#georgia door contractors

[windowsolutionsusa]

Replacement Window Solutions for Metro Atlanta, Georgia and East Alabama

Vinyl Window Solutions is your premier destination for residential and commercial window replacements in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, and East Alabama. With a commitment to unbeatable prices, superior service, and quality products, we are dedicated to transforming your spaces with our expert window solutions.

Highlights of Vinyl Window Solutions

Competitive Pricing: Our pricing starts at just $214 per window, ensuring affordability without compromising on quality.

Wide Coverage: We serve both residential and commercial customers across Metro Atlanta, Georgia, and East Alabama, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences.

Exceptional Warranty: Enjoy peace of mind with our lifetime warranties on all products, reflecting our confidence in durability and performance.

Free Quotes: We offer complimentary quotes to help you plan and budget for your window replacement project effectively.

Convenient Hours: Our offices are open Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, ensuring accessibility and flexibility to accommodate your schedule.

Why Choose Us?

Vinyl Window Solutions stands out in the market for several compelling reasons:

Best in Service: Customer satisfaction is our top priority. From your initial inquiry to the completion of your project, our team is committed to delivering exceptional service. We guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Best in Class Products: We offer only the highest quality windows, crafted from premium materials for durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. Our products meet industry standards and exceed expectations, enhancing the value and comfort of your property.

Expert Installation: Our experienced installers are trained professionals who ensure precise fitting and proper sealing of windows. We take care of every detail to maximize performance and longevity, leaving your space looking impeccable.

Customization Options: We understand that every home and business is unique. That’s why we provide customization options to tailor our windows to your specific style preferences and functional needs. Choose from various styles, colors, and features to achieve the perfect look for your property.

Local Expertise: With dedicated offices in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, and East Alabama, we bring localized knowledge and understanding of regional architectural styles, climate considerations, and customer preferences. This allows us to provide personalized recommendations and solutions that best suit your area.

Best in Class Customer Experience:

At Vinyl Window Solutions, our commitment to excellence extends beyond product quality. It encompasses every interaction and touchpoint with our customers:

Transparent Communication: We believe in clear and open communication throughout the project, ensuring you are informed and involved at every stage.

Timely Delivery: We respect your time and strive to complete installations efficiently, minimizing disruption to your daily routine.

Post-Installation Support: Our dedication doesn’t end with installation. We’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have post-installation, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

Conclusion

Whether you’re upgrading your home or enhancing your commercial property, Vinyl Window Solutions offers unmatched value, quality, and service in Metro Atlanta, Georgia, and East Alabama. Benefit from our competitive pricing, extensive warranty coverage, and the expertise of our dedicated team. Experience the difference with Vinyl Window Solutions and transform your space with confidence.

Contact us today at (770) 635-8421 for Metro Atlanta or (256) 568-8703 for East Alabama to schedule your free quote and consultation. Discover why we’re the preferred choice for replacement window solutions in the region. Visit Vinyl Window Solutions for more information and start your journey towards enhancing your property’s aesthetics and efficiency.

[gurgaonpropertyin]

Elevate Your Space with Expert Door and Window Installation and Replacement in Georgia, US

In the pursuit of enhancing the beauty, functionality, and energy efficiency of your home or business in Georgia, US, professional door and window installation and replacement services play a pivotal role. At Vinyl Window Solutions, we are dedicated to transforming spaces with our exceptional craftsmanship and high-quality products. Whether you're looking to upgrade your home's curb appeal, improve energy efficiency, or enhance security, our services are tailored to meet your unique needs.

Specialties in Door and Window Installation and Replacement Vinyl Window Solutions for Door and Window Installation Georgia specializes in a comprehensive range of door and window solutions designed to elevate both residential and commercial properties across Georgia. Here’s what sets us apart:

Extensive Product Range: We offer a wide selection of top-notch doors and windows, including vinyl, fiberglass, and wood options, crafted to enhance aesthetics and functionality.

Customization Expertise: Our team excels in providing tailored solutions to fit your specific style preferences and architectural requirements, ensuring a perfect match for your space.

Professional Installation: With years of experience, our skilled installers handle every aspect of the installation process meticulously, ensuring precision and durability.

Energy Efficiency: We prioritize energy-efficient solutions that not only reduce utility costs but also contribute to sustainability efforts, helping you create an eco-friendly environment.

Durability and Reliability: Our products are sourced from reputable manufacturers known for their durability and longevity, offering peace of mind and long-term value.

