A modern outdoor space is a place where you can relax, entertain guests and enjoy nature. It’s a place to get away from your busy life and unwind with friends or family. There are many ways to design an outdoor space that complements your home and reflects your personal style while still being functional. Here are some tips on creating a modern outdoor area:
Texture can be added to your space in many ways. You can use wood, metal and stone to give your outdoor space a more modern look. Plants are also an excellent way to add texture as well as color and life into your design. If you have a pool or water feature in your backyard consider adding some floating candles for an elegant effect.
Maximize Your Outdoor Space
- Add a fire pit. This can be as simple as putting down some bricks and throwing on some wood, or you can go all out with a full-on fireplace. It’s not just for sitting around at night; it’s also great for keeping warm during the day if you live in colder climates or when the temperature drops below freezing outside.
- Add seating area(s). You don’t want people standing around all night–they’ll get bored! So make sure to include somewhere comfortable for them to sit while they’re hanging out by the fire pit or eating dinner at your outdoor kitchen. If there aren’t any benches already built into your patio area, consider building one yourself out of cinder blocks and cement (or even just stacking up some old tires). It doesn’t have to be fancy–just something where everyone can take a load off their feet after dancing around in stilettos all night long!
Choose the Right Color Palette
Choosing the right color palette for your outdoor space is important. You want to choose colors that are in the same family, so that they look cohesive and create a harmonious environment. You can use bright and bold colors, muted and neutral tones or complementary or contrasting hues.
- The first way to choose a color palette for your outdoor space is by choosing hues from within one family of colors (for example: reds). This option creates a consistent look throughout your design because it allows you to use all of these shades without having them compete against each other visually – as opposed to using different families altogether (like blue-purples with oranges).
- Another option is choosing contrasting pairs of complementary hues like orange/green; red/purple; yellow/blue etc., which creates interest while still allowing each hue its own identity within an overall cohesive design scheme.”
Add Warmth and Lighting to Your Outdoor Space
Lighting is an important part of any outdoor space, but even more so in 2015. Not only will it help you see your way around at night, but it can also be used to create atmosphere and highlight features of your garden.
It’s important to consider where lighting should be placed in order for it to be effective and look good – if you place lights too high up they may not be seen or won’t have much impact on the overall look of your garden; however if they’re too low down then they could cause glare on surfaces such as windows or glass doors.
The options for a modern outdoor space are endless.
You might be thinking that modern design is all about clean lines and simple shapes, but this isn’t always true. The options for a modern outdoor space are endless. You can use materials like metal or glass which are not traditional in the world of landscaping, but will add an artistic touch to your home that will make it stand out from others on your block.
A great example of this would be installing a glass railing along the edge of your patio so that people passing by can see inside while still maintaining privacy from those outside looking in. Another option would be installing metal panels around windows or doors as part of an overall renovation project!
We hope that this article has inspired you to think about your own outdoor space, and maybe even get started on a renovation. The great thing about modern design is that it can be applied to any space, no matter how big or small. You don’t need acres of land or an elaborate budget; all it takes is a little creativity and imagination!


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Grant Gilvesy Design is the multi-disciplinary design company of London-based designer, Grant Gilvesy. He is also the founder of one of London’s top landscape design firms, In Bloom Designscapes.
For over 10 years, Grant has worked on a diverse range of projects, transforming interiors and exteriors for both personal and client projects.
Grant uses his extensive experience with interior and exterior design and renovations to ensure that projects run smoothly and are completed within a timely schedule.
He brings together quality fittings and furnishings, both modern and vintage, to create an outcome that is sophisticated and timeless.


Birgitte Pearce Design
Since founding Birgitte Pearce Design, Birgitte has quickly gathered a list of loyal clients from New Jersey to California. Born in Denmark and raised in California, Birgitte draws from those places to bring a relaxed, clean aesthetic to her projects.
Whether working on a whole house renovation or updating a room, every project brings an acknowledgement that spaces are meant to be lived in. Birgitte’s approach includes getting to know her clients’ interests and facets, and incorporating those very personal touches into an integrated, flowing environment. Texture and clean lines conspire for the total feeling a space invokes.
Before settling in Montclair, NJ, Birgitte spent years working in the film business in Los Angeles as a costume designer and stylist. Her passion for design and redefining spaces also led her to study Landscape Architecture, and launch a successful landscape design practice in southern California.
Birgitte Pearce Design distills this breadth of visually-focused expertise into whole house renovations, interiors and exterior/landscape design.


Nevertheless our land shape as well as its dimension will certainly restrict all offered open floor plans for small homes options. As an example, land with the exact same square foot dimension, however with different form, such as one land with rectangle shape and also other land with trapezium shape, it will certainly give several floor plans alternatives. Depended upon its measurement, it's better ideally to provide recurring area on its land to create garden, other than if this land is extremely small as well as difficult to create yard on this land. Nonetheless yard visibility is extremely important to give outside perspective, activity as well as fresh environment.
This kind of plan allows the people to gather 2 or even more spaces into one space. The space decor is likewise limited in this tiny room inside since that will take even more area. Nevertheless, you could still decorate the inside of the room with one-of-a-kind and also gorgeous furnishings like: couch, publication shelves, fire place or even staircase can be created perfectly to make sure that the area will look gorgeous also without added decor.
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In no way does 2chmato claim ownership or responsibility for such items, and you should seek legal consent for any use of such materials from its owner.


Last week I shared part of postcard from one my favourite cities in the world. Did you recognize it?
This whimsical building is located in Park Güell, in one of the most architecturally stunning cities in the world – Barcelona. When I daydream about where I want to move to, Barcelona comes to mind. Park Güell is one the places that make Barcelona feel magical. The stories of its origins makes it even more interesting. While a beautiful public park today, Park Güell actually started as a housing development with the vision of building a community with all the latest technological comforts. The housing development never came to fruition which may have been a good thing for the rest of us. Instead of becoming privately owned, it is now a public park and garden we can all visit.
Check out the UNESCO website to learn more about Gaudí’s beautiful works.
You can also check out the Park Güell website to learn more.


Exclusive Outdoor lighting
Outdoor lights are ideal to provide additional lighting or to decorate your garden, terrace and driveway. Outdoor lights come in different forms which are suitable for different functions. Outdoor lamps all come with IP classification that indicate the level of protection against water and dust, IP44 protected against splashing water to IP65 and above that are protected against heavy water and dust. In our large selection of outdoor lights you are sure to find beautiful and an ideal lamp that will suit your needs from LED lights, ground spotIights to outdoor wall lights and bollards.
Depending on what type of style or atmosphere you would like to create, you have vast options of lamps to choose from. For your terrace or deck choose from the wide range of decorative ground spotlights that will emit light beautifully, spike LED lighting for your rose bed or garden bushes, what about floor or table lamps to enhance lighting or to create a beautiful cosy and atmospheric light.
A large range of lamps with sensors for your front door or LED flood lights to provide powerful lighting for areas such as your garage. We have a large and decorative environmentally friendly and energy efficient solar lights to become part of your outdoor & outside lighting.
Decorative Outdoor lights with unique features.
At lampandlight.eu you will find a large collection of decorative and unique lights that will add colour and style to your garden or patio. Choose from our range of bollards that come in different colours and sizes that will light up your garden pathway or driveway. How about our energy efficient LED lights that will continue to illuminate in your chosen area for many years or how about our wall or ceiling lights that come with motion sensors that could be an additional security lighting that you may need.
Our ground spotlights that can go deep into underground is very well protected against damage and are waterproof, some of our ground spotlights can take up to 5000KG weight therefore allowing it to be ideal for your driveway. Our spike or garden poles are perfect for highlighting trees and flowers in the evening, creating beautiful and welcoming atmosphere during the summer evenings. Opt out for RGB colourful LED lights or LED bulbs to add colour to where you want in your garden.


Seb has a week off from school and we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather! We headed out to Aldhersvile Slotspark, essentially Castle Park. There is a lake that is used in the summer for rowing races, a path around the lake and an old castle. We packed a picnic and took a stroll through the park. It was a beautiful park, as you can see from the pictures, and I look forward to going back in the summer for a longer hike!


