SHARED SPACE

The owners of a stone-clad abode in Northwest DC purchased the lot next door and built a modern guest house/office on the property. They tapped Horn & Company to unify the landscapes. “We created a garden that bridged both spaces,” says principal Jennifer Horn.

The overhaul preserved grade changes between lots with Pennsylvania boulder retaining walls. Native plantings soften a hardscape plan that features running-bond paths of irregular stone pavers traveling between patios and ipe decks. A powder-coated aluminum pergola now provides shade, privacy, sound and light beside the existing pool. A kitchen was installed on the patio by the main residence.

Landscape Architecture: Jennifer Horn, PLA, Horn & Company. Landscape Contractor: Planted Earth Landscaping. Architecture (both homes): Carmel Greer, AIA, LEED AP, District Design. Photo: Allen Russ.

STEEP CURVE

Steve Wlodarczyk of McHale Landscape Design was hired to make the most of a tight, steeply sloped lot in DC’s Woodley Park. He designed a gathering area complete with a pool and spa, limestone coping and a composite deck. A raised-beam structure and piers support the pool. Evergreens provide privacy as does faux boxwood, installed by the owners until plantings grow in.

Landscape Architecture & Contracting: Stephen Wlodarczyk, PLA, McHale Landscape Design. Photo: Erin B. Bogan.

EASY APPROACH

Bethesda clients asked Fine Earth Landscape to devise and implement a front-yard plan to complement their new contemporary home. “A bluestone pathway leads from the permeable-paver driveway to the front porch,” says designer Georgette King. Large boulders, ornamental grasses, prostrate plum yew and globe blue spruce convey a modern sensibility.

Landscape Design & Contracting: Georgette King, Fine Earth Landscape, Inc. Architecture: GTM Architects. Photo: Brooke MacIntosh.

STYLISH SHELTER

An empty Aldie, Virginia, backyard proved the perfect spot for an expansive entertainment zone. The owners tapped Kevin Kurdziolek of Pristine Acres to design and implement a 20-by-50-foot pool with a swim-up bar; an infinity spa; and a motorized-roof structure sheltering a kitchen and fire pit. Sleek porcelain surfaces are softened by lavender, liriope, laurel and gingko.

Landscape Architecture & Contracting: Kevin Kurdziolek, PLA, ASLA, Pristine Acres. Photo: Kevin Kurdziolek.

BLANK SLATE

An Arlington home completely lacked functional outdoor living space. Chad Talton of Surrounds, Inc., transformed its backyard with grading, drainage, hardscape, landscaping and lighting. New features include a swimming pool, grilling area and fire pit. “Evergreen and deciduous materials offer year-round foliage and color,” Talton notes, “with flowering plants for seasonal interest.”

Landscape Architecture & Contracting: Chad Talton, PLA, Surrounds, Inc. Photo: Morgan Howarth.

FORMAL AFFAIR

Arlington residents requested outdoor spaces to reflect their home’s traditional formality. Landscape architect Joseph Richardson conceived a plan with a pool and terrace in back. In front and on the side, beds of boxwood, roses, magnolia and hydrangea conjure a manicured feel.

Landscape Architecture: Joseph Richardson, PLA, ASLA, Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture. Landscape Contractor: Chick Landscaping. Architecture: GTM Architects. Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg.

FAMILY TIME

Kane Landscapes was hired by Vienna clients to reimagine an empty lawn as a family-oriented gathering space. The team devised a plan centered on a rectangular pool surrounded by travertine decking. A pavilion houses a fireplace and kitchen while a pergola with a raised spa creates a spot for relaxing. Black-Eyed Susans, hosta and peonies add color, along with planters full of annuals.

Landscape Design & Contracting: Josh Kane, Kane Landscapes. Photo: Morgan Howarth.