The Designer – Fall 2019

thedesıgner ASSOCIATION OF

PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS

Fall 2019

2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS

Panoramic Haven by Designer of the Year, Nina Mullen of Mullen Designs

editor’sletter Take a Deep Breath

T

he origin of our modern word “inspiration” comes from the Latin root word “inspirare,” translating to “breathe into.” That’s what good design does; it’s as if it breathes into us. Every year, the APLD International Landscape Design Awards inspire readers, and this year is no exception. We are pleased to honor these 58 winners of the APLD Landscape Design Awards.

The 2019 Designer of the Year is Nina Mullen of Mullen Designs, Berkeley, CA. Her fantastic redesign of the aptly named Panoramic Haven features removal of an enormous 2,200-square-foot lawn that was replaced completely with droughttolerant plants. The designer’s challenge was to incorporate low-water plantings of colorful flowers that attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies as well as complement the sweeping views of the site. It was a smashing success.

So, congratulations to all the winners. I know I always find the design issue to be inspiring, a feast for the eyes. I hope you do too—take a deep breath.

KATIE ELZER-PETERS

EDITOR@APLD.ORG

All photography in this issue is courtesy the designer or firm except where noted.

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PHOTOG RA PH BY K IRST EN B OEHM ER PHOTOGR AP HY

The full award categories range from urban to country, from small gardens to residential to specialty projects. Take note of how these designers treated their challenges and met them. I believe you will find something inspirational—even, perhaps, some new technique—in each of them.

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2 0 19 APLD I nt ern atio n al Landscape D e s ign Awards 6

PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE

A w a rds by Catego r y 14 DESIGNER OF

THE YEAR

RESIDENTIAL 24 GOLD 88 SILVER 148 BRONZE 166 PLANTING

DESIGN

170 SMALL

GARDENS

186 SPECIALTY

PROJECTS

The view from the house down the flagstone path to the fire patio of the designer of the year, Nina Mullen of Mullen Designs' project in Oakland, CA.

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O N T H E COVER AND TH IS S P READ : D E SI G N E R O F TH E YEAR NINA M ULLE N OF M U L L E N D ES IGNS ’ “ PANO RAM IC H AVEN” I N OA K L A ND, C ALIFO RNIA P H OTO G R A P H S BY JU D E PA R KINS O N- M O RGAN

contents

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president’sletter Win-Win

W

elcome to the awards edition of The Designer, arguably my favorite issue of the year.

Not only do we get to see some of the best projects created in the recent past, but it also gives us an opportunity to hone our business skills to earn new work.

Whether we win or lose, entering awards competitions makes us better designers and businesspeople.

Consider this: entering a design competition is very much like writing a proposal to get that next great job. We need to understand the requirements of the program, be able to see the project through the eyes of others, frame the project in its very best light, and highlight challenges and their solutions.

When was the last time you put your work forward for an honest critique by a trusted peer or colleague? Remember how valuable it was to receive an opinion on your work and how it influenced your work the next time?

Sure, we need to have a thick skin to hear that constructive criticism, but that is how we improve. The more we practice writing proposals that respond to a specific list of objectives and showcase our ability to deliver a creative and appealing solution, the better we become at knowing what winning looks like.

I encourage you to put yourself out there for the next awards competition.

Take a good, hard look at your very best projects and consider how your work can serve as an inspiration for others and be a learning opportunity to help you score your next great project.

Cheers, DANILO MAFFEI, FAPLD

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thedesÄągner wants you!

The only magazine written by designers for designers, The Designer is looking for talented members like you to share your stories, teach new techniques, and inspire with your designs.

All submissions from APLD members are considered, but The Designer is particularly interested in articles that fit the issue’s editorial theme or are appropriate for one of the magazine’s regular columns spotlighting technology or business strategies.

calling all writers

Seeking pitches for articles. We're always looking for writers for regular features including Wander.Lust., Travel Inspiration, Plant App(lication)s, Design 101, and Design Masterclass articles.

Not sure if your story is a good fit? As Editor in Chief for 2019 Katie Elzer-Peters is happy to discuss your idea with you. Reach her at editor@apld.org.

PLATINUM

thank you to our sponsors

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thedesıgner EDITOR IN CHIEF Katie Elzer-Peters ART DIRECTOR

Marti Golon

COPY EDITOR

Billie Brownell EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Denise Calabrese, CAE ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lisa Ruggiers

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Michelle Keyser

EVENTS DIRECTOR

Lori Zelesko

ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Courtney Kuntz

MEMBERSHIP, CERTIFICATION & CHAPTER ASSOCIATE

Kelly Clark

EVENTS ASSOCIATE

Jamie Hoffman

FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

Jennifer Swartz

DATABASE MANAGEMENT ADMINISTRATOR

Leona Wagner

For information on advertising in The Designer, contact ads@apld.org >>Click here for our submission guidelines.

Porous paving patterns provide rhythmic passage to the pool garden in Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC’s project in Great Barrington, MA. Read more on page 26.

P H OTO BY M ATTH E W J. CUNNI NGHAM

thejudges 2019 APLD International Landscape Design Awards Distinguished Judges

Sheila A. Brady,

Karen Chapman,

FASLA

CPH

Bruce Crawford

Mark Dwyer

2020 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS

E NT E R T O DAY Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2020.