Our mission is to create architecture that is responsive to our client’s expectations while being unique, timeless, sustainable, and memorable.
The team at Parker Design Group | Architects shares a sense of responsibility to put in the time and the effort to provide the best possible service required to deliver a successful project.
PDG | Architects and its legacy of iterations have delivered superior design, value, and experience for our residential, commercial, and institutional, clients since 1985. The firm’s work encompasses a wide gamut of building programs, a breadth of project scale, and a variety of site requisites. Tom Parker, the principal architect, has over three decades of hands-on design experience. His work has earned the firm 41 awards for design excellence and has accumulated countless satisfied clients. The firm is committed to architecture tailored to the needs of the clients. PDG | Architects provides every client with a distinctive, one-of-a-kind design for their residential or commercial project. We are committed to offer clients the following:
A project team with a proven track record of experience and technical proficiency in the development of the project
A dedication to design high-quality built environments that are thoughtful, light filled, dynamic, and use sustainable practices
A belief in the importance of an interactive design process involving all stakeholders,
A network of professional site designers, landscape architects, engineers, builders, and interior designers to provide a full spectrum of planning and design
A commitment to providing designs that are responsive to the budget and the time frame


Through The Looking Glass; Top Tips for Creating a Serine Outside Space
Summertime… a time when all you want to do is kick off your shoes and find a quiet, meditative and peaceful outside space to relax. A place to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life. A little sanctuary, bringing you closer to nature, promoting calmness and a positive aura. Being outside can decrease stress levels, increase your confidence, and elevate your mood. How can you create this ZEN space?
Create a space, which flows with the interior of your home, you could include the same colours used within the interior. Ask yourself, what materials will help you connect with nature, creating that calming environment, promoting your mental and physical wellbeing? What kind of landscaping do you want to include, decking, gravel, paving. consider colours and styles that flow throughout the space. What plants will complement the design? Greenery has a positive effect on your mental health and wellbeing, easing the effects of stress and making us feel content. Choose plants, which will complement your design. Embrace nature and its calming influence.
How to Create your Zen Space
Whether you live in an apartment or house, you can create that zen space. For instance, privacy is so important to us all, especially if you live in an apartment block. There are many options to enhance privacy including grass, bamboo and reed screens. When designing your garden think practically, will it seat all family and friends you want to entertain? How do you want to use the space? Do you want to create sections within the garden to fulfil everyone’s needs who will be using the space? In a recent garden design I completed, I divided the garden into three sections, each flowing from one to the other. This included an area for dining (seating 8-10 people) with built in raised flower beds. A built-in U-shape seating area, comprising decking, fire pit, ornate planters and a space to do yoga. Lastly a space for the client’s teenage children to chill out, which included a small room.
Reserved – Table for 2?
Select table, chairs, and sunbeds made from sustainable materials. For instance, wood and rattan. This will add style and intrigue to the design. However, consider how the furniture you select flows with the overall design of the space. If you have a small balcony you can use recycled pallets to create furniture, a great sustainable approach. Why furniture? You could create an outside seating area, including a sofa, using cushions, accompanied with a low-level table. All options will help to create that ultimate space for chilling out and relaxing. For those with the available space, why not include a spa? Don’t forget to include some shade, perfect for lounging around under during those hot summer days. This can be achieved by Including a pergola, made from sustainable and humane materials. There are a number of different styles available, eg pergolas covered in foliage or draped with waterproof fabrics. This will also protect you from any sudden changes in weather, allowing you to enjoy your outside space even if it is raining.
Ask yourself what works with the space? Adding ornate planters, statues, (for instance Buddha’s), and free flowing water features, will help create that serine and meditative space. However, if you are like me and have a loveable hound who loves water, a water feature may become their new playground. Ornaments and planters can add character and charm, personalising this space to you. However, too many could make the space look too busy and not aesthetically pleasing. Consider a space which is minimalistic, this may enhance your relaxation and enjoyment of the space. Include cushions and throws to soften the design, making it a cosy place to retreat to. Select soft furnishings, which will promote your health, made from sustainable and vegan friendly materials.
Add a Touch of Magic
Why not add a chandelier or two, depending upon your design style. Vegan candles, whilst creating a warm and soft ambience, will promote a healthy air. With an array of lights to choose from including, light emitting diodes (LED) string lighting, spot lights, smart lights (lights set on a timer), up lighters and spike lights. What will help you create that dreamy, tranquil and relaxing space? Include lights, which have a warm glow. If you have a garden feature, illuminate it with soft glowing spot lights. This will add to creating that cosy chill out space. If you have an area for the children, add some coloured fairy lights. This will create a magical space for the children to enjoy after dark.
Adding a Spark
We all want to enjoy our outdoor space in the evenings. Snuggling up with our loved ones, drinking a nice glass of wine or a cup of hot chocolate. There is nothing cosier than sitting around an outdoor heater, fire pit or chimenea. The warmth radiating from your outdoor heating will create a calming and zen ambience. Make sure, when installing your outdoor heating, that it is a safe and will not cause any harm to you, your family (including pets), friends and surrounding properties.
Creating a mindful and serine space outdoors allows you and your family to be close to nature, whilst promoting their mental and physical wellbeing. Life can be stressful at times, so why not create that perfect outside space to escape to and unwind enabling you re-connect with your inner self.


Solar Lawn Light
|3 *3* 15 inches
|1 AAA batteries required. (included)
|8 hours after fully charged
Wide Application Field
These solar lawn lights have a unique shape, like a gazebo and a window, and the black and white appearance is simple and atmospheric. The light they emit at night is warm white, which is warm and romantic. Adds attractive lighting to patios, gardens, backyards, or paths. Of course, it is also a good idea to use it as a decorative lamp or a gift!
Tips For Usage
- Before lighting up the solar landscape lights, you need to open the cap and adjust it to the “ON” state.
- The solar panel is best placed in a sunny location and charged for at least 8 hours.
- The night working time of solar lawn lights is generally 7-9 hours, but it still depends on the specific geographical location and weather conditions.
- Although the installation of solar lawn lights is very easy, it is best to loosen the soil before inserting the spikes into the ground to avoid damage to the solar lights.
Voltage: 1.2 Volts
Power Source: Solar Powered
Type of Bulb: Solar Powered
Specific Uses: Suitable for outdoor places, such as gardens, lawns, sidewalks, and backyards.
Our solar lawn light is made of high-quality and sturdy ABS material, so it will not break easily. Plus, it is IP44 waterproof, which allows it to withstand many extreme kinds of weather, such as snowstorms or hailstorms.
For more related products, click on the picture to view the details.


At Teelan Construction Ltd we not only create beautiful driveways, we also design and install stunning patios. Using modern paving materials which are available in today´s market, every homeowner has the opportunity to extend their useable living space into their garden. Whether you are looking to create an outside eating area or simply want to make your garden look more inviting, a professionally laid patio will give you extra space to use as you desire whilst enhancing the overall look and value of your home.
We work closely with our clients from initial home visit through to the completion of the job to ensure we follow your specifications and make sure that we use only the best quality materials.
Our friendly team can help and advise you on the many different materials available including:
There are also many textures, laying patterns and colours to choose from, our team will advise you accordingly as to what will best suit your property, your family and your budget.
At Teelan Construction Ltd, our team will also discuss with you the extras that will make your patio even more bespoke for your home and make your patio stand out from your neighbours. Extras such as walling, decorative edges, steps, lighting and fencing etc.
Our quality workmanship is fully guaranteed and we are fully insured. If you are looking to have a stunning patio designed and installed by the professionals then look no further than the team at Teelan Construction Ltd, call us today on either Upminster 01708 715619 or London 020 8528 3055, we are waiting for your call to arrange your free home visit.


City of Aspen Parks & Open Space Dept. – Aspen, CO
This project established interpretive and wayfinding recommendations for the Rio Grande Park and John Denver Sanctuary in downtown Aspen.
Conservation By Design facilitated an interpretive design workshop with stakeholders and drafted interpretive themes and goals to guide the project. Initial recommendations include a new entry monument, interpretive wayside panels, an interpretive node with custom upright exhibits, and a mobile app to provide a deeper experience for interested visitors. Exhibit development is currently underway.
PLAN COMPLETE 2019
EXHIBITS IN PROCESS


Updated Map as of 6/14/2020. Legendary Course Architect, Pete Dye, taking a swing during design meetings in early 2018.Course Architect Pete Dye and visionary spouse, Alice Dye. Randy and Mary Rogers (Holliday) original owners of property and Pete and Alice Dye.Demonstrating how a landing area should be oriented by Pete Dye.Dye Family, Rogers Family and Henke Development team on site. Pete and Alice Dye on the historic Holliday Bridge.Course Architect Pete Dye, PB Dye, Alice Dye and Architectural drawings by Tim Liddy. Henke Developement team on site with Days and Rogers.


Nursery planning, frequently called scene planning, is obviously a major endeavor, and can burn-through a lot of time and energy. Proficient Garden originators can be pricey subsequently you need to do some genuine arranging before you go out and enlist an expert Garden Designer. Here are some nursery planning tips to save you both time and cash. Xây hồ bơi gia đình
Most importantly you should have an away from or vision of the sort of nursery you really wish to have. Here is rundown of the most famous:
English Gardens advance a style that highlights congruity between the design of the house with the nursery. This is regularly cultivated by utili
zing the position of blossoms and plants and lines to emphasize the cadence of the construction of the house.
Asian Gardens are generally found in more modest terraces to advance harmony, wellbeing just as excellence. They frequently utilize evergreens, rocks, rock developments and water highlights in the perfect spots to make a feng shui impact.
Forest Gardens are wonderful and picturesque appropriate to a house that has a lush lawn.
Formal Gardens have a style comprising of numerous completely mathematical shapes with straight lines. Everything is efficient and arranged, this implies the nursery configuration won’t endure arbitrary position of plants.
Casual Gardens are typically the enchanting, interesting style you find in Cozy Cottages. In this style Garden Beds have adjusted or bended limits rather than completely straight lines. In contrast to the conventional nursery, the plants are frequently haphazardly positioned to knock up the appeal factor.
Combination of Formal with the Informal Gardens is the style that regularly has exquisite block walkways that exude custom yet lead to a roundabout or bended nursery spot which is gentler a component frequently found in a casual nursery. This course of action of formal and casual infer the English Garden style however without formal boundaries.
Also, my top choice…
Vegetable Gardens where you plant what you love to eat and impart to other people. This nursery type with a touch of creative mind and arranging can likewise be worked considering a significant number of the above styles.
The Style of Your House:
While you plan out your fantasy garden there’s another vital interesting point, and that is the style of your home. On the off chance that you have exceptionally formal engineering the beguiling casual nursery may not be appropriately fit the style of your home. This is similarly as evident on the off chance that you have a cabin style house understand that a proper nursery may watch totally strange.
Likewise investigate your own way of life. Do you appreciate investing your extra energy really focusing on various beds of plants, trees and blossoms which involve occasional developing and pruning? On the off chance that you love this please plant them.


