A xeriscaped coastal landscape featuring a range of local native plants and plants from The Provincial Collection. Sculpture and bold decorative pots add interest

This Family in Northwest DC wanted a cozy, lush space filled with Natives and with plenty of space to grow vegetables. The landscape beds are full of native shrubs and perennials with an emphasis on year round beauty. Plants were seleccted for their beneficial insect host properties as well as for beauty. Flowering perennials were selected so that something will be in bloom all season long; from the early spring Virginia Bluebells to the fall flowering Goldenrod. The herb spiral was hand made by Clara herself and is a favorite feature of this productive, inviting space.

A "stormwater acequia" collects run-off the surrounding landscape as well as overflow from the cistern, and carries it to the oasis garden where an aspen grove thrives. photo: Sunny Khalsa

Set in the caneros region of Napa the clients desired privacy and an area where they could entertain and enjoy their home's vineyard setting. A new entry, privacy screens, a new deck/patio, and improved landscape accomplished their goals.

design storey architects

The design intent was to unify this flat and expansive landscape. To create more flow and access, a new deck with wrap around stairs opens into the backyard. At the base of the stairs, a flagstone pathway transitions to a vegetable garden area, with picnic table and raised boxes, built out of salvaged Redwood boards. For visual interest and accessibility, moss rock retaining walls with timber ties and gravel pathway are carved into the hillside. Another seating nook made of flagstone looks directly into a rose garden. Beyond the roses, a Mediterranean planting pallet defines this landscape with seasonal blooms, defined foliage textures and edible fruit trees.

An under-utilised corner of the garden was transformed into a romantic apiary, or bee-yard, featuring brightly painted hives and vintage furniture. The pebbles are a practical surface for working on the hives and retain water for the plants. Plants selected are a mix of bee-friendly perennials, herbs and vegetables, including dahlia, salvia leucanthe, anenome japonica and dianthus, buckwheat, blue kale, rhubarb, and silver lemon thyme. Woolly thyme, festuca coxii and purple alyssum soften the pebbles. Photos by Dee McQuillan

A beautiful shrub great for defining privacy boundaries, Nevin's Barberry's dark green foliage fills with (not edible) bright yellow flowers in spring, following by bright red (delicious!) berries. Save some of the yum for the birds, and your garden will fill with delightful twittering.

A drought tolerant landscape

Stephen Lambert

GARDEN PROS

Here is their new landscape under construction. New front porch steps and small sitting area, DG paths, raised garden beds, and the beginnings of the fence.

Custom, powder coated aluminum vegetable beds decrease in height as they follow a stone spiral through the heart of this edible back garden. The illusion of movement creates a dynamic, fun outdoor space.

This Family in Northwest DC wanted a cozy, lush space filled with Natives and with plenty of space to grow vegetables. The landscape beds are full of native shrubs and perennials with an emphasis on year round beauty. Plants were seleccted for their beneficial insect host properties as well as for beauty. Flowering perennials were selected so that something will be in bloom all season long; from the early spring Virginia Bluebells to the fall flowering Goldenrod. The herb spiral was hand made by Clara herself and is a favorite feature of this productive, inviting space.

Benedetto Tarantino e Manuela Vargetto

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.