Enter at awards.apld.org

2020 International landscape

design awards

Whitney Griffin

Becky Heath

Vanessa Gardner Nagel, FAPLD, NCIDQ

Greg Pierceall

Carolle Huber

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DESIGN BY CAMPION HRUBY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BURROUGHS

2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL

Designer

The perspective from the stone bench over the pool to the fire patio shows the scope of the design.

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LANDSCAPE

of the Year

NINA MULLEN OF MULLEN DESIGNS Panoramic Haven, Oakland, CA

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designeroftheyear PA N O R A M I C H AV E N Residential Category $25,000–$100,000 Project Location: Oakland, CA

Nina Mullen of Mullen Designs Firm Location: Berkeley, CA mullendesigns.net Zone: 10a

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY JU D E PARK INS O N- M O RGAN

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

A beautiful design that meets the clients’ brief and maximizes the site’s potential. The plant selection offers a showcase of colorful foliage as well as blooms—well done! I can’t believe it isn’t a six-figure landscape; it sure looks like it. The flow of the walkways, the plants, and how they were placed were so pleasing to the eye that the gardens may compete with the view.

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designeroftheyear

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BEFORE: Sad, drought-stricken lawn and dangerous paths didn’t work.

Nina Mullen’s philosophy can be summed up by the following:

“Everybody has their own idea of beauty and what makes them feel comfortable and happy.

Sometimes they don’t know what it is, and they need me to help them get there. The challenge is asking questions, offering options, seeing responses, and then focusing on the dynamic of what it is. I see it as solving a puzzle.”

LOOK EAST: Stone tread steps to edibles and path to patio.

Her clients at Panoramic Haven, the 2019 APLD Landscape Designer of the Year Award winner, presented their own design challenges when they came to Nina for help. The wife of the couple loves flowers and wanted vibrant colors to make the garden more dynamic while the husband wanted to be able to sit anywhere and have a 270-degree, unobstructed view from Berkeley, including San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge south to San Jose. Both wanted a low-water and lower-maintenance garden. In brief: lots of flower color, beauty, seasonality, keep sight lines open, no plant could mature to over 2 ½ feet high (to keep said sight lines open), and—oh—keep it at a budget of $40,000. A puzzle indeed! ➸ apld.org

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designeroftheyear A secondary path allows one to access pool equipment.

The result, in the words of the judges, is a spectacular design that “meets the clients’ brief and maximizes the site’s potential.” One way the plan was maximized was to minimize—the 2,500-square-foot lawn was completely removed and a great step toward being waterwise was immediately achieved. But, now that the lawn was gone, one couldn’t just walk anywhere; Nina needed to create structure and connection. A new circular flagstone patio with fire table became the hub for the entire site, connecting the existing dining patio, pool deck, maintenance areas, and viewing locations with the addition of formal and informal flagstone paths.

Nina thinks a lot about place, saying, “It is very subtle and psychological. Being in a place you like the look of and what just feels right, that is different for every person. I like to know where clients come from, because landscapes you’re born into resonate with who you are.

Understanding the dynamics of that landscape ➸ 20

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Just look at this striking sunset view toward the house and the bay beyond it.

The stone bench is a great spot to contemplate the tiny bees or the vast bay.

A wonderful view from the house down the flagstone path to the fire patio.

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designeroftheyear

and recreating it in a way that makes sense in California.”

The clients are originally from Michigan and Montana, and the new garden complements the formal-style home with its lush planting. The plant palette includes plants that both stay low and cover a lot of ground, such as Myoporum parvifloium ‘White’ and Ceanothus hearstiorum. The plant list totaled 26 perennials, groundcovers, and trees, including citrus such as the ‘Cara Cara’ orange.

Nina visited the clients after the installation and the husband asked, “Guess what my favorite part of the garden is?” It’s the circular patio, where the clients like to take a break to enjoy the garden before dinner.

(A feature that the owners needed some convincing to add.)

That’s the goal of Nina Mullen’s design firm, to figure out ways to get people out into the garden and engage with the landscape more.

Nina says, “The clients are the ones taking care of the garden and enjoy sharing it with friends. That is success to us.”

It is indeed.

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❧

VIEW ACROSS POOL AND BAY: Plantings must tolerate full exposure and be waterwise.

The fire table gets lots of use after sunset.

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2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Residential Gold Awards

From a promontory of sculpted landforms, the pool absorbs views.

Overall, the project has a 30-foot change in elevation.

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gold award

BERKSHIRE RESIDENCE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Great Barrington, MA

Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design llc Firm Location: Stoneham, MA matthew-cunningham.com Zone: 5b PHOTO BY CHU CK CHOI P HOTOGRA PHY

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Before: The Berkshires’ exceptional mountain views presented incredible opportunities for a new home.

Every effort was made to preserve trees (as regulated by the Scenic Mountain Act) and mitigate stormwater.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

I love this project; [it] seems nestled into the site and looks like it has always been there. The paving material and layout are great with simple elegance the result. Plantings are beautiful and minimal, with forms, scale, and materials spot on. Collectively a home and landscape that’s a work of art.

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gold award

Masonry elements are woven into the site’s living, vegetative fabric. One of the clients’ desires was to authentically blend the home’s modern architectural forms with the rugged mountain setting.

Subterranean storage is artfully integrated into board-formed concrete retaining walls (left).

PHOTO BY CH U CK CHOI PHOTOGR A P HY

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gold award

Gorgeous granite steppers link the guest house to the main house with all its inviting amenities.

