaced 15 feet away from the first, resides adjacent to the home at the opposite end of the shade arbor. Like its twin, it is also ornamented with ground cover borders, ornamental grasses, and a large urn identical to the first. Seating here is even more private and contemplative. Instead of a table and chairs, there is a large decorative concrete bench cut in the shape of a giant four-leaf clover. Spanning the distance between these two patios, a bluestone walkway connects the two spaces. Along the way, its borders are punctuated in places by low-level ornamental grasses, a large flowering bush, another sculpture in the form of human faces, and foxtail ferns that spring up from a spread of river rock that punctuates the ends of the walkway. The meditative quality of the shade arbor is reinforced by two special features. The first of these is a disappearing fountain that flows from the top of a large vertical stone embedded like a monolith in the other edges of the river rock. The drains and pumps to this fountain are carefully concealed underneath the covering of smooth stones, and the sound of the water is only barely perceptible, as if it is trying to force you to let go of your thoughts to hear it. A large piece of core-10 steel, which is deliberately intended to rust quickly, rises up like an arced wall from behind the fountain stone. The dark color of the metal helps the casual viewer catch just a glimpse of light reflecting off the slow trickle of water that runs down the side of the stone into the river rock bed. To complete the quiet moment that the shade arbor is intended to invoke, a thick wall of cypress trees rises up on all sides of the yard, completely shutting out the disturbances of the world with a comforting wall of living greenery that comforts the thoughts and emotions.

A Backyard Resort with a freeform saltwater pool as the focal point, a spa provides a spot to relax. A large raised waterfall spills into the pool, appearing to flow from the koi pond above. We extended a streambed to flow from behind the outdoor kitchen, all the way to the patio, to spill into the koi pond. A Sports Court at one end of the yard with putting greens meander throughout the landscape and the water features. A curved outdoor kitchen with a large Viking grill with a warming drawer to the sink and outdoor refrigeration. A Pavilion with large roof and columns unite the landscape with the home while creating an outdoor living room with a stone fireplace along the back wall, while still allowing views of the yard beyond.

photo: Gary Marsh

Nestled at the top of the prestigious Enclave neighborhood established in 2006, this privately gated and architecturally rich Hacienda estate lacks nothing. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly 4 acres and with approx 5,000 sqft of single story luxurious living, the estate boasts a Cabernet vineyard of 120+/- vines and manicured grounds. Stroll to the top of what feels like your own private mountain and relax on the Koi pond deck, sink golf balls on the putting green, and soak in the sweeping vistas from the pergola. Stunning views of mountains, farms, cafe lights, an orchard of 43 mature fruit trees, 4 avocado trees, a large self-sustainable vegetable/herb garden and lush lawns. This is the entertainer’s estate you have dreamed of but could never find. The newer infinity edge saltwater oversized pool/spa features PebbleTek surfaces, a custom waterfall, rock slide, dreamy deck jets, beach entry, and baja shelf –-all strategically positioned to capture the extensive views of the distant mountain ranges (at times snow-capped). A sleek cabana is flanked by Mediterranean columns, vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hearth, plus an outdoor spa-like bathroom w/travertine floors, frameless glass walkin shower + dual sinks. Cook like a pro in the fully equipped outdoor kitchen featuring 3 granite islands consisting of a new built in gas BBQ grill, two outdoor sinks, gas cooktop, fridge, & service island w/patio bar. Inside you will enjoy your chef’s kitchen with the GE Monogram 6 burner cooktop + grill, GE Mono dual ovens, newer SubZero Built-in Refrigeration system, substantial granite island w/seating, and endless views from all windows. Enjoy the luxury of a Butler’s Pantry plus an oversized walkin pantry, ideal for staying stocked and organized w/everyday essentials + entertainer’s supplies. Inviting full size granite-clad wet bar is open to family room w/fireplace as well as the kitchen area with eat-in dining. An intentional front Parlor room is utilized as the perfect Piano Lounge, ideal for entertaining guests as they enter or as they enjoy a meal in the adjacent Dining Room. Efficiency at its finest! A mudroom hallway & workhorse laundry rm w/hookups for 2 washer/dryer sets. Dualpane windows, newer AC w/new ductwork, newer paint, plumbed for central vac, and security camera sys. With plenty of natural light & mountain views, the master bed/bath rivals the amenities of any day spa. Marble clad finishes, include walkin frameless glass shower w/multi-showerheads + bench. Two walkin closets, soaking tub, W/C, and segregated dual sinks w/custom seated vanity. Total of 3 bedrooms in west wing + 2 bedrooms in east wing. Ensuite bathrooms & walkin closets in nearly each bedroom! Floorplan suitable for multi-generational living and/or caretaker quarters. Wheelchair accessible/RV Access + hookups. Park 10+ cars on paver driveway! 4 car direct & finished garage! Ready for recreation in the comfort of your own home? Built in trampoline, sandpit + playset w/turf. Zoned for Horses w/equestrian trails, hiking in backyard, room for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and more. In addition to the putting green, property is located near Sunset Hills, WoodRanch & Moorpark Country Club Golf Courses. Near Presidential Library, Underwood Farms, beaches & easy FWY access. Ideally located near: 47mi to LAX, 6mi to Westlake Village, 5mi to T.O. Mall. Find peace and tranquility at 5018 Read Rd: Where the outdoor & indoor spaces feel more like a sanctuary and less like the outside world.