Introducing the innovative and durable Manhole Cover In Garden, brought to you by Xi'an Guanxing Electromechanical Co., Ltd. As a leading supplier and factory, we are proud to offer this custom product designed to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your garden while providing utmost safety. Our Manhole Cover In Garden is manufactured using high-quality materials that guarantee its durability and longevity. This product is specifically designed to be seamlessly integrated into your garden, ensuring a beautiful and cohesive look. Whether you have a traditional or contemporary garden design, our Manhole Cover In Garden is the perfect solution to cover unsightly manholes without compromising on style. One of the key features of our manhole cover is its customizable options. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and tailor-make the product accordingly. This ensures that your manhole cover perfectly fits the dimensions and design of your garden, creating a seamless and elegant finish. With our Manhole Cover In Garden, Xi'an Guanxing Electromechanical Co., Ltd. offers a reliable, high-quality, and aesthetically pleasing solution for covering manholes in your garden. Trust our years of experience and expertise as the leading supplier in the industry, and let us transform your garden into an inviting and safe space.


A unique community on the island of Mauritius, Mirari reflects the perfect harmony of concept and design, in a collection of contemporary, conscious spaces. The bespoke architecture and landscaping of these eight private residences was exclusively designed by Patricia Boettcher, with all interior design and decoration from B5.
Flying the flag for bespoke design, French-born Patricia embodies the integrity and individuality of Mirari through her European design flair and commitment to eco-conscious living. Her attention to detail is infinite. Her love of simplicity and beautiful design is what drives her to create unique properties that are filled with a lifelong passion and only the finest materials, inside and out.


We’ve set up these pages to highlight our arts project, and to provide a continuing connection for the artists, community members and gardeners involved.
Some background …..
….begins with a visit to the Barwon Heads community garden in 2009/2010, inspired by the beauty, function and productivity. Art is incorporated into every part of their garden, as well as in specific projects, like the artfence.
Click here to see a slideshow of the Barwon Heads Garden and Arts Fence.
Newstead is home to an array of quality artisans. We wanted to bring them together, to help us create a unique place of beauty, to publicly acknowledge the creative talent of our community.
Initially, we wanted a central arbour to espalier our pears and create a garden focus. It was only after talking with Neil Tait, ironworker and sculptor, that we saw how much more we could aim for if we were to involve local artists in the garden.
We’ve had a (growing) wish list for some time, this includes pieces as simple as signage for our heritage fruit trees, through to a grand gateway entrance, from plant supports through to a basic kitchen, and many more.
We don’t expect this project to grant all our wishes. But we do see it as an opportunity to bring some creative input into the garden design and to bring some of these ideas to life.
The project’s core art outcomes are to create seating and a table, a pizza oven and a central arbour and have designs developed and costed for a number of other projects.
We may be able to stretch our funds to create more than these core features. The overall aim is to come up with a number of designed and costed ideas. We will have a selection panel assess them for artistic merit, structural aspects and against the design brief we have developed.
The designs will be exhibited at the Pocket Gallery in November. Selected designs will be constructed and we will celebrate with an unveiling in December.
And so to the project……..


In light of the popularity of my garden Instagram posts over the past couple of months, I’ve decided to share our garden transformation with you.
Over on Instagram I aptly named our garden transformation ‘Project Garden’. We wanted to do something with the garden but had no intention of going full steam ahead to get it finished. We decided to just take our time doing it in stages.
When we first moved into this house the back garden was overgrown, to say the least. Trees all over the place causing shaded areas on the grass. Weeds taking over the place. Dead patches on the grass and a really uneven level. Not the type of garden you can enjoy! We kept it tidy and manageable but no matter what we did over the years it just looked shoddy. It was time to transform it.
Ok, if you’ve read a few of my other posts, specifically the one on how to transform your house for free or cheap. You’ll know I’m a right tight git. If I can get it mega cheap or free, I’ll have it. The same applied to the garden. We wanted it to look good but as cost-effective as possible.
I’m no garden architect. But we had a plan of how we wanted it to look. So I set out with a set of Alfie’s crayons and a few pieces of A4 paper and started to draw a few ideas. I measured the garden width and length so that I could work out the square footage. If you are curious about how to do this, it’s simple. Width(m) x Length(m)= Area (sqm). I will admit, it was loosely planned. It was all in my head. Apart from the basic layout. But, we decided to go for a gravel garden. Not massively practical when you have kids and a dog. But, neither is grass. AstroTurf was just too expensive.
Let the work commence
With a rough plan in place, the first thing we needed to do was trim the trees right back. We decided to topiary them. We trimmed them right back so that most of the foliage was toward the top of the fence. Still giving us privacy but creating the feeling of space.
Next, we created a blank canvas by removing the turf and creating some depth. We needed approx a 30mm depth for the gravel. To make things more complicated we had to get the uneven lawn level. So we needed to remove a 60mm depth in parts. It was a lot of manual work as we couldn’t get a small digger to the back garden. Out came the spades! We also roped in with the help of the kids and my oldest daughter’s boyfriend. It was a perfect way to prove his worth to my daughter. It took a good few hours to remove 27 sqm of soil and turf… by hand.
Levelling the garden
Luckily, after 60mm of soil, approximately 1.5 tonnes was removed, the soil was really good, healthy soil. It meant we didn’t need to rotavate the soil. After lining the layout with string and creating a height line, We simply turned the soil over. We spent a few hours breaking the soil up. Then we raked, and raked, and raked until we got to the right level across the garden.
We then needed to compact the soil. Hiring a wacker plate isn’t cheap. Scaffolding boards, however, were free. So we laid them down and all went on a family walk/jump around the garden. Quite a few times.
Brick garden edging
Adding a brick edge has 2 purposes. It gave the Garden a defined, crisp edge. It also creates a boundary for when the gravel is laid. It will stop the gravel from overflowing into the borders. A quick search on the Facebook market place and I came across some block paving bricks. Yes, free!
I dug out a trench around the string line, that I created earlier. Then created a cement course and laid just one course of brick all around the perimeter. I wanted to add a bit of contour to match the existing curved border of the patio. So I created two curved bedding plant areas, at either end of the garden.
So, most of the hard work is done. After doing all this hard work, I didn’t want to undo it all by having weeds pop up in a few months. So I decided to go for a black polypropylene weed membrane. The soft black fabric stuff wasn’t going to cut the mustard. There are a few reasons why I chose polypropylene:
- The gravel will be walked on by the dog, daily. And the kids will likely trample all over it. The polypropylene will withstand the sharp edges of the gravel, preventing tears. Tears = holes. Holes = weed access
- The polypropylene membrane is a tightly woven membrane, so allows water to pass through but makes it much more difficult for perennial weeds to tear through.
- The membrane won’t disintegrate like with fabric stuff. So will last much longer.
The downside to having a polypropylene membrane is that it isn’t that eco friendly. However, there has to be a balance. More on this shortly.
The membrane was laid and overlapped by 10mm then pegged into the ground. All the edges were then carefully tucked in with a spade, to reduce any gaps on the edges and prevent weeds from coming up the edges.
The area to be gravelled is 4m x 6m. That equals 24sqm. We chose pea gravel. Bit boring I know but we like it. We also needed a 30mm depth of gravel. Using a ‘gravel calculator’ online we needed 1.20 tonnes of gravel. That’s 2 of them massive bags. But had to pay £30 and wait over a week for delivery… err… no, I don’t think so.
So I set out on a mission to find some gravel on Facebook’s marketplace. For free… and guess what… I found some. A lot of it too. Yes, it was used. and yes, it needed cleaning. So with a roll of the eyes by Mrs F, we went to collect it. Marvellous. I won’t lie here, this bit was backbreaking and time-consuming but was worth it for the savings we made. We literally cleaned 1.20 tonnes of gravel by hand. In a plastic tote box that I drilled loads of holes in. First I plonked a few circles stepping stones (which I got for free!) just in case we wanted planters in the future. Then once we picked up momentum, it was quite easy. Scoop, Wash, chuck, scoop, wash, chuck.
Levelling gravel was relatively straightforward… Then, with a rake, we just spread it out, so it looks evenly coated. Then we had another family walk around the garden. This was to trod the gravel in at the lowest point of the depth. We could then see where we needed additional gravel. And we repeated the process until we got our 30mm depth of gravel.
Little tip: If you walk on gravel and your feet sink, you’ve got too much. You want a nice stable crunching sound as you walk.
As you’ve already figured out, I’m a proper tight git. Plants are not cheap. Initially, we wanted fairly established shrubs and bedding plants, as we didn’t want to wait a year for them to establish. But established plants and shrubs are really expensive.
So on a trip to a couple of garden centres, we spot the clearance section. Full of established plants. All be it most of them had seen better days or were dead. So we bought them. Ha, yes I am slightly mad but I like to see potential in knackered things. Got them home, planted them in plenty of good mulched compost and gave them a good watering. Although I can’t take credit for the watering, that was Mother Nature. She decided to put the project on hold for 2 weeks while she rained down a monsoon! Luckily, we had instant glorious sun thereafter.
Bedding plants and perennial shrubs
The immense rain and glorious heat and sun shortly after triggered the photosynthesis process into overdrive and Bobs you’re uncle, lovely budding and flowering plants! These then got planted along with some other perennial shrubs and existing shrubs around the perimeter of the garden.
The plants we chose were:
- Carex grass
- Marguerite Daisies
- Bay tree
- Golden Euonymus
As I mentioned earlier. There was a balance with using a non-eco-friendly membrane. well, this was it. We wanted to attract other wildlife, such as bees. And it worked because there’s a steady stream of bees and other small wildlife pollinating.
Note: a perennial shrub is a shrub that lasts a really long time and transforms through the seasons. For example, it could just stay green in winter, but in summer it comes in full bloom and cycles.
Stone garden features
Finally, it was just down to some small finishing touches. A stone bench and a stone birdbath to finish it all off. And yes they were free too. A bit grubby but nothing a hosepipe couldn’t sort out.
A labour of love
It’s been great redoing the garden. We think the end result is great. With the slight exception of the rear fence. There was some confusion over who’s fence it was but after a discussion, it was agreed that it will be replaced.
Even so, It’s so nice to actually enjoy the space you create, in addition to seeing new wildlife appear in your garden. It was hard work and back-breaking. But worth every step of it. I thoroughly enjoyed doing my daily updates on Instagram, they gave many people a lot of giggles. Have a look through the posts on my grid to see every step.
What do you think of our Garden transformation?


