Live Green was hired to install a landscape for homeowners who had torn down an existing house in order to build their “forever” home. Working with a landscape architect, Live Green created an extensive patio with a fireplace, a water feature and lighting. The company then landscaped the whole property.
The sloped lot meant that stone retaining walls had to be constructed in a tiered design that incorporates the water feature and allows for plant beds that introduce color and interest. The bluestone patio contains the fireplace, made of stone that matches the retaining walls; it offers gathering space where the owners can entertain.
Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC
410-833-9640 — livegreenlandscapes.com
Clients hired Shorb Landscaping to transform their bland, builder-grade landscape—front and back. They requested a gracious and welcoming approach to the house. In the backyard, they opted to retain their existing pool but demolished and reconstructed the pool deck. Natural-cleft flagstone was used for the pool decking. A pergola with fabric shade provides much needed relief from the hot summer months. Arborvitae trees and tall Skip laurels screen the property and robust plantings throughout are suited to the scale of the house. Pots with colorful annuals adorn the pool area, offering seasonal interest.
Shorb Landscaping, Inc.
301-897-3503 — shorblandscaping.com
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture was hired by clients in the Bahamas to design a functional, private garden on a very small lot surrounded by water. Ed Ball and his team were able to create circulation within the diminutive spaces and make them feel bigger than they actually are, while also linking the property to the water via steps down to the dock.
“We used vertical lines in our design and allowed the adjacent properties to expand the views beyond the property lines,” Ball explains. The plant and material palette features ficus, neem trees and coconut palms framing stepping stones and coral stone, textured-concrete steppers. Strips of synthetic lawn and driveway pavers in the driveway add an unexpected layer of visual interest.
Design Features
Based in Reston, Virginia, Ed Ball Landscape Architecture has been in business for 11 years. Owner and principal Ed Ball executes 20 to 25 projects per year.
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture
1800 Jonathan Way, Apt. 614, Reston, Virginia 20190
703-433-1863 — edballlandscapearchitecture.com
Collaborating with Campion Hruby Landscape Architects, Scapes, Inc., transformed a vintage property on the Magothy River. The dramatic redo encompassed outdoor living spaces, paths, plantings and lawn areas. It also incorporated native ironstone to create a unique look throughout. “Our masons matched the home’s original ironstone façade with new ironstone retaining walls, steps and columns so it would look as if it all was done at the same time,” says principal Jeff Crandell. Clean-lined Pennsylvania flagstone treads, patios, walkways and capstones complement the rustic ironstone.
The plantings are a mix of boxwood, hydrangea and roses, with masses of perennials and grasses. The landscape is designed to frame the house while ensuring its visibility from the water. The homeowners can relax and entertain with ease.
Design Features
Scapes, Inc., is a landscape design-and-build company providing a full range of custom design services while specializing in the construction and planting of outdoor living spaces.
Scapes, Inc.
Annapolis, Maryland
410-867-6909 — scapesinc.net
While renovating and adding onto their 1960s center-hall colonial in Vienna, Virginia, homeowners contacted Rob Tilson, FASLA, PLA, to create multiple outdoor-living areas on their two-acre lot.
A swimming pool and tennis court anchor the new landscape design. Tilson designed a covered veranda and dining area overlooking the pool, as well as a patio big enough for seating beside the tennis court. He resolved major drainage issues in the backyard. Working with the architect to ensure a seamless look, he selected hardscape materials and colors for the landscape that would complement the house. “I enjoy working with clients with a variety of tastes and styles,” Tilson says. “I believe a well-executed landscape design begins with great collaboration with my clients.”
Design Features
For more than 28 years, State of the Art Landscape has been designing, installing and maintaining a wide range of different landscape styles for our discerning clientele.
State of the Art Landscape
101 Executive Drive, Suite F, Sterling, Virginia 20166
703-421-3666 — stateoftheartlandscape.com
The homeowners teamed up with Fine Earth Landscape to create an extensive garden design complete with a swimming pool and spaces for garden benches.
There are many features of this garden that combine to make it a joy, but the spectacular displays of white flowers set this garden apart. Whether it is the Natchez crape myrtles, Annabelle hydrangeas and tree form pee gee hydrangeas in the back or the Zumi white crabapples and pleasant white azaleas in the front, it is just amazing that a garden can be so beautiful with just one flower color.
All of the bed lines and construction elements were designed with crisp clean lines. The flagstone terraces and walkways are all rectangular and symmetrical. The crushed stone driveway is lined with Belgian granite blocks. The fountain is set in the center of a symmetrical flagstone patio. The owners even decided to forgo an automatic pool cover as they wanted to enjoy the view of their beautiful pool all summer long.