The lawn surface softens the hardness of the natural stone wall

I love the mix of warm and cool colors and varying texture in this gorgeous fall planting. A diamond shape was used as a constant throughout the space in order to provide a common theme and connecting look throughout the garden.

The problem this Memorial-Houston homeowner faced was that her sumptuous contemporary home, an austere series of interconnected cubes of various sizes constructed from white stucco, black steel and glass, did not have the proper landscaping frame. It was out of scale. Imagine Robert Motherwell's "Black on White" painting without the Museum of Fine Arts-Houston's generous expanse of white walls surrounding it. It would still be magnificent but somehow...off. Intuitively, the homeowner realized this issue and started interviewing landscape designers. After talking to about 15 different designers, she finally went with one, only to be disappointed with the results. From the across-the-street neighbor, she was then introduced to Exterior Worlds and she hired us to correct the newly-created problems and more fully realize her hopes for the grounds. "It's not unusual for us to come in and deal with a mess. Sometimes a homeowner gets overwhelmed with managing everything. Other times it is like this project where the design misses the mark. Regardless, it is really important to listen for what a prospect or client means and not just what they say," says Jeff Halper, owner of Exterior Worlds. Since the sheer size of the house is so dominating, Exterior Worlds' overall job was to bring the garden up to scale to match the house. Likewise, it was important to stretch the house into the landscape, thereby softening some of its severity. The concept we devised entailed creating an interplay between the landscape and the house by astute placement of the black-and-white colors of the house into the yard using different materials and textures. Strategic plantings of greenery increased the interest, density, height and function of the design. First we installed a pathway of crushed white marble around the perimeter of the house, the white of the path in homage to the house’s white facade. At various intervals, 3/8-inch steel-plated metal strips, painted black to echo the bones of the house, were embedded and crisscrossed in the pathway to turn it into a loose maze. Along this metal bunting, we planted succulents whose other-worldly shapes and mild coloration juxtaposed nicely against the hard-edged steel. These plantings included Gulf Coast muhly, a native grass that produces a pink-purple plume when it blooms in the fall. A side benefit to the use of these plants is that they are low maintenance and hardy in Houston’s summertime heat. Next we brought in trees for scale. Without them, the impressive architecture becomes imposing. We placed them along the front at either corner of the house. For the left side, we found a multi-trunk live oak in a field, transported it to the property and placed it in a custom-made square of the crushed marble at a slight distance from the house. On the right side where the house makes a 90-degree alcove, we planted a mature mesquite tree. To finish off the front entry, we fashioned the black steel into large squares and planted grass to create islands of green, or giant lawn stepping pads. We echoed this look in the back off the master suite by turning concrete pads of black-stained concrete into stepping pads. We kept the foundational plantings of Japanese yews which add green, earthy mass, something the stark architecture needs for further balance. We contoured Japanese boxwoods into small spheres to enhance the play between shapes and textures. In the large, white planters at the front entrance, we repeated the plantings of succulents and Gulf Coast muhly to reinforce symmetry. Then we built an additional planter in the back out of the black metal, filled it with the crushed white marble and planted a Texas vitex, another hardy choice that adds a touch of color with its purple blooms. To finish off the landscaping, we needed to address the ravine behind the house. We built a retaining wall to contain erosion. Aesthetically, we crafted it so that the wall has a sharp upper edge, a modern motif right where the landscape meets the land.

