This 1/2-acre landscape, designed over the course of ten years, met a family's needs for relaxing, play, entertaining and horticultural hobbies. Taking its cue from the home's European-style mansard roof and floor-to-ceiling windows along most axis, the landscape provided architectural views from every room--with knot gardens, a pavilion, sitting portico, pool, hot tub, splashing fountains, fire pit, vegetable garden, wine grapes and an English glasshouse. USDA Zone 8a, this garden receives little to no rainwater between late June to late September. Drip irrigation used throughout. A small badminton lawn is watered sparingly in the summer. Thick mulch retained soil moisture and suppressed weeds. No chemicals/pesticides applied.

In drought-prone Central Texas, this 1/2-acre, single-owner mid-century property (circa 1961) was landscaped in water-thirsty St. Augustine grass, resulting in enormous summer water bills, no horticultural diversity and little to enjoy--unless you call watering and mowing fun. Rocky limestone clay soil along with drainage challenges required a complete landscape overhaul for the new owners. All lawn was replaced with native grasses and wildflowers, mown 3x annually and needing no supplemental irrigation. Remaining areas underwent extensive excavation including the addition of a 65' curving steel retaining wall whose living surface oxidizes over time. Native plants, succulents and artificial turf along with architectural steel fencing and pots create an easy-care landscape that's respectful of the environment. Drip irrigation used throughout.

Built in 1935, this 1/2-acre view property overlooking the Puget Sound had been completely neglected for more than twenty years, and plant material completed obscured the home. In clearing the property, five dumpsters were filled with not only excess plant material but also trash, dilapidated arbors and garden structures; remnants from an abandoned koi pond, canoe rack and chicken coop; dead and dying trees; rocks and cement blocks. An arborist removed two enormous trees that threatened the home. A new retaining wall along the back edge of the property stabilized the hillside and provided a level backyard walkway, patio and deck to take advantage of the view. Iron fencing and gates provide privacy. Small areas of turf, surrounded by native, deer-resistant plants and original flagstone walkways (which were uncovered during the initial clearing) sooth the eye and allow visual areas of rest. Low-voltage lighting cast dramatic shadows to highlight nighttime views of the newly uncovered home and guide visitors to the front door. While currently a young garden, plants will quickly establish themselves in the rich, glacial-compaction soil of this USDA Zone 8a property.