All these sketches, concepts and plans came together to create a design for one project: a cloud of possibilities that condensed into a detailed concept ready for construction. It’s been a while since we invented a new workflow and adapted hybrid old school and digital creation for more flexibility. The goal was to get moreContinue reading “Consults to Plans: a case study”
Category Archives: General
Renewing the meadow
Timing is critical: renew too early and there might be some leftover seeds that the birds would have loved to eat. Too late, and you’ll be removing new growth as it starts at the end of winter. Then there’s rain: this meadow doubles as a rain garden, so if you cut too soon after aContinue reading “Renewing the meadow”
California Dutchman’s Pipe
Here in Sacramento, the first sign of spring is a display of California dutchman’s pipe (Aristolochia californica). The tiny flowers look like green rubber ducks, and appear on the plant’s leafless branches. The display will go on for months, followed by the vine going into rapid growth mode to take advantage of the few monthsContinue reading “California Dutchman’s Pipe”
Two mid-century modern front yards
Mid-century modern front yard landscapes look good all year using foliage color and texture to keep the design lively.
The plants are in!
Our project in Davis is coming along nicely as plants and irrigation fill in the design. Without the plants (and some other elements) it was much more stark – click here to see our last set of images. Next come the rest of the irrigation, then bark and lighting. Then it’s time to relax andContinue reading “The plants are in!”
The ultimate pool house!
This is the pool house that’s got it all: entertainment, dining table, bar counter, storage space, showers, and restroom. The kitchen boasts a wine conditioner, beer taps, warming drawers, a gas grill and lots of storage. There’s radiant heating for cold nights and a ceiling fan for warm days. Not to mention a great view ofContinue reading “The ultimate pool house!”
A new evening structure for warm summer nights
Most people think of shade structures, but what if you don’t use your patio at noon, especially in a place with hot summers? Maybe you like to see the evening sky, too. The solution? An evening structure, designed to screen late afternoon light but let the glory of the night sky shine through. When weContinue reading “A new evening structure for warm summer nights”
A new landscape takes form in Davis
The concept was to have overlapping hardscape – concrete and flagstones – alternate with vegetation and water. This project is a remodel, so we wanted the new landscape to look as though it was designed with the pool. Sweeping curves nestle around the pool, leading the eye to a sitting area at the back ofContinue reading “A new landscape takes form in Davis”
Art in the Garden!
Sac Open Studios has been a fun event. On the first day, people walked through the gardens, friends stopped by and other friends chipped in to keep things organized and greet visitors. Yesterday started ominous with thunder and a bit of rain – even though every weather app we viewed said, “it’s sunny and beautiful!”.Continue reading “Art in the Garden!”
Sac Open Studio 2018 art ready!
We’ve been thinking of participating in this event for a while, and this year finally decided to pull the trigger and exhibit our art in the garden. After years of plein air painting, we’ve got a lot of paintings – over 150 from loose art to matted to framed and ready to hang. The showContinue reading “Sac Open Studio 2018 art ready!”