Design Features
Specializing in residential design and hardscape construction, Fine Earth has been in business for more than 40 years and has received more than 100 regional and national awards.
Fine Earth Landscape
16815 Budd Road, Poolesville, Maryland 20837
301-972-8810 — fineearth.com
Wheat’s was hired to overhaul a small backyard in Northwest DC containing a large pool that dominated the space. Designer Joshua Dean replaced it with multifunctional zones that include a play lawn, an appropriately sized pool and a covered patio.
The property is bordered by fastigiate European hornbeam. The veneer on the covered patio is sandblasted marble and details include a natural gas grill from Al Fresco; fans by Haiku Home; phantom screens; Infratech ceiling heaters; dimmable LED lighting from FX/Luminaire; and a Pebble Fina pool finish.
“This garden enables outdoor living at its best,” says Dean. “The family plays sports for emotional well-being. On evenings and weekends, they eat dinner in the covered area and watch TV.”
Design Features
Wheat’s is a landscape design, construction and maintenance firm providing services ranging from full-scale landscape renovation to weekly maintenance. Wheat’s simplifies your life.
Wheat’s Landscape Design + Quotes for Construction
8620 Park Street, Vienna, Virginia 22180
703-584-7970 — wheats.com
Homeowners hired Groff Landscape Design to transform their basic backyard into a resort-style entertainment space where they could get away from their hectic life. This redesigned backyard includes a fully functioning outdoor kitchen with adjacent seating areas and a fire-and-water feature that can be controlled via mobile device.
Groff’s design team selected native plants, maximizing the recreation (lawn) space and ensuring minimal maintenance. They matched patio flagstone and cultured veneer stone with the home’s exterior so the space feels like a natural extension of the home. A large granite countertop provides plenty of space for drinks and entertaining. This has become the destination for many happy gatherings and is designed to grow with their family.
Design Features
Groff is a residential landscape design and construction firm that prioritizes happy clients and fine craftsmanship. We craft both design and installation, bringing your vision to life with no surprises.
Groff Landscape Design
3100 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 200, Arlington, Virginia 22201
703-999-8225 — grofflandscapedesign.com
Clients hired Michael Prokopchak of Walnut Hill to transform an aging property in Annapolis. The project entailed renovating a pool; creating a deck; reorienting and replacing the driveway to improve parking and incorporate lush plantings to complement the architecture of the home.
“The design was conceived to have the least impact on the local waterway,” says Prokopchak. “Native plantings offset the increase in lot coverage, while hardscape is designed to meet impervious requirements. Having a firm grasp of the local permit requirements ensured that we could stay one step ahead.” Plantings provide year-round color and texture. Pennsylvania bluestone crisply defines the front stairs, walkways, pool coping and wall caps.
Design Features
Walnut Hill specializes in distinctive residential properties serving Maryland, Washington, DC, and the Eastern Shore. Our mission is to provide exceptional value, unparalleled craftsmanship and service.
Walnut Hill Landscape Company
1563 St. Margarets Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21409
410-349-3105 — walnuthilllandscape.com
Clients with a secluded property hired Kane Landscapes to design and implement an extensive landscape plan for their new home. Kane’s Alan Blalack, RLA, ASLA, and his team handled the landscape architecture, permitting, construction as well as grading and the extensive plantings. Materials include Techo-Bloc paver driveway accents and pool decking paired with natural Shenandoah boulders and Carderock stone retaining walls throughout the property; the large Trex composite deck boasts custom made pillars and railings. “The landscape now welcomes the owners home with a beautiful entrance drive and colorful plantings,” says principal Josh Kane. “In the backyard they can relax in privacy or entertain large gatherings in an environment that offers everything from a pool and spa to vegetable and cutting gardens and even a sports court.”
Design Features
Kane Landscapes, Inc., an award-winning landscape architecture, build and management company, has been serving Northern Virginia, DC, and Potomac, Maryland for 28 years.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
105 Douglas Court, Sterling Virginia 20166
703-803-3146 — kanelandscapes.com
Homeowners who built an addition on their house wished to emphasize the front entrance, which the alterations had obscured. They asked McHale Landscape Design to construct a complementary landscape that would incorporate a water feature and aquatic life.
“We created a feature that includes two separate ponds, one indoors and one out,” says Steve McHale, who headed the project. “They’re designed to look like the water is flowing through the wall of the house.”
Perennials, including liriope, pulmonaria, astilbe, mazus, coral bell, fern and ajuga, enhance the water feature. “The ponds are the clients’ number-one hobby,” McHale relates. “They enjoy feeding and watching more than 30 koi that have thrived there over multiple generations.”