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The exhumed geologic features are partially revegetated. The home really does look like it’s been “inserted into the landscape.”

STEAL THIS:

Due to the steep topographic conditions and thin soil depth, only a shallow layer of soil could be installed in many areas.

Erosion control was of major importance, and an unwavering palette of indigenous native sods were used to re-vegetate and stabilize new landforms. The new planting colonies prevent soil erosion and safeguard water quality within the sensitive watershed, all while presenting a dramatic and authentic display of year-round multi-seasonal color.

The indoor and outdoor spaces are harmoniously linked and the lines blurred between the two.

PHOTO BY CHUCK CHOI PHOTOG RA PHY

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gold award CENTERS RESIDENCE Residential Category Under $25,000 Project Location: Tucson, AZ

Artistic Landscape Architecture

The existing patio was expanded and treated with multi-colored flagstones, a retaining/ boundary wall, and heavy rebar railings designed to prevent falls.

Firm Location: Tucson, AZ www.artlandarch.com Zone: 9b

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

I really love this! [These are] really well-thought-out solutions to water and grade challenges. The plant selection was interesting with a varied palette and works well in this garden situation. The drainage swale seemed to be well designed and the flow of the pathways was pleasant.

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A before photo shows the site’s pre-existing grade—quite severe— and was heavily weedy and overgrown (left).

The cactus garden area is connected to the other levels via a garden pathway. The drainage swale leads to a water retention spot.

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gold award

The lighting system means the space can be used anytime, a real plus in a hot climate.

The fourth downspout collecting basin is connected directly to drainage piping.

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STEAL THIS:

The designer devised a water direction and utilization system by incorporating four cement and rock downspout water collecting basins connected to 4-inch piping and rip-rap retained swales.

The water collected by three of the downspout basins was directed via a swale to a water harvesting basin. From there, an overflow pipe channeled the water to the yard wall weep holes.

At the client’s wish, butterfly and hummingbird attractors were used heavily in the planting plan.

A good shot of one of the rebar safety railings installed at specific points to prevent falls (top).

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A combination of aggregate paving, granite flagstone, pebbles, and fescue grasses create the entry.

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gold award

A white plaster rendered wall creates a private main entry on the interior.

ESTELLE RESIDENCE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Newport Beach, CA

Ryan Prange of Falling Waters Landscape Firm Location: Solana Beach, CA www.fallingwaterslandscape.com Zone: 10b PHOTOGR A PHS BY B R ETT HI LTON

The modest leisure pool was built with a clear line-of-sight from both kitchens.

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The richness of the plant palette contrasts to the stark white interior. Plant material was chosen to soften edges, provide movement, and create a lush, verdant scene when viewed from indoors.

P H OTO G R A P H S BY B R E T T H ILTO N

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gold award JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Great transformation of space—a great reinvention of an existing garden space into outdoor living spaces. It is easy to overdo a small-scale project but this plan incorporates several outdoor areas and still feels intimate and expansive. Love the charcoal color to unify many different elements, including the front courtyard. Lovely indoor/outdoor connections and Mid-Century Modern cool; good forms, function, and fun; established and well managed work of art.

The backyard boasts a small pool with a sun deck and automatic cover (for safety and to lessen evaporation).

The fire pit provides another entertainment hub.

The minimalist and clean style of the interior is repeated outside.

Straight clean lines in the hardscape were made with materials including seeded aggregate, smooth finished concrete, and natural flagstone.

A monochromatic hardscape palette allows the landscape to pop!

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gold award

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STEAL THIS:

The clients asked for a timeless design that would entertain their children while they were young and energetic, as well as grow and mature with them. They supported the idea of “entertainment hubs� that encourage being outside all day long.

Easy moveability throughout the yard and into the house was encouraged by the open layout.

PHOTO BY B R ETT HILTON

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gold award FRONT ENTRANCE T R A N S F O R M AT I O N Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Asheville, NC

Gardens by Mardi www.gardensbymardi.com Firm Location: Asheville, NC Zone: 7a

A “Before� photo (below) of the front street view facing the house.

One of the design goals was to create a more inviting pedestrian approach from the front street.

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A front street view facing the house—curb appeal is mission accomplished!

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Beautiful design and workmanship; love the attention to detail. Opens with a wellproportioned and gracious new entry. A nice four-season palette with great juxtaposition of form and texture and artistic restraint shown in the color palette. The home is completely transformed and the rest of the design, the materials, plus the plants to beautify made this a beautiful and functional garden. apld.org

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gold award

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The path to the side street facing west is a delightful journey now.

The low maintenance, dense, layered plantings require less irrigation and mulching while reducing erosion and runoff. Plant selections and placement prioritize natives, pollinators, and wildlife habitat.

STEAL THIS:

Using locally sourced materials including stone, plants, and soil amendments reduced the use of fossil fuels in transportation.

The sitting area on the east side of the house was one of several new garden rooms and passageways that were added to give the space more interest and privacy. apld.org

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gold award KO C H P R OJ E C T Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: San Diego, CA

Joel Berlin AnandaScapes llc www.AnandaScapes.com Firm Location: San Diego, CA

This “Before” shot of the gate shows how far the project came.

