Backyard Patio makeover

This landscape project began as an overgrown backyard with an aggregate concrete patio and pathways that were very dated. We discussed with the homeowner where they wanted to take the project. The original discussion focused mainly on improving the plantings and a possible makeover to the concrete.

I began with a plan that included a new layout for the patio and paths. We were able to create larger planting spaces by swing the path left to right as instead of laying it down the middle of the space. Drainage improvements was provided by C-Green and the Pavestone patio was installed by Precision Pavers in Plano.

The plant material is mostly of Asian origin. Shrubs like Gold Dust Aucuba, Cast Iron Plant, Gold Mound Spirea, Pittosporum, and Chinese Fringe Loropetalum were used. Weeping Yaupon Holly, Savannah Holly, and Red Japanese Maple were used for the vertical elements.

The homeowners were very pleased and had this to say: "We love our backyard as you did a great job! Hopefully, we can have you come back within the next couple of years to update our front yard. Every night I just want to sit out back and enjoy all of the new plants! Can't wait to see it with the new lighting you are going to do! Thank you for doing such a great job!"

Sincerely,
Pam

Front yard corner lot

This Plano residence was in need of a front facelift. A few established ornamental tree forms would be saved, but everything else needed to be renovated. The homeowner had some existing Oklahoma tumbled stone that would be used to border the new bedlines.

The new bed lines helped to capture the Red Oak on the right side of the front door. Behind the tree is a slab flagstone shortcut path with a place for a bench. The color bed on the left side of the doorway was brought out to take advantage of the sun and it also provides some visual weight to the short side of the home.

A Pool in the Country

One of the projects for this week included a swimming pool in rural Lucas. These properties usually are larger and more open than typical suburban lots and provide their own set of unique challenges. This homeowner wanted more privacy without having a hedge or "shrub wall". Ease of maintenance, durability and drought tolerance were also important considerations.

We utilized Pampas Grass in the corners and Wax Myrtle in the middle as vertical forms. 'Knock Out' Rose, Indian Hawthorn and Autumn Sage provide some flowering while 'Breeze' Grass and Dwarf Burford Holly provides evergreen texture.

Plano Backyard

Here we have a typical 30 ft. by 40 ft. suburban Plano backyard. This homeowner need additional patio space for seating and as a children's play area. They also wanted to keep an open grass area for a multi-use space, and a perimeter planting that was attractive but easy to maintain.

The open space occupied by the grass was created by using a circular form for the planting beds. The Pavestone patio shape continues the theme using large arcs and circles.

Some of the plant selections for this project include Knock Out roses, Wax Myrtle, Anthony Waterer Spirea, Compact Nandina, Variegated Pittosporum, and Indian Hawthorn. In the shaded side area I used a Crimson Queen Japanese Maple, Gold Dust Aucuba, Cast Iron Plant, Supergreen Liriope, and some perennials like Southern Wood Fern and Hosta.