Updating a landscape

The plans went out in 2004. In 2005 or so, they were enjoying their new landscape, although it already had some issues due to a less than stellar installation by the contractor. The gate and structure sagged or wobbled (the gate brace was installed backwards). The fountain leaked, and was later abandoned. It was timeContinue reading “Updating a landscape”

Developing concepts with 3D modeling

Using 3D modeling is the step done after the initial concept gets sketched out on the iPad. This is where things get fine tuned in three dimensions, surfaces selected and verified, views examined and everything honed and ready for working drawings. Modeling the site after sketching it lets us look at sun and shade throughContinue reading “Developing concepts with 3D modeling”

Front yard living space

The plants now separate the spaces as intended: New Zealand flax separates the deck living area from the play lawn under a magnolia. The shrubs now have enough mass to separate the deck area from the street. The dymondia has filled in, as has the germander, softening hard edges and binding the landscape together. PlantsContinue reading “Front yard living space”

A new garden grows in Davis

A nasty, green, unused swimming pool full of algae dominated this back yard, surrounded by safety fencing to keep everyone out. It was large, swamp green and placed smack in the middle of the garden, rendering the heart of the back yard unusable. Then a crew moved in, broke up the pool and filled inContinue reading “A new garden grows in Davis”

A new evening structure for warm summer nights

Most people think of shade structures, but what if you don’t use your patio at noon, especially in a place with hot summers? Maybe you like to see the evening sky, too. The solution? An evening structure, designed to screen late afternoon light but let the glory of the night sky shine through. When weContinue reading “A new evening structure for warm summer nights”

Art in the Garden!

Sac Open Studios has been a fun event. On the first day, people walked through the gardens, friends stopped by and other friends chipped in to keep things organized and greet visitors. Yesterday started ominous with thunder and a bit of rain – even though every weather app we viewed said, “it’s sunny and beautiful!”.Continue reading “Art in the Garden!”

Small patio remodel: concrete work

This patio is the focal point when looking from the house. Formerly cracked old concrete, it will be warm colored flagstone banded with integral color concrete. A fountain on a pedestal will add movement and sound, and the overall effect will bring the Spanish look of the house and existing patio all the way toContinue reading “Small patio remodel: concrete work”