Design Features
McHale Landscape Design is a high-end residential design/build firm with landscape, masonry, construction and maintenance divisions. About 225 people work out of its five locations.
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
6212 Leapley Road, Upper Marlboro Maryland 20772
301-599-8300 — mchalelandscape.com
The staple for a luxury bathroom is marble. Most often, classic white Carrara with gray veins is the best selection. Installed in a variety of patterns—from classic herringbone and basketweave to horizontal running bond—it can create a beautiful “rug” on the floor or “art” on the walls. A stunning faucet and tub in polished nickel from Kallista, Rohl or Waterworks will stand out against the marble, while a large rain showerhead offers the sensation of an island waterfall. John Richardson crystal light fixtures and wall mirrors with wide bevels say pure luxury.
- Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, CAPS; Purple Cherry Architects
Laura Fox
Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC
laurafoxinteriordesign.com
@laurafoxinteriordesign
People enjoy the experience of staying in a luxury hotel because the hotel baths have all the accoutrements: plush mats and towels on a heated bar; a cozy robe; incredible textures; exotic marble; and beautiful vanities outfitted with the perfect “jewelry.” All these elements can create a feast for the eyes and senses. I try to incorporate this feeling into every bathroom renovation I do.
-- Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC
Kori Keyser, ASID
Keyser Interiors, Inc.
KeyserInteriors.com
#KeyserInteriors
To create a luxurious bath, the tub and shower must be tailored to the owners’ needs. A tub should offer light, sound and bubble massage, while the shower should feature body sprays and a rain showerhead—creating a relaxing spa experience every day.
-- Kori Keyser, ASID; Keyser Interiors, Inc.
Melanie Whittington
Whittington Design Studio
whittingtondesignstudio.com
instagram.com/whittingtondesign
703-533-3705
Laura Hildebrandt
Interiors by LH, LLC
interiorsbylh.com
@interiorsbylh
571-334-6476
A luxurious bathroom starts with a heated floor under beautiful tiles. A stand-alone tub enables you to forget your troubles as you soak—as does a large steam shower equipped with multiple showerheads and a seat for relaxing and enjoying the mist. Easy access to bath products and thick, plush towels ensures that the space is both enveloping and functional.
- Laura Hildebrandt, IFDA, NKBA; Interiors by LH, LLC
Barbara Hawthorn
Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
BarbaraHawthornInteriors.com
703-241-5588
Photo: Geoffrey Hodgdon photography
Gina Fitzsimmons
Fitzsimmons Design Associates
Fitzsimmonsdesign.com
facebook.com/fitzsimmonsdesign
410-269-1965
The Excellence in Landscape Awards, sponsored by the Landscape Contractors Association of Maryland, DC and Virginia, recognize exceptional garden design throughout the region. This annual competition is judged by industry experts who vote in more than a dozen residential and commercial categories. Features on four winning projects follow; all 2018 residential winners are listed below.
Formal ApproachMcHale Landscape Design creates a commanding welcome for a stately abode
Party TimeSurrounds, Inc., transforms a mundane backyard into a mecca for entertaining
Grand EntranceA design team conceives an elegant yet family-friendly landscape in Potomac
Garden VarietyWheat's Landscape makes the most of a diminutive lot with style and function
DECADE AWARDS
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Easton Waterfront Estate for Residential Maintenance; A Davidsonville Residence for Outdoor Living Area; Eastern Shore Waterfront Estate for Total Residential Contracting; Edgewater Residence for Total Residential Contracting; Oxon Pond Residence for Total Residential Contracting; A Bethesda Residence for Front Residential Planting & Entranceway.
HERITAGE AWARD
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Avenel Residence for Residential Maintenance.
GRAND AWARDS
Colao & Peter Outdoor Environments
McLean—Modern for Craftsmanship; McLean—Tennis Court and Pavilion for Craftsmanship.
Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.
The White Flower Garden for Total Residential Contracting; Swett Residence for Total Residential Contracting.
Live Green Landscape Associates
Pollokoff Residence for Outdoor Living Area.
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Great Falls Residence for Outdoor Living Area; Peninsula Point for Total Residential Contracting; Vienna Residence for Front Residential Planting & Entranceway; Kenwood Project for Total Residential Contracting; Galesville Residence for Total Residential Contracting; American Meadow Garden for Total Residential Contracting.
Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes
Price Residence for Craftsmanship.
Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.
Potomac Residence for Residential Maintenance; Alexandria Residence for Total Residential Contracting.
Scapes, Inc.
Old Man Creek Residence for Total Residential Contracting.
Shorb Landscaping, Inc.
A Residence in Bethesda for Total Residential Contracting.