New Features and VIP Education Passes Add Value to the Largest Hardscape Industry Event
HNA, Combined With GIE+EXPO, Draws Thousands to Louisville, KY
Team Registrations Still Being Accepted
Contractors, producers and designers claimed winning entries and honorable mentions at the 2019 HNA Awards presentation during the Hardscape North America (HNA) trade show at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY. The awards honor top residential and commercial hardscaping designs for walkways, patios, pool decks, outdoor living kitchens and living spaces, and driveways as well as commercial plazas and streets.


There is a lot to choose from when it comes to food; Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisines of their highest quality is ready here. Singapore has so much to submit to its visitors, gardens, forests, ferries, walking tours extra. The Gardens by the Bay is a must-see attraction, walking along the trails made by humans only to escape into nature while the parks most attractive site is Cloud Forest. It is a cliff covered by grass and twines, from the top few waterfalls fall gently into the basin of water. The whole set has been covered by a glass dome replicating the cool moist environment found in the tropical mountain regions.


|Sustainability: Sustainability is far more than simply selecting appropriate "green" products. A sustainable future will be more about how we live than what we build. Buildings provide the physical framework of our communities and can either support, or preclude, choices. Our goal is to provide buildings that are not only sustainable in resource use for their construction and maintenance, but that also support community and more sustainable choices in everyday life. Our goal is to move beyond being responsible to becoming restorative.
Project Types: Our project experience ranges from large mixed use projects to small residential remodels and interior renovations. We are also experienced with a variety of innovative building systems including Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), heavy timber construction, and advanced framing. Along with alternative water and energy systems such as integrated photovoltaics, passive solar heat, grey water systems and site and landscape design.


The VisionPark project combines ecology, sustainability and, above all, a "green" future. Logistics parks are mostly a thorn in the side of the local community because they do not correspond aesthetically with the surroundings. VisionPark crosses the threshold of the industrial stereotype and enters the era of green logistics parks that not only serve investors, but also help fulfill the goals of customers and employees. The result is to create a prosperous community under one roof, which improves the surroundings and takes care of the environment with its activity.
"We want to be an inspiration for the reconstruction of the surrounding parks, which today show a significant stage of wear and tear. The transformation of classic industrial buildings into healthy projects full of life and the efficient use of solar energy and rainwater will lighten our planet and at the same time enrich the world of industrial buildings with new innovative solutions," adds Tomáš Šesták, executive director of DOAS.


Green Laser SnowFlake Projector
(also known as Bliss Light Spright)
Projects Thousands of Pin-Point Lights onto your House, Trees and Yard!
The BlissLights Spright Compact is our most popular product. This unique lighting experience projects thousands of static pin-points of light that is perfect for a “fire fly” effect in your garden or creating a truly unique holiday display that will amaze you and your neighbors. The Blisslights Spright Green is our most popular color and can be used on any surface indoors or outdoors. It looks amazing on trees and plants by create that magical “firefly” glow in your backyard for a truly amazing lighting experience. Let your imagination make you into an instant lighting designer with our color options. Use only one color or combine the colors to create the effect you wish.


These homeowners wished the glance of a normal stone patio, but didn't want to pay the high rate. Concrete stamped within an Previous English Slate was the proper Answer.
Cast-on coloration is the procedure where by the floor from the concrete is dyed The bottom shade. The surface with the concrete is colored by spreading the color hardener onto the surface area from the wet concrete and floating the powder to the prime layer from the moist concrete.
The cost of stamped or imprinted concrete is commonly substantially decrease when compared to the materials it is a substitute for. Concrete is the right canvas for making a Value-powerful reproduction of dearer supplies, without supplying up a pure, authentic glance. When selecting hues and styles for your personal stamped cement, be certain they Mix with other stone, tile or textured concrete features at your home. Even in sophisticated types with actions and fountains, styles might be however be pressed to the concrete. Stamped concrete will also be utilized at the side of other attractive concrete features like exposed combination or acid staining. Well-known styles include operating bond brick, hexagonal tile, worn rock or stone.
“We cost around $15 for each square foot for stamped concrete, even though pavers usually Value around $20 for every square foot, and actual flagstone or bluestone strategies $30,” suggests C.J. Salzano of Salzano Custom Concrete, Centreville, Va. What’s additional, The cash you help save by putting in a stamped concrete patio could be set aside for other enhancements towards your outdoor space, for instance a pergola or concrete hearth pit. Find out more about stamped concrete Charge.
The color hardener could be utilized making use of among two procedures; integral color or Forged-on shade. Integral shade would be the treatment in which your complete quantity of concrete is dyed the base color. The entire quantity of concrete is colored by introducing the colour hardener towards the concrete truck, and permitting more info all the concrete during the truck to get dyed.
Stamped Concrete Images Look through hundreds of pictures of stamped concrete patios, pool decks and a lot more in our Picture gallery.
The nice and cozy terra-cotta coloring on the concrete patio was attained by using integrally coloured concrete in the canvas shade and improving it with a dry-shake coloration hardener in a very Solar-baked clay hue. The surface area was then stamped with texture skins inside a Roman slate sample.
When the look of a concrete patio is conceived With all the landscaping firmly in mind, beautiful matters materialize. Which was the case for this yard patio task in Silverdale, Wash.
A ornamental border is a terrific way to set off and body a stamped concrete patio, especially absolutely free-sort styles.
The pattern is the shape with the surface from the stamped concrete. The pattern reflects the shape with the all-natural constructing product. The sample is produced by imprinting the concrete Soon after it has been poured using a "concrete stamp".
Stamped Patios Get structure ideas for stamped patios and examine examples of stamped patios put in across the country.
The realistic coloring outcomes had been attained using a buff-toned dry-shake hardener accented with a mix of sandstone, more info charcoal and sandalwood h2o-based mostly stains. A walnut antiquing clean offers the surface a weathered glimpse.
You'll find 3 strategies used in stamped concrete which different it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base shade, the addition of the accent colour, and stamping a sample in to the concrete.
Using stains, powdered pigments and antiquing brokers, contractors can colour your patio to look similar to organic stone or customise the color to enrich your property and landscape. You may also established off your patio using a attractive border in a very contrasting color and pattern. See these stamped concrete patio project examples:


out of doors lighting fixtures is one of the easiest and handiest methods to add to your private home’s splendor and allure. Soft light glowing alongside walkways, in gardens, and next to water functions is welcoming and aesthetically desirable, and nowadays there are extra options for outside lights than ever. Visit :- Dusk to dawn lights
Outdoor lighting fixtures are cost effective, too, particularly due to the fact many of the most modern outside lighting fixtures are very electricity green. If you cautiously position your outside light fixtures within your landscaping, walkways, and different outdoor features, you accent the matters that make your home precise and delightful. And, extra nearly, out of doors lights can add to your own home value.
Traditional upward dealing with flood lights has lengthy been famous in outside lights, and these days you can accent this conventional lights with bollard (stick) lighting fixtures, soffit lighting fixtures, deck lighting, force-over lighting fixtures, and lights included into brick functions such as step risers.
Pond lighting make outside water functions even more beautiful, and conventional lamp posts greet your visitors with a welcoming warmth.
Imagine the lovable atmosphere on your garden on a warm nighttime with friends as you enjoy a garden dinner party, bathed inside the soft golden glow of your well-placed outdoor lighting!
But the blessings of outside lighting fixtures don’t prevent with splendor. Exterior lighting fixtures offer stronger safety and safety by using lights up walkways and illuminating paths to prevent injuries and deter thieves. Whether your landscaping is simple or lush, old fashioned or ultra-cutting-edge, garden lighting provides beauty on your garden, and bathes your property and its surroundings in a smooth, welcoming glow.