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Look at this spectactular new gate—it both reflects the home’s heritage and looks modern and fresh.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

PHOTO BY MA RTI N MA N N PHOTOG RA PHY

Wonderful connection between home and plant palette using color and a great attention to detail. The project is composed of beautiful layering with interesting textures, forms, and appropriately scaled masses and the home is enhanced by new landscape. Quite an artistic vignette of screen, boulders, and plants. Removing trees and adding new plantings soften the house design and make the house come alive. apld.org

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gold award

STEAL THIS:

One of the design goals was to create two new Spanish Revival influenced gates/doors to enclose the property and to add some artistic flare using water and fire features along with laser-cut metal screens.

Mission accomplished!

The patio after installation is much more vibrant and inviting (top).

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After the redesign, the path is one to celebrate (right).

A good close-up view of the laser-cut screen. It’s appropriate for style and color palette (far right).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MA RTI N MA N N PH OTOGRA PHY

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gold award

The new front walk and pebble garden reflect the home’s rectilinear lines.

MODERN PRAIRIE Residential Category Under $25,000 Project Location: New Berlin, WI

James M. Drzewiecki, apld Ginkgo Leaf Studio, llc Firm Location: Cedarburg, WI ginkgoleafstudio.net Zone: 5b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The hardscape was a pleasant integration of several styles and has good access from driveway. The plant selection, including perennial flowers and grasses, was a pleasing balance of foliage, flowers, form, and texture. Importantly, the walkway is actually wide enough to be functional even once plants are full grown. The bluestone made the hardscape “softer” feeling and much more attractive than a sidewalk alone would have been.

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PHOTOGR A PHS BY WESTHAUSER PHOTOGRA PHY

The new landscape complements the Prairie-style architecture of the home.

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gold award

STEAL THIS:

Full range bluestone square steppers were placed along the edge of the driveway within slate chip mulch to enhance accessibility for passengers exiting cars on the drive.

Bluestone steppers provide a walking area off the edge of the driveway.

Geranium, Salvia, Echinacea, and Allium make up the simple palette of perennials (above).

Viewed from above, the irregular bluestone creates a courtyard effect (right).

PH OTO G R A P H S BY WE STH AU SE R P H OTO GRAP H Y

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The Prairie-style urn, which was the only element retained from the existing landscape, and the panel of bluestone share a diagonal axis.

The plantings (and paint color, which the client requested the designer select) update the home’s appearance. apld.org

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gold award

O A K G R O V E AV E N U E Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Atherton, CA

Envision Landscape Studio, Colin Miller Firm Location: Walnut Creek, CA envisionlandscapestudio.com Zone: 9b

A focal point water feature draws the eye inward.

PH OTO BY J O E D O D D

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gold award

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

One of my favorites: it looks simple, but there are some beautiful details such as materials that are beautiful and used well. Nice clean lines reflect the house. The planting plan is simple and sophisticated at the same time. Love the beautiful outdoor fireplace. Overall this is a great-looking and functional site and landscape design.

A design goal was to break up the driveway through the use of multiple materials, permeable paving, and naturalized planting. The lush plantings virtually encapsulate the house footprint (above).

Meandering paths create opportunities for meditative walks through the garden (right).

PH OTO G R A P H S BY J OE D O D D

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A see-through fire pit permits views out to the garden and proves to be a powerful focal point.

The curved pathways and natural forms create a balance between the modern, angular, and ordered hardscape with the freeform, natural, and chaotic softscape.

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gold award

STEAL THIS:

The transition from front to back yard is softened by the use of crushed rock and flagstone pathway lined with the lush planting of olives and naturalized plants.

The plantings soften the driveway while still allowing for its strong linear lines to echo the architecture.

A softened transition is created by lining the space with olive trees and naturalized plantings (above).

A sweeping gravel pathway comes to completion at the Corten steel vegetable beds (left).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY J OE DODD

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gold award The water feature provides a tranquil decompression area at the home’s entrance to create a natural symphony allowing visitors to escape from the chaos of the street while giving a sense of privacy.

PHOTO BY J OE DODD

PIERCE ROAD Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Saratoga, CA

Envision Landscape Studio, Colin Miller Firm Location: Walnut Creek, CA envisionlandscapestudio.com Zone: 9b

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gold award The water feature’s spouts are set at multiple heights to create a variety of sounds.

The lush front lawn provides a safe play area for the clients’ children (right).

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Exemplary design, beautifully executed with outstanding attention to detail. The designer softened what could be a highly contrived contemporary design by incorporating softer textures. No element dominates another yet there are multiple focal points and the home is framed and enhanced by the landscape.

The fearless use of asymmetry is exciting yet also comfortable with clever water features and plants that add color and interest.

Very interesting horizontal wood raised vegetable beds and wood trellises capitalize on the side yard’s sun exposure to create an urban farm opportunity.

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STEAL THIS:

Broken concrete pads minimize the impact of the driveway and provide a seamless transition into the lawn play area and front entry.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY J OE DODD

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POOL HOUSE AND GARDENS Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Essex Fells, NJ

Susan Cohan, fapld Susan Cohan Gardens Firm Location: Chatham, NJ susancohangardens.com Zone: 6

The view showing the new pool and pool house from the upper terrace. Seventeen Stormtec 4500 subterranean chambers were installed at the base of the slope and at the end of the dry stream.

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gold award

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Superior job! A great example of planning and site design with good spaces and places to entertain and utilize. The invisible is the key to this sloped site and the underground drainage is great. Puts the fun in fundamental. Nice checkerboard terrace, beautiful lawn steps, and embankment of planting. Love the planting around the pool house.

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The turf and bluestone patio on the upper terrace is a delightful checkerboard pattern.

