The owners envisioned an outdoor space that would allow them to enjoy the life cycles of the elements. The challenge was to blend the casualness of a true native Florida garden with the modern origami-inspired architecture. The crisp lines and bold hardscape textures and colors act as an interlude between the soft, seemingly unstructured flora and the sharp white building and walls. An edible garden, butterfly and larva attractants, and wildflower mixture allow the owners to experience the seasonal evolution of their landscape while recycled hardscape materials provide the access for observation.

Atlanta Custom Builder, Quality Homes Built with Traditional Values Location: 12850 Highway 9 Suite 600-314 Alpharetta, GA 30004

Morgan Howarth Photography, Surrounds Inc.

Karen Waitkus

In Katy, Texas, Tradition Outdoor Living designed an outdoor living space, transforming the average backyard into a Texas Ranch-style retreat. Entering this outdoor addition, the scene boasts Texan Ranch with custom made cedar Barn-style doors creatively encasing the recessed TV above the fireplace. Maintaining the appeal of the doors, the fireplace cedar mantel is adorned with accent rustic hardware. The 60” electric fireplace, remote controlled with LED lights, flickers warm colors for a serene evening on the patio. An extended hearth continues along the perimeter of living room, creating bench seating for all. This combination of Rustic Taloka stack stone, from the fireplace and columns, and the polished Verano stone, capping the hearth and columns, perfectly pairs together enhancing the feel of this outdoor living room. The cedar-trimmed coffered beams in the tongue and groove ceiling and the wood planked stamped concrete make this space even more unique! In the large Outdoor Kitchen, beautifully polished New Venetian Gold granite countertops allow the chef plenty of space for serving food and chatting with guests at the bar. The stainless steel appliances sparkle in the evening while the custom, color-changing LED lighting glows underneath the kitchen granite. In the cooler months, this outdoor space is wired for electric radiant heat. And if anyone is up for a night of camping at the ranch, this outdoor living space is ready and complete with an outdoor bathroom addition! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sue Photography

We were asked to create something really special for one of our most admired clients. This home has been a labor of love for both of us as we finally made it exactly what she wanted it to be. After many concept ideas we landed on a design that is stunning! All of the elements on her wish list are incorporated in this challenging, multi-level landscape: A front yard to match the modern traditional-style home while creating privacy from the street; a side yard that proudly connects the front and back; and a lower level with plantings in lush greens, whites, purples and pinks and plentiful lawn space for kids and dogs. Her outdoor living space includes an outdoor kitchen with bar, outdoor living room with fireplace, dining patio, a bedroom-adjacent lounging patio with modern fountain, enclosed vegetable garden, rose garden walk with European-style fountain and meditation bench, and a fire pit with sitting area on the upper level to take in the panoramic views of the sunset over the wooded ridge. Outdoor lighting brings it alive at night, and for parties you can’t beat the killer sound system!

The traditional fountain and surroundings are embellished with a variety of drought tolerant grasses, flowering plants and succulents. The removal of the dense and overgrown shrubs provides more outdoor living space for dining and entertaining for the homeowners' enjoyment. And now with site-appropriate plants and no lawn there is less maintenance and a lower water bill. Full color Blue stone and small mexican pebbles replace the lawn and pathways resulting in an updated and contemporary transformation. A variety of low-water plants including succulents offer year-round appeal and interest throughout the seasons. Photos and Design © Eileen Kelly, Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Terraced Retaining Wall of AllenBlock Europa Series with low voltage landscape lighting, new plantings, and sitting patio of concrete patio pavers. Arborvitae in the background provide separation between spaces.

Photographer-John Bessler http://www.besslerphoto.com/john/ Designer- Heather Garrett http://www.houzz.com/pro/heathergarrett/heather-garrett-design Oct/Nov 2016 Lakeside Luxury http://urbanhomemagazine.com/feature/1444

Arts & Crafts Garden, East Sussex, UK

Custom everything on this one. A pergola with raised Ipe deck plank and 3 adjustable roof panels. Privacy panels at the rear to act as a wind blocker and gives you plenty of privacy. Does it get any better than this? Tyrone Mitchell Photography

Lane Goodkind