Why Choose Vinyl Window Solutions Georgia? When it comes to door and window installation and replacement in Georgia, Vinyl Window Solutions for Door and Window Installation Georgia stands out for several compelling reasons:

Expertise and Experience: With many years in the industry, we bring unparalleled expertise and knowledge to every project, ensuring superior results.

Premium Quality Products: We partner with leading manufacturers to offer products of the highest quality, backed by industry-leading warranties.

Customer-Centric Approach: Your satisfaction is our priority. We are committed to delivering personalized service, from initial consultation to project completion.

Competitive Pricing: We provide transparent pricing without compromising on the quality of our products or services.

Licensed and Insured: Vinyl Window Solutions for Door and Window Installation Georgia is fully licensed and insured, offering you peace of mind throughout the installation process.

Customer Testimonials Here’s what our satisfied customers have to say about their experience with Vinyl Window Solutions:

"We couldn’t be happier with our new windows from Vinyl Window Solutions (VWS). The installation was seamless, and the team was professional and courteous throughout the entire process." - John and Mary S., Atlanta, GA

"The quality of the doors we got installed exceeded our expectations. They’ve made a significant difference in both appearance and energy efficiency. Highly recommend!" - Michael D., Marietta, GA

Conclusion Investing in professional door and window installation and replacement can transform your property, enhancing its appeal, functionality, and energy efficiency. Vinyl Window Solutions is committed to delivering excellence in every project, ensuring that your vision for your home or business becomes a reality.

Visit Vinyl Window Solutions to explore our extensive range of products and services or to schedule a consultation. Discover how our expert door and window solutions can elevate your space in Georgia, US. Transform your home or business today with Vinyl Window Solutions.

[tameblog]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[ramestoryworld]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[alexha2210]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[angusstory]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[tumibaba]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[romaleen]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[monaleen101]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[iamownerofme]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[shelyold]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[windowsolutionsusa]

When it comes to finding affordable window installation services in Georgia, homeowners have several options to consider. Whether you're looking to replace old windows with more energy-efficient models or need new installations for a home renovation project, choosing the right service provider can make a significant difference in both cost and quality.

Researching Options

The first step in finding affordable window installation services is to research the options available in your area. Georgia, known for its diverse housing market and varying climate conditions, offers a range of companies specializing in window installations. Start by searching online for local contractors or companies that specialize in window replacements and installations. Websites like Yelp, Angie's List, or even Google reviews can provide insights into the experiences of previous customers.

Comparing Prices

Once you have a list of potential service providers, the next step is to compare prices. It's essential to obtain detailed quotes from each company, including the cost of materials and labor. Some companies may offer free estimates, which can be a great way to get a ballpark figure without committing to a contract. Be sure to ask about any additional fees or charges that may not be included in the initial quote.

Checking Qualifications

While affordability is crucial, it's also essential to ensure that the company you choose is qualified and reputable. Check for licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage to protect yourself against liability in case of accidents or damages during the installation process. Additionally, look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers to gauge the company's reliability and customer service.

Considering Energy Efficiency

In Georgia's climate, where summers can be hot and humid while winters are relatively mild, choosing energy-efficient windows can lead to significant savings on utility bills. Many service providers offer a variety of window options designed to improve insulation and reduce energy consumption. While energy-efficient windows may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings can make them a worthwhile investment.

Exploring Financing Options

If the cost of window installation is a concern, consider exploring financing options offered by the service providers. Many companies partner with financing institutions to offer competitive rates and flexible payment plans, making it easier to manage the expense over time. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and compare interest rates and fees before committing to a financing agreement.

Getting Recommendations

Lastly, don't hesitate to ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations. Personal referrals can be a valuable resource when searching for affordable and reliable window installation services in Georgia. They can provide firsthand experiences and insights that may not be available through online reviews alone.

Conclusion

Finding affordable window installation services in Georgia requires careful research, comparison of prices, and consideration of factors such as qualifications, energy efficiency, and financing options. By taking the time to explore your options and gather multiple quotes, you can make an informed decision that meets both your budget and your home improvement needs. Remember to prioritize quality and reliability to ensure that your investment in new windows pays off in the long run.

[gurgaonpropertyin]

Enhance Your Home with Expert Door and Window Replacement in Georgia, US

Are you looking to enhance the beauty, functionality, and energy efficiency of your home or business in Georgia? Look no further than Vinyl Window Solutions, your trusted partner in expert door and window replacement and installation services across the state. With years of experience and a dedication to quality, we strive to transform spaces with our premium products and exceptional service.