P H OTO BY PATR I CI A BU R KE PHOTOGR A PHY

The reclaimed granite curbing steps offer visitors a view of the hillside garden.

PHOTO BY KA R EN CHA PMA N

The view to the barn/pool house from the drystream, which augments the drainage system.

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gold award

The spectacular view across the pool to the barn/pool house after the three-year-long project was completed (above).

P H OTO BY PATRICIA B U R K E P H OTO G RAP H Y

What a gorgeous entertaining space!

Ample seating, a spa, and pergola grace the pool patio (right).

P H OTO BY PATRICIA B U R K E P H OTO G RAP H Y

A rustic cottage garden sits adjacent the pool fence by the barn/pool house in late May. The client likes blue flowers (far right).

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The lower cottage-style garden features stacked stone retaining walls.

PH OTO BY PAT R I C I A B URK E PH OTO G R A P H Y

STEAL THIS:

Some designs must be modified on-site as the project evolves.

The clients’ waterloving dogs destroyed a gate they learned how to open when it was left unlocked.

To accommodate them, a custom gate was designed with a rope dog pull to allow humans and dogs to use it at will.

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gold award

RYE RESIDENCE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Rye, New York

Cheryl Russ & Jim Altum Glen Gate Company

Drought-tolerant plantings were installed to stabilize the soils, filter water runoff, and augment the ecosystem by introducing plant material to attract beneficial insects.

Firm Location: Wilton, CT www.glengatecompany.com Zone: 7a

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The overall design is fantastic. A dramatic before/after of landscapes and views with great vision and added value to the residence. The plan illustrates the layers and thought of the space and the final project is a tremendous example of site planning and landscape design. The large, flowing masses in this plan carry through in the installation. The overall look is beautiful, as are the details including the way the storage “shed” is tucked into the wall and the fantastic shower “bench.”

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PHOTOGR A PHS BY N EI L A. L A N DIN O

The mid-level fire pit has expansive views out to the Sound.

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A “Before� view of the overall one-acre property. The 1950s home was razed (right).

The same view of the overall one-acre site after project completion; what an amazing makeover (above).

PH OTO BY N E I L A. LA N D IN O

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A temporary irrigation system was designed to establish the new plantings and will be disconnected once this has occurred. The overall design resulted in a net decrease of 4,400 sf of impervious surfaces, dramatically reducing unfiltered runoff into the adjacent sound.

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An outdoor shower with a reclaimed stone bench made of material found onsite was integrated next to the storage area to allow a salt water rinse for the kayaks (and people).

Turf paths weave through the plantings as visitors progress down the land to direct pedestrians to functional areas such as a stone terrace and fire pit.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY N EI L A . LA N DIN O

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gold award S I R S A M U E L A N D L A DY D I A N A M A S O N ’ S G A R D E N Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Bryn Mawr, PA

Kathy Spagnola & KGS Garden Associates Firm Location: Bryn Mawr, PA www.kgsgardens.com Zone: 6

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The street view change is amazing!

Much improved flow, curb appeal, and an especially gracious new entry. The additional steps from the driveway to the lawn area look nice and likely keep the soil from being disturbed and provide a much safer access to the front yard. This project has made this house and yard a much more attractive and inviting home.

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A “Before” view from the road of the existing white picket fence and overgrown vegetation (above).

What a difference! This view of the parking area, front walkway entrance, Boxwood hedge, and open site lines to the house feels completely different (right).

This view through the rock garden, across the flagstone landing and seating area to the house, shows how spacious the site feels (above).

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The stone steps from the lawn area to the driveway make it more obvious where to enter (above).

The steps from the roadway and the seating area welcome visitors (above right).

The cobble-edged parking court along the roadside before plantings were installed offers guests more room to park (right).

The rock garden behind the seating area helps stabilize the rocky hillside (right).

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The walkway from the street to the front was moved 10 to 15 feet from its existing location. This reduced the grade change, created a more graceful approach to the house, and allowed a larger, level landing seating area.

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gold award S T U DY I N B L AC K A N D W H I T E Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Westport, CT

Jim Altum & Frank Marino Glen Gate Company Firm Location: Wilton, CT www.glengatecompany.com Zone: 6b

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The view from the dining area to the fire pit and harbor is fabulous!

PHOTO BY B I L L MIL N E

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The front floating walkway over the water feature is special. Track lighting underneath adds a safety feature.

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The front walk was made with white modular pavers placed on galvanized metal piers welded to an oversized steel trough to give a floating effect to the entry.

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The existing Belgium block drive and curbing along with asphalt paving was replaced with a gravel drive.

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The rear terrace started with white precast pavers with a midnight black paver used for the coping. This worked well as the large part of the pool located under the second story prevented the black coping from becoming too hot.

The newly renovated pool’s clean, seamless look flows well with the interior (left).

PHOTOG RA PHS BY B I LL MI LN E

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gold award The private shower area has the consistent contemporary design as the rest of the project.

Existing trees and shrubs (except for four trees along the street) were removed to provide a clean slate and new approach to the design.

All plantings were chosen for their black and white effect in the landscape to complement the hardscape. Black Mondo Grass with Little Lamb Hydrangea along with white-blooming Liriope were some of the plants used.

P H OTO G R AP H S BY BILL M ILNE

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This view of the poolside furniture, built-in planters, and planter bowl reveal a complementary color palette as well as form (right).