10 Tips For Transforming Your Yard By Mixing Plants, Garden Art
Many people think having a great backyard means investing a lot of money and time, but this is far from the truth. There is a number of things you can do that will have a big impact on the look of your yard. Yard art should not be hard, especially if you apply the tips by Sondra Gerber an Omaha artist and a garden enthusiast.
01 THINK THEME
Choose a color theme to help in constancy in your accents. Go with a hue that will highlight rather than matching your garden palette. You should avoid using the color green, for obvious reasons. Sondra prefers teal and white.
02 GARDEN AS GUIDE
When choosing and placing your garden art, always let the foliage take the lead. You should aim for depth and contrast. Try placing dark colored accents or objects against light backgrounds and light-colored accents and objects against dark backgrounds.
03 ADD AN ACCENT
Accents sizes will vary by height and size, and work in repetition. You should always remember scale is important and you need to consider it. A large sculpture or fountain will be the perfect option for a large yard. For a small yard, you will need to look for a smaller object to use in accessorizing. Using large fountain on a small yard will make it look unnatural and can even make it harder to see other features of the yard.
04 DELICATE DETAILS
Small accents can have a big impact on the look of your yard. Flower pokes for pots and small containers can be placed on tabletops, steps, and patios. Larger pokes should be placed directly to the ground. Small pokes can be easily seen in these places.
05 ARBOREAL DÉCOR
Trees are the perfect natural post for garden art. There are many types of trees you can plant in your yard. You can also create a fairy garden in a hollow tree stump. Tacking small sculptures to a trunk will is a good way to improve the look of your yard. Caution; it is important to check up with the County Extension Office to confirm if the species you have is able to handle a nail in the trunk. There are some trees that don’t heal themselves after getting nailed.
06 PRETTY POTS
It is a good idea to paint the pots to improve the look. There are some surfaces that are porous like terra cotta and will require you to sand and prime them to make the paint hold. You can also paint plastic pots. Check out these beauties from Outdoor Art Pros.
07 MAKE WAY
Many people fail to line the path with something close to the ground because they focus all their efforts upwards. A fused glass mushroom by Neff Jeremy can be the perfect option that will be able to provide a pop of color in your dark mulch.
08 PUT ON A HAPPY FACE
Adding a little art on your yard will mean getting a little creative. Take a good look at your and see where you can add accents like a ceramic face or metal sculpture. When hanging the accent, put a bead of silicone at the tip of the nail before you start to hammer into the wood or siding to help keep water out.
09 SHINE ON
If you want something to be easily visible from a distance, go with a shiny or colorful option.
10 TAKE A SEAT
A yard will not be a yard without a place to sit. Create a place you can comfortably sit and enjoy what you have been able to create. There is a wide range of seating options out there, choose one that will fit your yard.


This talented group of landscape designers hired WPF Creatives several years ago to build their first website. This year they had us do a full-screened redesign to showcase their growing portfolio of stunning projects. http://llscape.com/
NOTE: WPF Creatives did not produce this site’s video. Liedstrand Landscaping had the video done by a family member prior to this website rebuild.


What began in 1939 as an azalea garden is now the thriving Norfolk Botanic Garden that features fifty-three themed gardens that can be viewed by foot, boat, or tram.
Thousands of visitors explore the property every year, and highlights in the coming weeks will include:
Bristow Butterfly Garden – This two-acre area features a moonlight garden, butterfly bush collection, and a swallowtail and monarch nursery. Visitors can also try the half-acre butterfly maze that provides a fun challenge for all ages as well as food for the butterflies.
Japanese Garden – Created in 1962 to honor Norfolk’s sister city Moji (now called Kitakyushu), Japan, it’s inspired by the traditional hill and pond style of Japanese gardens. Signature elements include evergreen plants and stones.
Mirror Lake – Mirror Lake is the oldest part of the garden, and it’s where WPA workers began clearing for the azalea plantings in 1939. This area still features the azaleas and is best explored on foot as it features woodland trails that meander through the plantings that also include orchids and ferns.
Guided Kayak Tour (September 21) – Enjoy a guided kayak tour around Lake Whitehurst to learn about the plants and animals that inhabit its shores. No experience is necessary and kayaks, paddles, and life vests are provided.
Night Sounds (October 5) – Join the garden’s staff for a moonlight tour and discover the sounds of the property’s nocturnal inhabitants.
Evening Open Practice Tai Chi (Thursdays, October 5 – November 2) – This is for those who know the basics of tai chi. Classes are held inside with beautiful panoramic garden views, and this program is sponsored by International Taoist Tai Chi Society.
If you would like to call our Hampton Roads apartment community home, please contact us to arrange a tour.Back to all posts


This is the concept for the redevelopment of the 8th Street Plaza and was presented in a community meeting on March 8 at the Clermont City Center.
The unsafe condition of the existing 8th Street Pier forced its closure at the end of last year. Clermont native and local architect Jeff Powell was asked to create a concept or “big idea” as the first step in deciding what could be done with the existing pier and how it could be used to connect the waterfront to downtown.
This presentation shows the concept plan and is the first step in developing a project that includes a docking facility for a maximum of 76 boats and eight jet-ski slips, a restroom, and a lakefront amphitheater. There are also plans to develop the Meet Us in the Middle Plaza featuring an artistic monument to celebrate Clermont’s mid-point of Florida’s Coast-to-Coast trail. The nearly 250-mile trail links communities between St. Petersburg and Titusville and recognizes the economic impact on those communities.
Residents, business owners, boaters, lake lovers, and others shared their thoughts and concerns as well as expressed excitement that a redevelopment plan was underway.


Says Helen Neave, “Everything we do is facilitated by partners, including Flotilla. We make many meaningful connections through our partners and we reinvest any profits to help create a legacy, to create the ancient forests of the future.”
Flotilla works with Make it Wild on a range of nature-based projects including tree planting and landscape restoration. Through rewilding, adding freshwater ponds, installing bird and animal habitat boxes and restoring wetlands and wildflower meadows, Make it Wild creates environments where biodiversity can thrive. It’s one of the ways Flotilla helps its clients to take steps towards a greener future and to improve their connection with nature.
Flotilla calculates its clients’ carbon footprints, looking at their utilities, transport and supply chain emissions, and then Make it Wild recommends and facilitates projects which help businesses make a financial contribution towards projects that benefit nature and carbon capture.
On the additional benefits working with Make it Wild brings Caroline Linford, Flotilla’s sustainability manager, says: “Being in nature has proven health and wellbeing benefits and we see how important this area is for the businesses we work with. By connecting employees with nature, businesses are not only working towards reducing their carbon impact but are also helping the wellbeing of their employees whilst improving employee engagement.
“Helen, Christopher and their team at Make it Wild are a pleasure to work with. Like us, they are passionate about making a difference and that is evident in every project they undertake. Partnering with them, we are helping to contribute to biodiversity and create natural habitats where wildlife can thrive.”


Gleninchaquin Park provides breath-taking landscapes and scenery in which it is a sheer delight to wander around over streams with log bridges, mountain paths with carved steps, through rock passages, along glens and lakes to higher altitude. Marvel at the views overlooking the lakes, delicate green meadows, a spectacular rock face waterfall, it’s force dependent on the amount of rain of the previous days. This magnificent valley makes for a great day out for the experienced walker – high level routes, to those more inclined to the gentler terrain. Ample parking facilities are provided close to the waterfall and the picnic areas. The walks around the waterfall, cascades, streams, woodlands and lakes are accessible for all ages.
Please feel free to bring your own lunch basket or even a barbeque for a picnic within the park. Dogs are welcome too, just a little reminder to keep them under control when close to livestock, but there are hundreds of acres to roam freely.


