Piedmont Beauty
Like forging the first brushstroke on a blank canvas, the act of building on an untouched plot of land can be a daunting endeavor….
Best of Show
The Excellence in Landscape Awards, sponsored by the Landscape Contractors Association of Maryland, DC and Virginia, recognize exceptional garden design throughout the region. This…
Sky High
Set on the highest point of a Shenandoah estate, the expansive residence presides over its 100-plus acres like a comfortable castle. But construction had…
Play Station
What could make a suburban backyard so appealing and “cool” that teenagers would want to hang out there with all their friends? That was…
Subtle Renewal
Over time, even a wonderful garden can outlive its own best interests. In Great Falls, Virginia, a thoughtful owner recognized that mature trees shading…
Modern Classic
Positive first impressions are not a given— even when a house benefits from impressive architecture, as the owners of a stately McLean residence discerned….
Dual Modern
Built between 1949 and 1951, the Hammond Wood community in Silver Spring is notable for its modern houses nestled into a heavily wooded setting….
Cutting Edge
FOCAL POINT A gas fire feature designed by Zen Associates, Inc., for a Brookline, Massachusetts, residence occupies a prominent location—further enhanced by LED strips…
Sitting Pretty
When Sean and Lisa Creamer purchased a 1914 farmhouse on a sublime stretch of Oak Creek near the Miles River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore,…
Cabana Cool
A couple based in McLean searched for several years for just the right weekend retreat before finally discovering a waterfront property perfectly situated on…
Ask the Pros: Landscape Architecture
How do you typically address floodplain and sloping issues when landscaping on the water? The place where land meets water is ecologically sensitive and…
Great Outdoors
SITTING PRETTY Trex, known for its durable engineered-wood decking, has added outdoor furniture to the mix. The Vibrant Colors series of Adirondack chairs and…
Up on the Roof
Consult an engineer prior to beginning your project; you’ll need to consider the weight and location of large containers and other objects. A removable,…
Outdoor Oasis
“We’re seeing a trend in the DC area toward modern landscape designs,” says Joe Colao of Fairfax-based Colao & Peter: Luxury Outdoor Living. A…
Before + After: Landscape
Confronting less-than-optimal conditions on a Bethesda project, landscape designer Judith Petersen created welcoming outdoor-living spaces framed by luxuriant gardens. The slate patios and terraced…
Design Inspiration
Whether your idea of bliss is relaxing with a good book or enjoying an afternoon with friends, a beautiful backyard is the perfect setting….
Backyard Bonanza
“The property is about a quarter acre—and we used every square inch of it,” recounts Luke Tirrell of Wheat’s Landscape, who oversaw the transformation…
A Formal Approach
A couple building a house on nearly four acres in Potomac tapped McHale Landscape Design to create a master plan for the site while construction…
Innovative Landscape Solutions
Bayfront Beauty McHale Landscape Design creates a three-story, outdoor-living area with waterfront views Backyard Bonanza An elaborate pool scape with a serpentine waterslide proves…
Caribbean Style
by Ed Ball Landscape Architecture A garden in the Bahamas makes the most of a small lot with hardscape and lush plantings Ed Ball…