P H OTO G R A P H S BY CO RY STEVENS P H OTO GRAP H Y

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gold award WIND CHIMES Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: West Vancouver, BC Canada

Donohoe Design Inc. Firm Location: Vancouver, BC Canada www.donohoedesign.com Zone: 6b–7a

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

A rich and vibrant planting. All images convey a massed and careful planted landscape within a structural design. Overall the project is a composed and complete composition — a beautiful plan.

There is a strong axis, beautiful features, great planting plan, and inviting pool terrace and spa.

The landscape design for this stately residence brings together a diverse array of elements to create an ethereal, multisensory experience where sound, movement, color, and scent are evoked (above).

The main focal point of the garden is accentuated by a largescale, custom wind chime sculpture acting as a centerpiece (left).

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gold award The view across the custombuilt, multi-level water feature’s floating stepping stones is absolutely stunning.

PHOTO BY A N DR EA SI R OI S

Mandarin bronze plaques create extra detail on the garden sculpture.

PHOTO BY CORY STEV EN S PHOTOGRA PHY

Moss, integral in many Asian gardens, grows on a rock next to a meditation pathway.

P H OTO BY CORY STEVEN S PHOTOGR A PHY

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Asian influences blended with contemporary concepts help create a hybrid of a garden. Peony, Camellia, and Cherry tree plantings are reminiscent of the palaces of the clients’ native Taipei. apld.org

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2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Residential Silver Awards

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The archway mimics the architectural elements of the house.

A VIEW WITH A ROOM Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Kittery, ME

Wickie Rowland, apld Design and Landscapes

by Labrie Associates Firm Location: North Hampton, NH www.DesignLandscapeLabrie.com Zone: 6a

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The clients wanted to be able to sit around the fire and discuss the events of the day.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

A very well organized, structured, and formed design with great aesthetics and function. The beautiful spatial arrangement and gate are creative and beautifully crafted. Gorgeous stonework! The planting plan is nice and colorful with good repetition.

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The finished garden offers lots of room for entertaining and simply to enjoy the space.

This “Before� shot shows how the steep hill was a challenging starting place!

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Pieces of the wall are carefully maneuvered into place despite the difficult access.

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Because of a time crunch, the designers opted to use pre-made natural stone retaining walls in chunks, and then slot them into place.

This meant figuring out exactly what each piece should look like, aboveand belowground, the exact curves, and so on. Spending the extra time meant everything came out perfectly!

The grass steps lead from the house to the patio; the stepping stones were added later.

Visitors can relax in one of the brightly cushioned rocking chairs and look at the view while the plants have their back.

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ALFERTIG RESIDENCE Residential Category Under $25,000 Project Location: Tucson, AZ

Artistic Landscape Architecture Firm Location: Tucson, AZ www.artlandarch.com Zone: 9b

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Love the contrasting textures and forms.

The designer did a good job. It’s nice that the fruiting olive trees were saved and are now featured. It was forward thinking to utilize the Hydromat.

The large and beautiful existing olive trees remain in the open space. They bear olives too!

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The completed design: hedge removed, lowwater-use linear plantings, installed trees, and colorful boulders (top).

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This “Before� shot shows a hedge in the foreground, existing gravel, and plants— essentially, a blank slate.

There is so much inherent interest now with the sculpture, plantings, lighting, boulder placement, and rip-rap drainage (top).

A new, experimental material called Hydromat was employed to greatly reduce water evaporation from the soil in this arid region. Hydromat is a permeable material treated with a patented environmentally friendly chemical that is installed around plants approximately one inch below the soil. Once installed, it allows water to permeate but greatly reduces water evaporation back into the surrounding air.

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silver award B A C K YA R D H A V E N S W I T H NESTLED GARDENS Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Somerville, NJ

Shannon Savage of Dabah Landscape Designs Firm Location: Randolph, NJ dabahdesigns.com Zone: 6a This “Before” shot shows the future site of the fence panels, arbor, gate, and garden (above).

This shot of the side garden looking toward the back yard shows the fence panels, which provide some privacy from the neighbors yet still allow socializing.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This small yard was transformed by considering all the clients’ wishes to the ‘T’!

The designer was thoughtful to make space that was private but not closed off and plants seem appropriate and happy. Freestanding cedar screens are thoughtful semi-screens to provide privacy while not making the neighbors feel cut off.

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Four free-standing fence panels with lattice tops add an element of privacy, yet the panel spacing of approximately 10 feet apart allows some socializing over the property line. The fence was stained, then clematis were planted that would use the fence as a trellis.

The pathway to the side garden from the driveway was of large, irregularly shaped bluestone (left).

The view from the bench looking toward house shows how the arbor, gate, and fence define the entrance to the garden (bottom left).

The view from the deck overlooking the backyard shows another bluestone stepping stone path leading to a bench where the clients can admire their garden (below).

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The bespoke fire table and bench are cozy day and night.

PH OTO BY E L L E N S M I LE R

BEACH CITY Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Manhattan Beach, CA

Urban Oasis Landscape Design Firm Location: Los Angeles, CA urbanoasis-la.com Zone: 10b

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This is a great small back yard and the organization of this project is perfect.

The designer created some great views. Overall, we love the sparsity of this plan — it really works for the small and effective space. Fantastic details include the beautifully crafted wood work bench and the arbor that will be beautiful when vines grow in. Nice job!

PHOTOGR A PHS BY ELLEN SMI LER

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The front yard featuring a Crape Myrtle has plenty of curb appeal (top).