Bring back that sense of carefree pleasure you enjoyed on warm, moonlit evenings with friends, with our 2012 Rose of the Year®, 'Summer Nights'. The blooms have delicate yellow petals blushed with a soft, rosy pink that deepens as it moves to the outer edges. You'll fall in love with this gorgeous new hybrid tea, reveling in its lovely licorice fragrance and exquisitely formed blossoms, whose soothing colors evoke memories of sweetly remembered sunsets! Our 24" patio tree roses are heavy-blooming roses grafted onto a top-quality standard. More compact than the traditional 36" size, they are ideal for today's smaller gardens, as well as for containers of all types. Make a bold statement with this remarkable rose! 24-inch patio tree roses are budded onto a 24-inch trunk. This will make the overall tree, once leafed out and blooming, taller than 24 inches.

Два года каждодневного труда с жесткими сроками и числом рабочих до 50 человек в день, и интереснейший проект большого природного сада стал реальностью. В нем все необычно - от бионической архитектуры и оригинального решения рельефа, до открытости ветрам, речным красотам и взорам гуляющих людей. Дом идеально вписывается в существующий и созданный рельеф, давая возможность плавно подняться на террасы второго этажа прямо с земли. Панорамное остекление создает теснейшую связь с садом, а великолепный вид на реку обрамляют выразительные посадки деревьев. В этом огромная сила его очарования для хозяев. Воплощение этого масштабного проекта позволило реализовать наш прошлый опыт устройства мощения эластопейв, в котором очень важно выбрать правильный цвет гальки с учетом потемнения от смолы, создания авторских живописных водоемов с большими камнями и водопадами, правда все предыдущие были бетонные и не мельче 170 см, для плаванья, а этот спроектировали- мелким, пологим и гравийным, предусмотрев зону зимовки рыбы, облицовки подпорных стен габионами -выполнили очень качественно, с двумя видами камня, устройства ландшафтного освещения с 18 отдельными линиями включения. Из нового опыта - устройство спортивной площадки с искусственным газоном на гравийном основании с мачтами освещения, создание огорода с грядками из кортеновской стали, налитие большого бетонного моста из плит через пруд. Все растения мы заботливо выбирали в Германии, уделяя большое внимание кроне, характеру формовки, многолетники в количестве 40 тыс. мы дорастили в нашем питомнике, часть кустарников и высоких сосен - из российских питомников. В саду высажено 500 тыс луковичных, благодаря им с апреля по июль он превращается в яркое море красок и фактур. В течение года после сдачи работы на участке продолжились. Нам доверили весь уход. По просьбе заказчика мы переработали некоторые зоны, сделав их более приватными. Для этого лучшим решением оказались кулисы из стройных кедровых сосен с Алтая. Зону беседки мы дополнительно отделили от гуляющих вдоль реки посадкой большой группы формированных сосен Бонсай. Практичное мощение, мощные холмы, скрывающие забор, огромные площади трав и многолетников, высоченные раскидистые сосны, очень интересные по форме сосны Банкса, живописный водоем, отражающий дом – вот слагаемые неповторимого облика сада. Уже в июне поднимаются массивы трав, высотой по плечи, добавляющие глубину и создающие ощущение возврата в детство, в бескрайние луговые просторы. В прозрачный водоем залетают поплескаться дикие утки, а кошки интересуются его обитателями- карпами Кои, засев в зарослях ириса болотного. Основа проекта: Михаил Козлов. Доработка и реализация с подбором всех материалов: Ландшафтная студия Аркадия Гарден фото: Диана Дубовицкая

Monica Sarduy

PlushGrass installs personal putting greens of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels. We will bring your design to life or simulate a particular green that has been giving you problems over the years. We also install water hazards/water features and sand traps. PlushGrass Putting Greens are constructed with chipping practice in mind, they accept shots like a natural grass putting green. Improve your short game by practicing anytime you like with a custom artificial putting green by PlushGrass.