Speciality of Vinyl Window Solutions

At Vinyl Window Solutions, we specialize in providing high-quality doors and windows that not only elevate the aesthetics of your property but also improve its functionality and energy efficiency. Here are some key aspects of our services:

Premium Products: We offer a wide range of premium vinyl windows and doors designed to suit various architectural styles and preferences. Our products are crafted with durability, aesthetics, and energy efficiency in mind, ensuring long-term satisfaction and value for our customers.

Expert Installation: Our team consists of skilled professionals who are trained in the latest installation techniques. Whether you're replacing old windows or installing new ones, we ensure precision and attention to detail throughout the process, resulting in seamless integration with your home or business.

Energy Efficiency: Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors can significantly reduce utility costs by minimizing heat transfer and improving insulation. Our products are ENERGY STAR® certified, meeting rigorous standards for energy efficiency and environmental impact.

Customization Options: We understand that every property is unique. That's why we offer customization options to tailor our products to your specific needs and preferences. From different styles and colors to hardware and glass options, you can create windows and doors that complement your space perfectly.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing Vinyl Window Solutions for your door and window replacement needs in Georgia comes with several distinct advantages:

Quality Craftsmanship: We take pride in our workmanship and use only the finest materials to ensure superior quality and durability.

Exceptional Service: Customer satisfaction is our top priority. From initial consultation to project completion, our friendly and knowledgeable team is dedicated to providing a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Lifetime Warranties: We stand behind our products and installations with lifetime warranties, giving you peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected.

Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality. Plus, we currently have a special offer of 10% off whole home window replacements for a limited time, making it an ideal opportunity to upgrade your home.

Free Quotes and Consultations: Curious about the cost or feasibility of your project? We provide free, no-obligation quotes and consultations to help you make informed decisions.

Customer Testimonial

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[iammeandmy]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[januishstory]