Surrounds, Inc.
Difficult Run Residence for Front Residential Planting & Entranceway (Design/Build); Lakefront Living Residence for Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build); Hunting Crest Residence for Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build); Foxhall Residence for Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build); Falconhurst Residence for Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build); Wessynton Residence for Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build).
Wheat’s Landscape
Bethesda Outdoor Living for Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build); McLean Residence for Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build); Falls Church Oasis for Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).
DISTINCTION AWARDS
Colao & Peter Outdoor Environments
Alexandria Waterfront Modern for Craftsmanship (Design/Build).
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Oakton Residence for Outdoor Living Area.
Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.
Northwest Washington, DC, Residence for Total Residential Contracting.
Scapes, Inc.
Whitehall Creek Residence for Outdoor Living Area; Resort Style Living for Outdoor Living Area.
Surrounds, Inc.
Red Barn Residence for Outdoor Living Area (Design/Build).
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Colao & Peter Outdoor Environments
Great Falls—European Entry for Front Residential Planting & Entranceway (Design/Build).
Rossen Landscape
Clifton Residence for Total Residential Contracting (Design/Build).
McHale Landscape Design, Inc.
Kane Landscapes, Inc.
Walnut Hill Landscape Company
Groff Landscape Design
Wheat’s Landscape Design + Construction
Fine Earth Landscape
State of the Art Landscape
Scapes, Inc.
Ed Ball Landscape Architecture
Shorb Landscaping, Inc.
Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC
Michael Nash Design Build & Homes
Planted Earth Landscaping Inc
Laura Fox, Laura Fox Interior Design, LLC
- https://www.laurafoxinteriordesign.com
- @laurafoxinteriordesign
Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH, LLC
- https://www.interiorsbylh.com
- @interiorsbylh
- 571-334-6476
A master bedroom should be a respite from a harried world. I like to give my clients a space that is elegant but still approachable and functional for their lifestyle. I rely on beautiful, luxurious fabrics that feel amazing next to the skin but also can be laundered and are easy to maintain. Lots of pillows and room-darkening shades help to ensure that the space recharges its owners.
— Laura Hildebrandt, Interiors by LH, LLC
Purple Cherry Architects
- http://purplecherry.com
- @purplecherryarchitects
- 410-990-1700
The first and most important selection is the room’s color scheme. Soft, calming colors like pale blue, warm gray and classic ivory will keep the room quiet. It should all come together to let the mind rest in a serene yet confident setting.
—Cathy Purple Cherry, AIA, LEED AP, CAPS, Purple Cherry Architects
Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors
- https://barbarahawthorninteriors.com
- 703-241-5588
In a restful retreat, I choose soft colors, with bright accents on trim, pillows, fresh flowers or a throw. Luxurious bedding. A cocoon of soft fabric around the bed. A bench at its foot. Romantic lighting. Family photos on the nightstand along with a favorite book or magazine.
—Barbara Hawthorn, Barbara Hawthorn Interiors, Ltd.
Bountiful Interiors
- https://jamiemerida.com
- facebook.com/bountifuldecor
- 410-763-8500
A soothing color palette is essential for a restful retreat—but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to neutrals. Fabrics in soft colors create a sense of calm. Layering pops of color and interesting patterns keeps the overall feel relaxed but never boring. It personalizes the space so it feels truly special.
—Jamie Merida, Bountiful Interiors
Kori Keyser, ASID, Keyser Interiors, Inc.
- http://keyserinteriors.com
- #KeyserInteriors
To create a restful bedroom, I gravitate to subdued colors and soft, inviting finishes. I prefer to have several options for lighting as well, so the client can use as much or little as they like to create the ambiance.
—Kori Keyser, ASID, Keyser Interiors, Inc.
Gina Fitzsimmons, Fitzsimmons Design Associates
- http://www.fitzsimmonsdesign.com
- facebook.com/fitzsimmonsdesign
- instagram.com/fitzsimmonsdesign
- 410-269-1965
I believe details are what elevates bedding to that level of high-end sophistication we are always striving for. I love having enough pillows to create the luxurious sensibility you’d find in a grand hotel suite.
—Gina Fitzsimmons, ASID, NKBA, Fitzsimmons Design Associates Inc.
Melanie Whittington, Whittington Design Studio
- http://www.whittingtondesignstudio.com
- instagram.com/whittingtondesign
- 703-533-3705
Home & Design partnered with the Washington Design Center for its annual Holiday Fete on December 13th.
During the festive evening, guests enjoyed holiday treats and perused tabletop displays created by more than 20 top local designers, on view in the Center's showrooms. Proceeds of the event benefited Children's National Foundation.