A colorful, succulent-filled ceramic pot creates a focal point in the front (top right).

This custom swing is one of the clients’ favorite places to relax (above). apld.org

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The Quartzite patio is great for large gatherings (above).

An outdoor kitchen also functions as a buffet for diners (above left).

The wide gaps in the fence slow the fierce winds (left).

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The large Quartzite patio has plenty of room for crowds and can even double as a dance surface!

Fragrant Lavender and Jasmine bloom in the Mediterranean garden.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY ELLEN SMI LER

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silver award JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This project transformed this landscape into a series of beautiful, useable areas with great flow and nice detailing throughout.

The planting plan is nice and full and adds continuity.

Love the checkered grass courtyard.

The driveway portecochère is beautifully executed.

This beautifully framed view is looking back across the backyard to the house (top).

Chess, anyone?

The bluestone and lawn checkerboard seem to inspire that thought (right).

BELMONT HOUSE ON THE HILL Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Belmont, MA

Jim Douthit, a Blade of Grass Firm Location: Sudbury, MA abladeofgrass.com Zone: 6b PH OTOGR A P H S BY P E TE CAD IE UX

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The courtyard, looking back from the carriage house, is just one of several rooms in the redesigned landscape (right).

PH OTO G R A P H S BY PE TE C A D IE UX

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PHOTO BY J IM DO UT HIT

A dining patio was set two steps down from the covered outdoor room as a transition to the formal lawn and garden (above).

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A “Before� photo as viewed looking up the driveway from the street. The existing brick of the drive was ultimately repurposed as accents for the drive and in walls used to separate the driveway from the formal lawn space.

The driveway needed to serve several functions: parking, connection between house and carriage house, and aesthetic anchor for the design.

There needed to be ample space to park and maneuver cars so a permeable gravel surface was chosen to lessen the impact of runoff and create a more visually pleasing field. apld.org

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silver award The strong lines created through the use of board-form concrete walls echo the lines of the existing architecture.

BROOKSIDE DRIVE Residential Category $25,000–$100,000 Project Location: Danville, CA

Envision Landscape Studio, Colin Miller

Firm Location: Walnut Creek, CA envisionlandscapestudio.com Zone: 9b PH OTOGR A P H S BY J O E D O D D

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Beautiful interpretation of clients’ desire for lakeside living with excellent attention to repetition of materials and geometry. Elements are well spaced with an easy flow and there are interesting transitions throughout. Of note — the hardscape with the water and fire features were nicely done.

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Thermally modified wood does not absorb water, expand, contract, nor does it provide food for insects, making it a stable building material.

In this project it was used as a replacement for natural wood decking and benches.

A Thermory bridge spans the water feature, evoking feelings of being on a dock at the lake (left).

A fire pit creates both creates warmth and an opportunity to use the garden at night, important in a hot climate (above).

One of the design objectives was to use water and fire as focal points to draw attention from the interior to outward (top). apld.org

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silver award The new patio and wall with its improved access steps.

Manufactured stone was used for the retaining walls.

CALDEW GARDEN Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Portland, OR

Rachel’s Landscape Design Firm Location: Portland, OR rachel_monteiro.houzz.com Zone: 8b The new shade garden bed of shrubs and perennials thrives despite competition from the native Maple (Acer macrophyllum) (right).

PH OTOG R A P H S BY R ACH E L M O NTE IRO

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Really loved this design. It’s welcoming as well as functional without being fussy or difficult to keep up.

The shade garden is interesting, and on a hot day is where I’d want to be. The patio is really nice and will give the owners lots of pleasure for many years. With a hardscape that makes good use of lower-cost materials, the designer was able to meet clients’ expectations on a low budget.

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To create more curb appeal and direct visitors to the door, an angled walkway was installed, starting at the street and featuring bluestone steps. Budget and permitting necessitated a gravel “sidewalk” along the street.

The circular sitting wall and gravel patio are hidden by plants (above).

Native Epilobium feeds bees and hummingbirds.

One of the clients’ needs was increased habitat for pollinators and birds (top).

California Poppy seeds were sown to help create a bumblebee heaven (right). apld.org

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silver award An aerial view of the patio, paths, Gaelic obelisk, and outdoor chess set, which is sitting on a “board” of bluestone and limestone.

CAMBRIDGE RESIDENCE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Cambridge, MA

Nilsen Landscape Design llc Firm Location: Boston, MA www.nilsenlandscape.com Zone: 6b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

A grand reinvention of a city garden with superior quality of design and materials selections. This project demonstrates a nice use of a difficult site with forms and spaces that enhance the site for [the clients’] personal utility and enjoyment. An artful design!

PH OTO G R A P H S BY ROS E M ARY FLETCH E R P H OTO G R A PHY

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A detail of the dining area, one of the many spaces for cooking, eating, or lounging.

The brick parking court leads through this new pergola and gate to the back yard. What a beautiful entrance!

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An aerial view of the fire pit and extensive and well-maintained raised bed vegetable garden. The granite block wall functions both as seating and to separate the two areas (above).

A back yard view to the house shows details of the plantings, including formal Boxwood and perennial plantings (left).

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The paver walkway leads all the way through the main bluestone patio area, in a geometric design, to the side/ back yard gate. This paved area can be shoveled for the clients’ dogs to run in winter.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY R OSEMA RY FLETCHER PHOTOGR A PHY

The “After” shot of the front yard matches the grandeur of the home.