We at JSL, work with our clients to create unique installations that transform the architecture around us into lighting landmarks. Chances are, if you live in Denver you’ve already engaged with our take on experiential lighting design. From the Union Station light show during the holidays, to the color-changing Denver Pavilion sign, to the fantastic City Park Fountain, to the 1.5 miles of trees along Brighton Street, we use lighting to draw in guests, highlight locations, celebrate architecture and give joy to all who pass.
Are you interested in creating a one of a kind lighting experience of your own? We at JSL promise to partner with you to make your project come alive.


On Wednesday, July 18th, 2012, the Area Plan Commission will be voting on whether or not to keep 1.3 acres of dense woods behind Slater Hill…or build an apartment complex on the plot, which has been characterized as an “undesirable building lot” in the past due to the rough terrain.
Local residents are concerned that an apartment complex in the area will lead to drainage issues, destroy valuable green space and wildlife habitat, and will destroy not only a wildlife corridor, but also a 2-plot cemetery.
This park-quality natural area has been dense woods for 43 years, with old and established trees measuring from 12 inches in diameter to over 40 inches in diameter. This area serves as a drainage area for the golf course, habitat for native species, and one of the last remaining dense forests in a developed area for the Greater Lafayette Community. While the Commission has looked into drainage issues, there is still concern on the part of many West Lafayette residents that destroying a natural system that holds water will lead to flooding and other drainage issues.
The Area Plan Commission will accept comments from concerned citizens at the meeting on Wednesday, July 18th at 7:00 pm in the City-County Building. This development is item 7 on the agenda.
More information on the proposal can be found on the county website (hyperlink to https://www.tippecanoe.in.gov/


Amelia White Park
Santa Fe, New Mexico
This small city park on the NE corner of Old Santa Fe Trail and Camino Corrales was given to the city by philanthropist Amelia White, who founded the nearby School of American Research in the 1920's.
Certified Site of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Faint trail ruts can be found in Amelia White Park. The main route of the historic Santa Fe Trail crossed here.
- View the Google Map for this site (lat-long decimal degrees, NAD27) 35.67320 -105.93238
- City of Santa Fe Parks & Recreation
- 1142 Siler Road
- Santa Fe, NM 87505


Many individuals in modern times are able to complete various complicated projects with research and techniques researched on the internet. The do it yourself option is very popular, and there are individuals, books and even free tutorials on how to get things done on your own. The avenue though popular is required to be treaded cautiously considering probability of errors that could be faced through its progress. Outdoor designing is not a stranger to this option as well and there are many would be landscapers in Sydney and designers out there who have taken gables with their gardens and being successful.
However it is not always the case. Therefore some professional help or advice is mostly recommended at least prior to completing a project yourself. Materials from plants, fixtures, paving stones to most specialized equipment being available creates avenues to be explored. However attempting to remodel your own garden space completely by your self can be somewhat daunting. There are many things that can go wrong. Experience built with time is considered a requirement in minimizing errors that could create stress in completion of any project. Not to mention the cost saving that can be made with the help gained from a professional at the onset of a project. Initially, detailing ideas to arrive at a single plan parallel to budget and material cost should be considered in depth. Subsequently advice from professionals is suggested in understanding complications that could arise with progress. If the information provides a clear avenue for a sole production, trying it out is always a possibility.
Smart Plans & Up-cycled products
With a world focused on reuse of materials constantly, up-cycled products used in a landscape design north shore design can be surprisingly affordable and creative. Researching ideas and discussing with professionals allow narrowing down on options significantly.From usage of pallets as fencing or broken tiles used to decorate ponds the options are endless. Tires, large cans and barrels converted into fashionable flower beds or pots are constantly being utilized in wider rural neighborhoods comparatively to urban areas in creating very creative outdoor spaces. Creative usage of many other discarded materials in garden design can be seen all over the world.


Nazar, our owner, brings together his understanding of botany and soil science with a love of design. He makes sure that your landscaping designs are executed flawlessly and maintained beautifully, protecting your investment
We are a growing business whose purpose is to provide our customers an exceptional yard that they will enjoy. Our mission is to one day become a 100% green efficient company that provides an exceptional service
We specialize in helping clients increase the value and beauty of their homes by creating elegant outdoor living spaces. We create beautiful yard designs by combining seasonal color, perennials, landscaping, and maintenance. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the result of your project.
Our company pays special attention to the details of every project to ensure the complete satisfaction of each client. Our goal is to enhance the exterior of your home, raise your property value, and beautify your whole neighborhood.
Your satisfaction is our priority and we strive to provide a service we are proud of. We start every project by providing a thorough consultation to understand your goals and the needs of the project. We do this to guarantee that the project is completed according to your preferences.
Get seasonal gardening tips and more!


Charbagh is the idealised garden combination of flowers and water. Visit and enjoy stories of great beauty and meaning made in the Islamic world.
Gardens figure strongly in the Islamic world. The origin of the word “paradise” comes from the Persian concept of garden, realised in the combination of water and plants known as charbagh.
Allah has promised to the believing men and the believing women gardens, beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and goodly dwellings in gardens of perpetual abode; and best of all is Allah’s goodly pleasure; that is the grand achievement.
Our growing number of stories from the Islam world reflect a diverse range of cultures across the wider world.
Noorjehan Bilgrami reflects on the Shalimar Garden, a paradise on earth.
In Lahore, Pakistan’s historic city of gardens, lies the Shalimar Garden. Created by the Moghul emperor Shah Jahan in 1641 AD, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘Shalimar’ means ‘beautiful and powerful’ in Urdu.
The magnificent garden was conceived to replicate paradise on earth, or the Chahar Bagh – ‘four gardens’ in Urdu – the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Qur’an in Chapter 55, Ar Rahman ‘The Beneficent’.
At the centre of the Shalimar Bagh is its main arcaded pavilion, reflecting delicate Mughal architecture and cleverly designed to generously draw in cool air for the comfort of those who come there to luxuriate in and admire the beauty of this reflection of paradise.
The Shalimar Garden is laid as a quadrilateral grid with axial patterned, long brick walkways intersecting at the centre, with fountains placed in pools of water to cool the environment and make the music of falling water. Cypress and fruit trees and flowers are present in profusion to perfume the air and keep it cool in the fiercely hot summers of Lahore.
Geometry is the basis of all Islamic art, architecture and design. Incredible complex intricate patterns are created in woodwork, ceramics, stone work, textiles and carpets, all the design vocabulary stem from the basic geometric grid.
For other stories by Noorjehan Bilgrami, go here.
Go back to the Garden.
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A transformative twist on a classic 7-story Chicago brick and timber loft building.
Total building size
11’0’’ to 11’10’’
This timeless, transformative brick and timber loft building is perfect for tenants looking for a blend of inspiring, innovative design and convenient, enjoyable amenities.
Tenants can find solace and leisure in the 6th-floor amenity space featuring an outdoor landscaped terrace, fire pit, and lounge.
Tenant lounge and gaming area
Communal and private gathering spaces
Rooftop terrace with plush seating and stone fire pits
Car charging station


Future of Edmonton Green
In December 2021 we received planning permission to transform Edmonton Green into a vibrant destination for the local community. Our masterplan will deliver £500m worth of investment into the area and provide 1,468 much needed new homes, of which 35% will be affordable, alongside over 16,000sqm of new landscaped public space, in addition to new community, retail, and leisure facilities.
The application was submitted as part detail and part outline, meaning that we can make a start on Phase One – delivering 350 new homes, of which 109 will be affordable, six retail units and improved, landscaped public spaces. The remaining four phases will still need to be consulted on with the local community and detailed applications submitted to Enfield Council before they can be started.
The Masterplan Proposals
We spent two years consulting with local people on the proposals for the redevelopment of Edmonton Green shopping centre, and the benefits this will bring to local communities.
During this time, we listened and responded to people’s feedback on the plans before submitting a planning application to Enfield Council in December 2020. The Council then carried out its own statutory consultation on the plans between January and February 2021 and, in response to feedback, we made some further changes to the masterplan and the detailed designs for phase one, which were approved at Enfield’s Planning Committee in December 2021.
Click the documents to view a summary of the consented plans or visit our consultation website to see how we developed the masterplan with local people


New Partnership with Wetland Restoration Expert
Exciting news from The Wetland Trust! We are pleased to announce our partnership with Tom Biebighauser, the founder of Wetland Restoration & Training (wetlandrestorationandtraining.com). As one of the leading experts in wetland restoration techniques, Biebighauser has designed more than 6,000 wetland restoration projects and has supervised the construction of over 2,750 wetlands. He specializes in constructing wetlands that require little maintenance, without using concrete, water control structures, or pipes, and greatly limits the use of berms or dams in his designs. These sustainable methods ensure that the wetlands will last for generations.
Tom Biebighauser tests soil for clay content
“We are ensuring that the wetlands we restore and protect are of the highest quality by partnering with the expert who, quite literally, wrote the textbook on sustainable wetland restoration,” said Sheila Hess, Co-Executive Director of The Wetland Trust.
“Tom is wicked sharp, he always has ideas for every project,” added Jim Curatolo, the other half of the Co-Executive Director team, “I’ve known him for over 25 years, Tom is an amazing guy.”
Stephen Frantz, Harrison Frantz, Tom Biebighauser, and Michelle Herman discuss a wetland project design in the Hudson Valley
The Wetland Trust (TWT) had the privilege of hosting Tom Biebighauser on a tour of TWT’s active project sites. The event culminated in a collaborative design of TWT’s newest wetland restoration project, a site adjacent to the Wallkill National Wildlife Refuge. Biebighauser later returned to give TWT staff a two-week crash course on his sustainable wetland design methodology. About working with the TWT team, Biebighauser had this to say:
“We identified, designed, marked, and documented a record number of wetland projects in only 14 days. Their positive attitudes and skills made up an awesome wetland restoration team! I look forward to returning to build wetlands with The Wetland Trust.”
You can learn more about The Wetland Trust and our work with Tom Biebighauser by visiting our website at thewetlandtrust.org or contacting us at 607-765-4780.


