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Custom cozy chalet in Topsham, Maine.

A modern terraced garden on a slope with cottage style planting. The house and garden is in a sought-after semi-rural location in Surrey, UK, and is primarily south facing. The slope creates an exciting opportunity to introduce a new terraced garden on a slope within the trapezoidal plot. The house is modern with a lot of glass, and the garden will sit comfortably with the modern facades, while offering large borders for a mix of cottage-style planting. The planting will complement the theme of escape and relaxation, and provide a haven for wildlife. Although the house and garden back onto a couple of large properties, the garden is secluded and additional planting will create a real sense of privacy. To the front of the house, the garden slopes away from the driveway and this will become a terraced gravel garden with plants suited to these conditions. This part of the garden is an access route to a single electric pedestrian gate and although not used by the family on a regular basis, the design will introduce low-maintenance plants, ridding the client of an awkward strip of lawn. The facades of the property will be softened with climbers. Towards the top of the slope, the earth will be cut into, with an elegant retaining wall to provide space for a shed, greenhouse and a small Potager. Several of the trees have preservation orders, so these will remain with some regenerative pruning. The main lawn to the back of the house drops by several metres towards the east. New steps leading off from the terrace and a new patio by the lower part of the house will tie in with the terracing of the lawn and the new abundant borders. The existing terrace will be enlarged and raised so that there is a seamless connection with the house and doors. Different seating areas will provide different moods. A new modern outdoor kitchen will make the garden a space to enjoy during the day and the evening. New living screens of pleached Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) will offer privacy and create an architectural feature, allowing planting underneath. Soft harmonious colours, such as blue, grey and pink will sit comfortably against purple and yellow, with the use of ornamental grasses that will sway in the wind and create movement. Lighting in the garden is key for mood. The design will echo traditional garden design through the use of curved lines, with the push-button convenience of modern technology. A water feature will be audible from all parts of the garden. A sense of total immersion in the garden is complete.

The former expanse of lawn has been reduced to a low-maintenance swath of green. Accent boulders, trees, shrubs, and native plants provide visual interest in varying heights and textures. While small at first, the new plants will spread and mature to fill out the yard over time.

This couple wanted a large lawn area and a productive space to grow veg. They also wanted a more cottagey style garden that would attract wildlife. We took some of the steepness off the lawn and gave it a defined shape. Distinctive seating areas around the garden were created with different feels. At the end of the garden a small circular space was created amongst wildflowers to appreciate the evening sun. Another on the edge of the lawn gives a different perspective to the space and then the main patio gives a large space to entertain. A series of raised veg beds behind the garage and a greenhouse has given the perfect spot to potter and unwind after a busy day and grow fruit and veg.

Our clients had a very clear vision for what they wanted in a new home and hired our team to help them bring that dream to life. Their goal was to create a contemporary oasis. The main level consists of a courtyard, spa, master suite, kitchen, dining room, living areas, wet bar, large mudroom with ample coat storage, a small outdoor pool off the spa as well as a focal point entry and views of the lake. The second level has four bedrooms, two of which are suites, a third bathroom, a library/common area, outdoor deck and views of the lake, indoor courtyard and live roof. The home also boasts a lower level complete with a movie theater, bathroom, ping-pong/pool area, and home gym. The interior and exterior of the home utilizes clean lines and warm materials. It was such a rewarding experience to help our clients to truly build their dream. - Jacqueline Southby Photography

The owner of this urban terrace house wanted the small backyard to be a mini-retreat that could be used as additional living space. By removing the lawn and extending the courtyard area slightly, space was created for a dining table and a sun-lounger with space to move around. A small utility area doubles as space for a productive vegetable garden. As planting space in the courtyard was limited, plants were selected that could add drama and lushness without taking up too much space. Bold colours and textures and strong vertical lines from the canna lilies and clumping palms create the feeling of a lush tropical retreat all-year round. The pine timber fence was stained with Resene Waterborne Woodsman "Iroko" which forms a rich backdrop to the courtyard

Redtwig Garden Design llc

Two part project with the first being an improvement of the drainage by connecting new pipe to existing running under the street, and concealing in a dry riverbed. Pipe was day-lighted to allow water to push over the wall and around the house, down the boat ramp. It provided for a functional solution, with a beautiful look. The second part of the project included the installation of a small Belgard retaining wall to lessen the slope of the yard, re-grading of yard with tree and shrub removal, installation of two dry riverbeds to the front to help with water drainage, shrub plantings, and installation of Emerald Zoysia turf. Area was touched up with pine straw for clean and finished look

Two-tier pavers patio in combination with bluestone paving

Today's city living requires that exterior spaces serve as flexible, multi-purpose outdoor rooms. This patio was designed to suit the client's need for a gathering space, parking and increased privacy. A bluestone patio defined an outdoor dining room and enhanced the existing architectural vocabulary. A structural lawn, capable of bearing the weight of a truck, provided flexible parking. A grape trellis, matched with small evergreen shrubs, increased privacy while native plants were selected to attract birds and butterflies while reducing water use.

The flagstone path meanders to the back fence line for a small sitting area which looks back on the garden area.

This modern 14’ x 28’ vinyl pool features elegant full-width custom vinyl over steel walk-in steps. A section of artificial turf lawn serves as a kids play area and helps to keep the yard low maintenance, as does the border of river rock interspersed with decorative grasses around the perimeter.