This very social couple were tying the knot and looking to create a space to host their friends and community, while also adding much needed living space to their 900 square foot cottage. The couple had a strong emphasis on growing edible and medicinal plants. With many friends from a community garden project they were involved in and years of learning about permaculture, they wanted to incorporate many of the elements that the permaculture movement advocates for. We came up with a California native and edible garden that incorporates three composting systems, a gray water system, rain water harvesting, a cob pizza oven, and outdoor kitchen. A majority of the materials incorporated into the hardscape were found on site or salvaged within 20-mile of the property. The garden also had amenities like an outhouse and shower for guests they would put up in the converted garage. Coming into this project there was and An old clawfoot bathtub on site was used as a worm composting bin, and for no other reason than the cuteness factor, the bath tub composter had to stay. Added to that was a compost tumbler, and last but not least we erected an outhouse with a composting toilet system (The Nature's Head Composting Toilet). We developed a gray water system incorporating the water that came out of the washing machine and from the outdoor shower to help water bananas, gingers, and canailles. All the down spouts coming off the roof were sent into depressions in the front yard. The depressions were planted with carex grass, which can withstand, and even thrive on, submersion in water that rain events bring to the swaled-out area. Aesthetically, carex reads as a lawn space in keeping with the cottage feeling of the home. As with any full-fledged permaculture garden, an element of natural building needed to be incorporated. So, the heart and hearth of the garden is a cob pizza oven going into an outdoor kitchen with a built-in bench. Cob is a natural building technique that involves sculpting a mixture of sand, soil, and straw around an internal structure. In this case, the internal structure is comprised of an old built-in brick incinerator, and rubble collected on site. Besides using the collected rubble as a base for the cob structure, other salvaged elements comprise major features of the project: the front fence was reconstructed from the preexisting fence; a majority of the stone edging was created by stones found while clearing the landscape in preparation for construction; the arbor was constructed from old wash line poles found on site; broken bricks pulled from another project were mixed with concrete and cast into vegetable beds, creating durable insulated planters while reducing the amount of concrete used ( and they also just have a unique effect); pathways and patio areas were laid using concrete broken out of the driveway and previous pathways. (When a little more broken concrete was needed, we busted out an old pad at another project a few blocks away.) Far from a perfectly polished garden, this landscape now serves as a lush and inviting space for my clients, their friends and family to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Days after construction was finished the couple hosted their wedding reception in the garden—everyone danced, drank and celebrated, christening the garden and the union!

Maria von Brincken

Our clients wanted us to create a garden that screened the neighbours, was less ‘linear’ and be textured and lush. They wanted a garden that had layers and depth, something to journey through and enjoy. Drawing on the utilitarian, earthy materials of the home a modest material palette of decomposed granite and recycled brick was used to tie the style of the home to the garden terraces. Each terrace whether for outdoor dining or for relaxing under the dappled light of the trees provides a garden space that is enjoyed by all. Photo by Natalie Hunfalvay

Kelsey Schweickert

Identifying entry with T-arbor over entry. Rustic fence atop a stack stone wall defines spaces within yard. Plantings are more Mediterranean to thrive in the hot dry summers.

Can you believe that this pond uses less water than the lawn that stood before it?! Well believe it! This gorgeous pond, waterfall and landscape actually uses less water than that old lawn! Here’s a project where the client traded in their old ugly lawn for a beautiful pond, waterfall and low maintenance stunning succulents and drought tolerant landscape with synthetic turf. Not only does the client use a fraction of the water since the renovation, it is now super low maintenance! This is the family’s favorite spot to relax and enjoy any part of the day! If you are considering remodeling your yard either to save money on your water bill or just help conserve water in this tough drought, consider changing your yard into a livable and guilt free paradise with a sustainable water feature!

The revised entry into the courtyard. The front walls were pushed out from their previous location effectively doubling the space of the courtyard. Photos by Meagan Hancock

The goal of this landscape design and build project was to create a backyard patio that incorporated brick pavers and irregular bluestone. The patio also features a hidden hatch that reveals the septic tank beneath. Irregular and oversized bluestone pavers set in the lawn link the side yard to the rear hot tub area. A traditional New England landscape palette was selected to bloom year round and provide color throughout the seasons. Designed and built by Skyline Landscapes, LLC.