VIRTUAL REALITY MEETS URBAN GREENING
The New South Wales government envisioned a greener Sydney, teeming with interconnected green spaces. They sought a partner who could bring this vision to life, allowing residents to experience the future transformation of their city in an immersive manner. Enter Created by Catalyst, with the daunting task of creating a VR flythrough of this greener vision of Sydney.
THE GREENER PLACES VISION
To bring this grand vision to fruition, precision was paramount. Created by Catalyst painstakingly reconstructed Sydney in VR. Every detail, from the coastline to suburban areas like Parramatta and Liverpool, was depicted with meticulous accuracy. Our team faced a dual challenge: to create detailed VR maps without compromising performance, ensuring a seamless experience on both high-end VR headsets and low-end devices.
PRECISION-MAPPED VIRTUAL SYDNEY
SYDNEY'S GREEN FUTURE: Virtually showcased the NSW government's vision of a greener Sydney, allowing users to fly over the transformed city.
CONNECTING THE GREEN DOTS: Enabled users to visualise the seamless integration of green spaces, town centres, and residential areas.
TECHNICAL PROWESS: Demonstrated Created by Catalyst's capability to develop intricate VR environments, ensuring optimal performance across devices.
AHEAD OF THE CURVE: Positioned Created by Catalyst as a frontrunner in leveraging VR technology for urban development and planning.


When this property was recently constructed, the yard was practically nothing but a colorless, flat expanse of Grime. On this barren canvas, the homeowners created an inviting outside space for entertaining by putting in a stamped concrete patio with different zones for a big pergola along with a stone-confronted fireplace.
Outfitted with an outside kitchen area and bar, a pergola, and various areas for eating and discussion, this two-part stamped concrete patio is perfect for outside entertaining.
This could be an exciting aspect near the pool and close to a back again stairway to an upper master. - stantonmccomb
“We demand all-around $fifteen for every square foot for stamped concrete, even though pavers commonly Charge all-around $20 for every sq. foot, and actual flagstone or bluestone ways $30,” claims C.J. Salzano of Salzano Custom Concrete, Centreville, Va. What’s much more, The cash you help you save by putting in a stamped concrete patio could be put aside for other enhancements on your out of doors House, for instance a pergola or concrete hearth pit. Find out more about stamped concrete Charge.
The color hardener might be utilized using among two procedures; integral shade or Solid-on color. Integral color is the procedure where the whole quantity of concrete is dyed The bottom colour. The entire quantity of concrete is colored by adding the colour hardener on the concrete truck, and making it possible for all the concrete from the truck to generally be dyed.
Concrete stamping may be the treatment which takes advantage of the concrete stamps for making the pattern from the stamped concrete.
Dry shake color hardener is an additional well-known way to paint concrete. You broadcast the hardener within the concrete once it truly is floated for the first time. Just get more info after letting the bleed drinking water soak into the hardener you float and more info trowel it in. This process only handles the surface area about three/sixteen of an inch nonetheless it presents the concrete surface area an extended wear daily life.
When the design of the concrete patio is conceived While using the landscaping firmly in your mind, lovely items take place. That was the situation for this yard patio undertaking in Silverdale, Wash.
A ornamental border is a terrific way to set off and frame a stamped concrete patio, Primarily free of charge-variety patterns.
These three methods offer stamped concrete by using a colour and shape much like the all-natural creating materials. In addition it is longer-lasting than paved stone, and continue to resembles the search.
Solid-on colour release is a process wherever the powder color launch is applied by spreading the colour release to the surface of the concrete prior to the concrete is stamped. Spray-on coloration release is often a process where by liquid colour launch is sprayed on The underside in the concrete stamps prior to the concrete is stamped.
The reasonable coloring click here outcomes were reached having a buff-toned dry-shake hardener accented with a combination of sandstone, charcoal and sandalwood water-based mostly stains. A walnut antiquing wash gives the surface a weathered look.
The flexibility of stamped concrete to resemble other developing materials can make stamped concrete a less expensive choice to working with These other authentic resources for instance stone, slate or brick.
Most modern concrete stamps are created of polyurethane, but more mature "cookie cutter" model stamps had been designed of various metals. The outdated style stamps lacked the capabilities of forming purely natural stone texture.


You can use efficient gardening techniques if you know your rocks
It doesn’t matter what kind of gardening impact you want, choosing the correct stone is crucial. Rocks are capable of a variety of useful features. Let’s read more about fake rocks.
No matter the type of gardening impact that you want, Guest Posting requires you to choose the right stone. Rocks can be used to enhance the beauty of your backyard. It is important to choose the right kinds of rocks for your lawn.
Landscape – There two main components to surroundings – hardscapes and softscapes. What is the difference between Hardscapes & Softscapes? Softscapes include the residing elements of the surrounding lawn like plants and blossoms, while Hardscapes include the non-living components such as rocks and rocks. They are tough and can be removed easily because they are durable. Rocks are useful for maintaining surfaces and making roads.
They also improve the appearance of a water feature or a miniature-waterfall. A lawn with rocks and rocks will have a stunning overall appearance. There are many rocks available. Make sure you know what impact you want for your lawn before buying rocks. You can find boulders in many shapes and sizes that are suitable for water scenes like falls or flows. Large rocks can be used to label the entranceway of your lawn.
These stones will add a unique look to your yard. These rocks should be placed carefully to attract the most attention. Flagstones are great for landscaping and walking. These rocks are thin and sleek. They are available in various colours and styles. Most often, banner rocks are placed above a sandypath. The banner rocks can be modified to create an attractive design.
River pebbles River stones River stones are an appropriate choice. They can be used in dry locations and help with water efficiency. These rocks add stability and visual appeal to the vegetation. Granite Granite Granite is a flexible, eye-catching granite that can be used in stunning design or can even be made into patio furniture like seats and platforms.
Here are some other tips for finding the You should consider the proximity of each stone to the other. Be sure that they don’t hinder a direction or offer a unique perspective. Shade can also influence the look of your lawn. There are many colors to choose from. You can pick from a variety of colours, including bright and red, or combine them to create an extraordinary impact.
The permeable stones are the best choice for lawns that require a durable look. These rocks can be used to support a variety of plants, such as mosses or coming phlox. It is best to avoid using rocks with distinct sides next to roads.
Make the most of the rocks. Think of how you would use the rocks and remember their characteristics. You must give your lawn an organic, healthy appearance so your house can be enclosed naturally.


A forest garden has taken shape in a secluded spot in the woods on campus over the summer.
“The goal of the forest garden is to provide a space for students and families to come and take a break and be mindful,” said therapist Jonathon Zarb, who has spearheaded the project. “It’s self-contained so it won’t ruin the natural landscape. All the plants we’ve put in are non-invasive, so the forest’s natural garden is left alone.”
The Pine River project is part of the students’ therapeutic and educational journey. Jonathon’s DBT mindfulness group does much of the work.
“It ties in with the students’ process. Planting mindfully allows students to connect with the ground. The design is mindful as well, using a natural stream for a water source,” said Jonathan. “The mindfulness of taking care of what we put into the garden, and where, is intentional, just like mindfulness has to be intentional.”
The forest garden got a great boost from a connection Jonathon made with Fortinos in Brampton, where he’d worked at the local hospital. This year Fortinos donated dozens of perennials at the end of their selling season, delivering two van loads of plants to our campus.
Jonathon and the team look forward to welcoming Fortinos to see the results in person soon.
“One of the reasons I’m personally interested in gardening at Pine River is that it creates a space for creativity that’s a bit different from some of the other excellent programming that’s offered.”