Lacy cards, beauty-queen-worthy bouquets and beribboned boxes of chocolate often symbolize romance, especially around Feb. 14. But when it comes to gardens, romantic expression can be subtler and more wide-ranging. It can mean a single secluded alcove or an array of intimate nooks, or it can focus on fairy-tale flowers or foliage from the deepest woods. It can be whimsical, mysterious or something all its own. See how dreamy blooms, lush greenery, winding paths, fountains and more have made these five yards true romantics. Let us know in the Comments if any ideas might help your yard speak its own language of love.Before PhotoGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave Photo“After” photos by Nathalie Priem1. Rustic RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple active in the artsLocation: North LondonSize: 1,012 square feet (94 square meters)Landscape designer: Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignLandscape contractor: PerlaRose LandscapesBefore: A tall tree of heaven growing up from the ground floor and a dumbwaiter connecting to a kitchen one floor below were two big advantages of this North London terrace. It also got a lot of wind and had no apparent purpose, however. The homeowners took the recommendation of a neighbor who’d found Georgia Lindsay Garden Design on Houzz and hired the firm to design an inviting escape worthy of the view.Georgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: The tree of heaven now provides dappled shade for an eight-seater dining table, while blooms spill exuberantly from planters nearby. Set between those planters, an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill feels unobtrusive. New wood furnishings freshen the feel without undermining the existing silvery decking, tree bark and cedar-clad dumbwaiter.That lantern hanging from the branches is purely decorative, by the way. Ambient light from the surrounding buildings provides enough illumination to keep added light fixtures to a minimum.Find a local landscape designerGeorgia Lindsay Garden DesignSave PhotoTucked into a corner and cocooned by ‘Rich Ruby’ beardtongue (Penstemon ‘Rich Ruby’, USDA zones 7 to 9; find your zone) sits this outdoor room with pillow-laden benches and oak chairs surrounding a coffee table. Although they look built in, the benches are made of a lightweight concrete-effect resin and can be moved as needed.Read more about this projectBefore PhotoFormLA LandscapingSave Photo“After” photos by Lesly Hall Photography2. Secret RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Bea and Tom SchumacherLocation: Pasadena, CaliforniaSize: 4,570-square-foot (425-square-meter) backyard; 4,500-square-foot (418-square-meter) front yard; 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) parking stripDesign-build team: Isara Ongwiseth, lead designer, and John Cook, landscape installation manager, both of FormLA LandscapingBefore: Little protection from the searing sun left this yard in Southern California parched. It had no destination areas, either, and was a pain to mow and water. The homeowners hired FormLA Landscaping to create a series of outdoor rooms that would require less maintenance and offer a beautifully immersive experience.FormLA LandscapingSave PhotoAfter: The canopy of a Chinese elm, which came with the property, shades a long outdoor dining table and crunchy gravel patio just off a new covered lounge and outdoor kitchen. Along with a rich tapestry of California native plants and Mediterranean-climate thrivers, it creates the feel of a hidden delight. Can you tell that one of the homeowners is enamored of what Mary discovers behind an outdoor door in The Secret Garden?Shop for outdoor dining furniture on HouzzFormLA LandscapingSave PhotoConcrete pavers with planted joints form a path from the dining area to a nook nestled up against some fencing. Oversize chairs around an earthy fire bowl there allow for relaxing to a soothing soundtrack of birdsong and a water feature.The new water-conscious plantings foster a hideaway feel with their lushness, while their colors and textures offer an ever-changing feast for the eyes year-round.Read more about this project“After” photos by Tina Witherspoon3. Artful RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: A couple, their daughter and their catLocation: Ballard neighborhood of SeattleSize: 1,500-square-foot (139-square-meter) side yard on a 5,400-square-foot (502-square-meter) lotLandscape architect: Board & VellumLandscape contractor: Sage and StoneBefore: A fencing project for this Seattle side yard turned into a full redesign. The homeowners wanted more privacy without feeling completely walled off, and they wanted to be able to use and enjoy the expansive area more — not easy, given its noticeable grade change. Design firm Board & Vellum came on board to create a leafy outdoor oasis with just the right amount of seclusion.After: See those Japanese maples (Acer palmatum, zones 5 to 8) at the back here? They’re the same as in the previous photo, but you can see how everything else has changed. Flagstones interspersed with ground covers and bordered by delightful purple ‘Rozanne’ cranesbill (Geranium ‘Rozanne’, zones 4 to 9) wend toward not just the maples but a patio with a trio of aluminum panels laser-cut in a tree design that the homeowners’ daughter drew. A petite round water feature and a blanket of low-lying ferns balance the tall rectangular forms.String lights and glowing path lights conjure a magical vibe after the sun goes down.10 Ways to Create a Romantic GardenRegrading made for an easier transition from the sidewalk into the yard, while a new entry gate with an artful custom metal piece continues the tree theme. And the yard brims with color and texture, thanks to plants such as chartreuse Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’, zones 4 to 9), Eternal Fragrance daphne (Daphne x transatlantica ‘Blafra’, zones 5 to 9) and ‘Purple Stem’ sweetbox (Sarcococca hookeriana var. digyna ‘Purple Stem’, zones 6 to 8).Native evergreen huckleberries (Vaccinium ovatum) and ‘Winter Sun’ mahonia (Mahonia x media ‘Winter Sun’) elsewhere in the yard draw hummingbirds, butterflies and other winged creatures, enhancing the already idyllic retreat. Read more about this projectBefore PhotoKate BurtSave Photo“After” photos by Jo de Banzie4. Reimagined RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Photographic artist Jo de Banzie and her husbandLocation: Muswell Hill, North LondonSize: About 1,130 square feet (105 square meters) Landscape designer: Jilayne RickardsBefore: Though lacking character and charm, this North London backyard held plenty of promise. As it had already been landscaped, designer Jilayne Rickards worked as much as possible with what was there, including the patio area and gravel seen here. She also sourced additional items secondhand, and nothing went to the landfill.Jilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoAfter: Because the site is shady and most of the soil is tricky clay, the design centers around ground-planted foliage and abundant containers. Here, a sweet little seating area gets shade from an apple tree, home to a playful surprise: a tree house. A dense screen of established black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra, zones 7 to 11) hides a shed, and new black paint on the existing fence lends depth and an air of mystery.Caution: Bamboo can be invasive; opt for a clumping variety and consult guidelines for your area before planting. (A trench and root barrier keep the bamboo here in check.)10 Garden Nooks That Are Perfect for One or Two PeopleJilayne Rickards Contemporary Garden DesignSave PhotoArtistic elements, including the circular fence cutout seen in the previous photo and a fanciful antique bench here, are sprinkled throughout. Together with the blend of striking succulents, layers of leaves and lovely blossoms, they give the garden an enchanting air.Read more about this project“After” photos by Lepere Studio5. Ranch RomanceYard at a GlanceWho lives here: Steve and Debra CummingsLocation: Santa Paula, CaliforniaSize: About one-fifth of an acre on an 80-acre ranchLandscape architect: Kiesel DesignLandscape installer: Haney LandscapeBefore: Among scraggly trees on an 80-acre avocado ranch in California’s Santa Clara River Valley sat this plain rectangular lawn abutting a livestock pen. The property has been in the owners’ family for generations, and they recently tapped Kiesel Design to turn this area into an outdoor destination filled with visual delights — using Houzz ideabooks to share inspiration.Kiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoAfter: Right about where the dog is keeping a lookout in the previous photo, a double-wide gate now opens to an enclosed garden. Concrete pavers lead from the back of the house to the yard, their staggered design hinting that nothing beyond is simply about getting from point A to point B.Across from the covered deck seen here lies an artistic fountain carved from a sandstone boulder, where birds drink and play. Down the path a bit sits a dining area with seating for six. And farther along, a natural gas fire feature made of Cor-Ten steel and lava rock anchors a seating area that would do a campsite proud. 10 Things to Know About Buying a Fire Pit for Your YardKiesel Design - Landscape ArchitectureSave PhotoPaths made of decomposed granite flow through the yard like waterways. They offer opportunities for walking meditation or for sitting and taking in the views of the planting islands at hand and the Topatopa Mountains in the distance.These two “after” photos show only small portions of the garden, which stretches to about a fifth of an acre. It focuses on water-conscious and pollinator-attracting plantings but includes a variety of blooms too, including roses — all in a vivid palette of purples, oranges, pinks and greens and in a range of stirring scents. Read more about this projectMore on HouzzRead more stories about patiosBrowse thousands of patio photosHire a landscape contractorShop for your outdoor spaces Source link