The goal of this landscape design and build project was to create a backyard patio that incorporated brick pavers and irregular bluestone. The patio also features a hidden hatch that reveals the septic tank beneath. Irregular and oversized bluestone pavers set in the lawn link the side yard to the rear hot tub area. A traditional New England landscape palette was selected to bloom year round and provide color throughout the seasons. Designed and built by Skyline Landscapes, LLC.

After removing the over grown shrubs, we planted pretty perennials to provide seasonal interest all year round, which is also low maintenance.

This very social couple were tying the knot and looking to create a space to host their friends and community, while also adding much needed living space to their 900 square foot cottage. The couple had a strong emphasis on growing edible and medicinal plants. With many friends from a community garden project they were involved in and years of learning about permaculture, they wanted to incorporate many of the elements that the permaculture movement advocates for. We came up with a California native and edible garden that incorporates three composting systems, a gray water system, rain water harvesting, a cob pizza oven, and outdoor kitchen. A majority of the materials incorporated into the hardscape were found on site or salvaged within 20-mile of the property. The garden also had amenities like an outhouse and shower for guests they would put up in the converted garage. Coming into this project there was and An old clawfoot bathtub on site was used as a worm composting bin, and for no other reason than the cuteness factor, the bath tub composter had to stay. Added to that was a compost tumbler, and last but not least we erected an outhouse with a composting toilet system (The Nature's Head Composting Toilet). We developed a gray water system incorporating the water that came out of the washing machine and from the outdoor shower to help water bananas, gingers, and canailles. All the down spouts coming off the roof were sent into depressions in the front yard. The depressions were planted with carex grass, which can withstand, and even thrive on, submersion in water that rain events bring to the swaled-out area. Aesthetically, carex reads as a lawn space in keeping with the cottage feeling of the home. As with any full-fledged permaculture garden, an element of natural building needed to be incorporated. So, the heart and hearth of the garden is a cob pizza oven going into an outdoor kitchen with a built-in bench. Cob is a natural building technique that involves sculpting a mixture of sand, soil, and straw around an internal structure. In this case, the internal structure is comprised of an old built-in brick incinerator, and rubble collected on site. Besides using the collected rubble as a base for the cob structure, other salvaged elements comprise major features of the project: the front fence was reconstructed from the preexisting fence; a majority of the stone edging was created by stones found while clearing the landscape in preparation for construction; the arbor was constructed from old wash line poles found on site; broken bricks pulled from another project were mixed with concrete and cast into vegetable beds, creating durable insulated planters while reducing the amount of concrete used ( and they also just have a unique effect); pathways and patio areas were laid using concrete broken out of the driveway and previous pathways. (When a little more broken concrete was needed, we busted out an old pad at another project a few blocks away.) Far from a perfectly polished garden, this landscape now serves as a lush and inviting space for my clients, their friends and family to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Days after construction was finished the couple hosted their wedding reception in the garden—everyone danced, drank and celebrated, christening the garden and the union!

One of many custom concrete planters constructed on this property. We used raw corrugated steel panels left over from the man cave construction to create a unique texture to the planters and then levitated steel framed concrete benches with glass goblets cast into the benches that glow when lit up from below (Think Launter's Goldstein/Sheets cast concrete roof) Photo credit Michael Woodall

The client wanted a unique metal planter with low water use plants. In the yard we reduced water use by removing the grass and adding a paver patio extension with artificial turf. It was really exciting to create this unique piece for her! Deana M. Chiavola

Demolished entire front yard and rebuild with a modern rustic landscape suitable for a small yard. Lush yet low maintenance garden. Created a small courtyard at front entrance. Plant columnar trees to create privacy and peace from a busy street.

As they grow, fruit trees at the driveway's edge enhance the privacy provided by the neighbor's hedge. They are fed by a graywater system that reclaims water from the laundry. Their location makes it easy for the on-the-go family to take a snack for the road or to offer fruit to passersby.