- Italy Tours
- Rome Tours
- Venice Tours
- Florence Tours
- Vacation Packages
- Italy Tourism
Our Secret Gardens of Venice tours feature three celebrated "Secret Gardens of Venice" featured in a famous book
Private Venice Walking tours of the Secret Gardens of Venice are led by expert Venice tour guides who are al members of the Venetian garden association. Learn the history that brought the locals to build gardens in such a difficult environment. Gardens in Venice come as a surprise and although many palaces own their private small garden, your impression while walking around is that Venice is a city of stone.
Gardens played an important role, both functional and social in times "gone by" and these aspects will be discussed during the tour. Our guides belong to the Venetian garden association and are experts on the history of Venetian gardens.
We generally include the visit to three gardens, two belonging to convents and one belonging to a secluded palace, whose garden is a beautiful example of a renaissance Venetian garden as featured in the Secret Gardens of Venice Book. Please note this is a walking tour of Venice that follows a delightful route through the hidden Venice.
The meeting point for our Private Venice Secret Gardens Tour will be advised at the time of booking


“A Cultural Landscape: Beaver, Pennsylvania and its Central Public Squares”
Presented by Rebekah Johnston
Rebekah has a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture and a Bachelors of Science and communications design. She has worked with the Beaver Area Heritage Museum and the Beaver County Genealogical & History Center.
Free Lecture begins at 6:30 pm on 1/11/18


The City of Burlington contracted with the Toole Design Group to create a plan to revitalize Maple Avenue from Anthony Road to South Church Street. The Toole Design Group, City Staff, a Steering Committee of community stakeholders, and the public worked together to develop a strategy for beautification, infrastructure improvement, and driving economic growth in the Maple Avenue Corridor. A presentation outlining the recommendations was given on April 23rd, 2019. The slideshow from that presentation is available at the link below.
|Pastor Don Pegg|


A tree survey is an important survey that is performed on private or public landscapes. The goal of the survey is to provide useful information on the trees so that property managers or homeowners can make informed decisions. Based on the information that they receive from the survey, they may then decide what to do with the trees.
The information retrieved from a tree survey can be useful to many people. For instance, the landscape designer can come up with computer designs based on the information collected. Such drafts are more realistic, because of the input of accurate information. It is almost impossible to come up with an accurate draft without the information from the tree survey.


What is the Design Process?
The design process begins with a consultation that usually takes place in the comfort of your own home. There your creative ideas will begin to take root. Likes and dislikes will be discussed, functionality and aesthetics will be addressed briefly. After the initial consultation and agreements are met and signed, a site analysis and inventory of your property will be taken. Opportunities and constraints are noted a concept plan is presented for an initial approval by you, the owner. Upon approval your master plans will be created.
Consultations The first hour of consultation is free! Most consultations are one hour but can vary.
Your final plans may consist of a master plan
with a plant schedule, plant maintenance
guide, hardscape plan with dimensions, and
irrigation plan. 3D models can also be created
as part of a complete package. Your finalized
plans can act as a blueprint for a do-it-yourself project or they can be taken to a landscape contractor for a
Design fees are based on many items including the size of the area being landscaped, the designs requested, the number of different plant as well as the total number of plants, irrigation zones (if applicable), and overall complexity of the design.


Choice of three design options
24″ x 6″ x 30″
Includes lettering, design, and 6″ thick grey granite base. Shown with a Metalcraft vase, optional at extra cost.
A contemporary design is framed by a shell-rock border and choice of three designs. Also available at 36″ wide with additional design choices.
Upright monuments are installed on a foundation. If no foundation exists, we can install one at extra cost.


5 Star Reviews from our customers, because we put our customers first. And our feedback proves that:
It's in the details
We love the design, and really like the extra details we had not really noticed in the drawing.
Dave and Carol from Columbia, MD
We strongly recommend the work done by Mark Storch and his workers from Outdoor Architects…
Don and Danniella
Compliments All Around
We have nothing but compliments for your landscape design. The quality of your staff’s work in construction were exceptional.
George and Denise from Columbia, MD
Concepts With Outdoor Architects Inc Portfolio
If you would like to consider creating something similar for your home, please give us a call.
(See more pics by clicking here, or the Pages and then Portfolio menu tab at top of page.)
Are You Ready To Build Your Dream Oasis?
It begins with a phone call.
The Possibilities With Outdoor Architects Are Endless:
When it comes to design there is a lot that goes into it. Not just the labor involved, but helping each other envision your dream of what is possible to create the oasis of your dreams.
Licensed Professional Landscape Architect for quality work.
Serving the area since 1988


Public Consultation - Clubhouse design and construction update
Thu 19 Mar 2020
The new Clubhouse was approved as part of the original planning application along with a requirement that information on the detailed design be submitted to the Council prior to any works commencing. Accordingly, we will shortly be submitting a Reserved Matters Application for that detailed design. The boards below detail the proposals for the sustainable drainage systems, approved landscaping, Clubhouse design and sustainability features and provide an update on the works progress on site to date.
If you have any questions regarding the development please do not hesitate to contact us by email us at firstname.lastname@example.org or by calling 07827 313 743.


Red Deer - Alberta's next great city
reprinted from Red Deer Express (Erin Fawcett) July 2, 2008
planner Michael von Hausen said he believes Red Deer is the next
great city in Alberta.
He, along planner Michael Gellar were in Red Deer last week to lead
the community in shaping a vision for downtown.
Over the course of the week they led an evening workshop on the
future of downtown and prepared key urban design concepts for
downtown Red Deer.
Concepts were then displayed for input June 24 and were presented on
"This is an opportunity that many cities would love to be a part
of," said Mayor Morris Flewwelling.
Von Hausen and Geller broke the city's downtown into three
The first district was The Core, which was labelled as a six block
radius in the immediate downtown area.
The planners said with the recent closure of Uptown Cinema, they
envisioned that as a new civic centre where opera and multi-cultural
events could be held.
They also suggested the public parking lot to the east of the
building could be a space where celebrations and big announcements
Von Hausen and Geller discouraged the parkade on top of the transit
terminal saying it would be a negative impact on the downtown core
and should be left as an open space.
Other features in The Core district included gas fireplace features
with seating on street corners and the enhancement of selective
As well, the planners identified more residential surrounding The
The second district was identified as the Railyard district.
This area includes the pedestrian train bridge and the Alpha Dairy
Von Hausen and Geller said they would like to see residential in
that area including ground oriented townhouses and high residential
The green space just south of the pedestrian train bridge could be
used as a park which could hold various community events.
The third district was identified as the River Crossing district.
This area is located south of the Taylor Drive bridge.
Von Hausen and Geller said more residential was needed in this area.
The planners also identified a year round market for the area as
well as a convention centre and hotel and a pedestrian bridge over
the river to Bower Ponds.
Also identified in this area was a 50,000 sq. ft. building called
The Ark which would include a tropical garden with a 200 ft. tall
observation tower in which you could see the whole city.
"Overall we want to encourage unique shops with international
flavour, a cultural arts centre and galleries," said von Hausen.
"We ultimately want to slow down traffic in the downtown and review
the parking requirements and usage."
He added he would like to see the creation on continuous sidewalks
with trees planted on either side of the street and landscaped
"We could also introduce a historic bus trolley that would move
along Alexander Way down to the river front," said von Hausen.
He added this vision is up to the residents of Red Deer to
"This is your future. This is your choice," said von Hausen.
This summer a consulting team and steering committee will create a
draft of the Downtown Action Plan as well as a feasibility study
based on the information gathered by von Hausen and Geller.
It is expected a draft plan will be presented for public feedback in
Once refined, that plan will be presented to city council for
approval and implementation.


A world famous skyline and 8.4 million people who call it home, New York is bursting with excitement. Iconic attractions and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The five boroughs of New York have a unique flavour – go explore The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island and take a bite out of the Big Apple.
Start at the world-famous Rockfeller Center, where you can tour NBC Studios, meet a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall and browse the shops . Soak in the atmosphere in Times Square and dream on your name featured on the massive electronic bill boards !
Central Park is a large public park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. Spanning 843 acres, it is one of the most iconic and visited parks in the world.
The park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the mid-19th century and features a variety of landscapes and attractions that make it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
One of the most prominent features of the park is the Great Lawn, a vast open space that is used for picnics, sports, and concerts. There are also several lakes and ponds in the park, including the famous Central Park Lake, which is a popular spot for boating.
The park also features several famous landmarks, including the Central Park Zoo, the Conservatory Garden, and the Central Park Carousel. Visitors can also explore the park’s many trails and pathways, which wind through wooded areas, past waterfalls, and around rocky outcroppings.
Central Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, turtles, raccoons, and squirrels, and is an important stopover for migratory birds.
Overall, Central Park is a beloved public space that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of New York City life, and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city
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We are a team of skilled landscapers who thrive on creativity everyday of our lives. From bespoke garden designs to all aspects of garden maintenance, we’re the people to bring character to your outdoor living space. We are a family run business and are very proud of our reputation across Berkshire, we firmly believe this is because we care about our customers, we take your ideas and vision and turn them into a reality and so our number one priority is the happiness of our customers. It is vital to us that all our work is completed to the highest standard which is why we only use top quality materials take a look at our portfolio to see some examples of hard and soft landscaping work we undertake on a regular basis.
At Creative Roots we are fully qualified in all aspects of design. We will take your project from initial conversations through to the final construction making it as hassle free as possible
We understand how busy life can be so why not let us take some of the pressure off everyday tasks by creating a bespoke maintenance schedule to suit your needs
Hard landscaping is the most critical area to any garden design. At Creative Roots, we pride ourselves on the quality of our work. We use the best quality materials and obtain very competitive prices for these.
Soft landscaping can transform your garden from a simple functional area, to an enviable outdoor living space.