[writer59january13]

Look no further than the nose on your face...

for Mutualism among Homo sapiens long thought to be a pipe dream case in point sited by a couple of recent purportedly natural events possibly exacerbated courtesy global warming namely present conflagrations include veritable towering inferno - (sharing merest premise with Hollywood film by the same name, the highest-grossing Classic 1970s disaster movie about a fire that breaks out in a state-of-the-art San Francisco high-rise building during the opening ceremony attended by a host of A-list guests: An overworked fire chief (charging full force like Minnesota Vikings - or feel free to substitute your own football team) and the building's architect must cooperate in the struggle to save lives and subdue panic while a corrupt, cost-cutting contractor tries to evade responsibility for the disaster helped establish the modern blockbuster) dwarfed by devastating southern California, or the impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton both particularly destructive, causing more than $100 billion in combined damage across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia over a two-week period from late-September into early October), where trials by fire and water respectively witnessed linkedin collective effort that spread kudzu like attempted delivering relief, no matter Federal disaster workers paused and then changed some of their hurricane-recovery efforts in North Carolina, including abandoning door-to-door visits, after receiving threats that they could be targeted by a militia, officials said, as the government response to Helene targeted by runaway disinformation. Impossible mission to duplicate or even barely approximate wrenching cataclysms wrought by mother nature, no matter death defying scenes movies present quite realistic, especially seen on the big screen incorporating surround sound, where more or less clear cut protagonists and antagonists confront each other, whereby the former (more times that not in that make believe world) where actors and actresses present convincing drama) and win the day quite unlike reality, when havoc ferociously strikes indiscriminately rich or poor alike.

I always marvel at the surge of voluntary brother and sisterhood (personhood generally) that encompasses (or follows) a figurative groundswell, (particularly when the phenomenon in question constitutes a natural event say aftermath of meteorological storm in question, namely a tsunami) pitting dearth of humanitarian intervention, where terrorist act and violent crimes grist for the tabloid or social media mill give the impression that Homo sapiens' pith and marrow chock full of animalistic, atavistic, cannibalistic, fascistic, hedonistic,

misogynistic, et cetera predilections, thus believing challenging the bedrock belief in inherent goodness of man/woman kind as the exception rather than the rule

and proving the potential exists, whereby idealistic opportunistic government (of the people by the people for the people shall not perish from the earth” spoken at Gettysburg), but these words apply as well to the countless soldiers that died for the cause of democracy in the following 160 years, yet not just highlighting slain combatants also extending by proxy to vicious acts of homicide, physical sexual abuse, plus verbal castigation as experienced by the writer of these words (ofttimes in his younger days deemed, hashtagged, peppered, targeted, et cetera as ideal scapegoat) pummeled courtesy nasty, short and brutish louts, who heaved, lobbed, threatened, et cetera me with expletive laced brickbats, where bullies evinced sympathy for the devil.