Notice how the custom-designed iron fence mirrors details of the home’s front door sidelights (top).

A new concrete paver walkway bisects the existing brick walkway, providing access from the driveway to the side/back yard gate (above). apld.org

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The pergola and seating space are on the highest garden level. All stone was UK sourced for environmental responsibility, and the lesser used routes are paved with compacted gravel to distinguish them.

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C H I LT E R N S G A R D E N Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Hertfordshire, UK

Gavin McWilliam and Andrew Wilson McWilliam Studio Firm Location: Buckinghamshire, UK www.mcwilliamstudio.com Zone: 8

The large, comfortable sun terrace with its steps to the main lawn and borders.

Steps and retaining walls run north/ south, forming level changes and creating the main functional spaces and walks.

The retaining structures use local bricks carefully matched to the color and patterns of those on the house.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The simple elegance of the contemporary additions complements the historic site and architectural features, blending a real sense of old and new into a current composition. This is an excellent design execution. Love the Hornbeam and beautiful lawn striping. apld.org

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A view north across the new (and gorgeous!) lawn toward the sun terrace and courtyard. The revised levels deliver a spacious lawn and sun terrace that lead through to the more private dining terrace.

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The Arts & Crafts design concept of “hide and seek,� with its sense of partly revealed views, was given a contemporary take with screen walls and pleached hedge forms creating spatial structure without total enclosure.

A view to the dining terrace, main staircase, and indoor pool building show the grand scale of this project.

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silver award An axial view to the dining terrace from the sun terrace shows the dry limestone walls that run east/west creating structural “ribs” across the garden to define a series of spaces.

This view across the parking court, new borders, and retaining walls shows the parking court lies at the lowest level. It was enlarged to accommodate an increased number of family and guest vehicles.

Grass borders and a glimpsed view back to the house façade demonstrate the design concept, which was “hide and seek,” a play on the compartmentalization common in Arts & Crafts gardens.

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C O A S TA L G A R D E N L I V I N G Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Fairfield, CT

Eva Chiamulera, Austin Ganim Landscape Design, llc Firm Location: Fairfield, CT www.austinganimlandscapedesign.com Zone: 7a 118

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

A great example of an open site made secure and intimate with the context defining the enclosure and needs. Beautiful walk path, stonework, fencing, deck, and lattice work. Wonderful transitions of space throughout. The planting will fill in nicely and in back the circular theme plays out well.

The outdoor living room and fireplace in the late spring garden.

The design was created to be visually stimulating not only within the spaces, but also when viewed from above through the use of interesting patterns and shapes created by the hardscape and drifts of rich foliage textures and colorful plantings.

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Lovely Hibiscus and Coneflowers mark the entrance to the rear patios.

The recycled gravel walk links the drive to the patios. Fastigiate Hornbeams screen the second story living quarters while a combination of shade perennials and miniature Hydrangeas line the path.

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The pollinator garden surrounds fieldstone walls and the bluestone dining patio.

The front yard prior to installation of the landscape design. The open corner lot left the landscape exposed to neighbors and beachgoers.

The rear lawn prior to installation of the landscape design. The clients’ home is located one street from the beach. Due to post-Super Storm Sandy FEMA regulations, living quarters must be located above the first story.

Take a look at the bluestone plank stepping stone walk with Ipe deck. To transform the entry sequence, pavers replace the gravel drive while this elevated deck and staggered bluestone planks with planted joints soften the front walk.

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For privacy, screening between window-towindow views was important, whereas to allow for neighborly interactions only intermittent screening was needed at ground level.

This view of the northeast garden shows the play lawn for the family dog, one of the clients’ requests.

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This gorgeous western screening planting is awe inspiring. Plantings were selected to maximize eco-services and to improve the existing ecology.

C O L O N I A L FA R M H O U S E GARDEN Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Royersford, PA

Donald Pell Gardens

Firm Location: Phoenixville, PA donaldpell.com Zone: 6b The home’s location is 200 feet from the banks of the Schuylkill River. As seen in this “Before” photo, the drive ended 80 feet from the main entrance.

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This historic site and landscape [were] made functional and private with the site planning and landscape design inclusions, adding spaces and places that work as well while respecting the lay of the land. Plantings are nicely scaled and massed to create defined yet personal spaces. Overall, a great use of quality materials including a beautiful entry gravel design and stone retaining walls. The environmental sensitivity of the project is to be commended.

A new accessible guest entry walk was constructed of pattern flagstone. And aren’t these northeastern gardens exceptionally welcoming?

The front of the home’s planting. Plantings were critical in creating an experience of place for the hands-on owners. apld.org

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The parking court utilizes salvaged building stone from the site for its architectural detail in the curbs and banding.

This garage rain garden is one of two that were installed to reduce pressure on the original fieldstone retaining walls and downslope and to limit stormwater runoff from all impervious surfaces.

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The new parking court and garage answered the clients’ request for improved vehicular accessibility to the home and a garage to reduce exposure to the elements.

The terrace garden patio was constructed of flagstone and takes advantage of the promotory on which it sits to offer spacious views.

The owners appreciated the herbaceous plantings featured in the designer’s portfolio and requested those be included in the overall design.

A shot of the masonry retaining walls and retaining wall gardens.

Much of the stone used was reclaimed from the site.

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silver award ECLECTIC CRAFTSMAN Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Brookfield, WI

James M. Drzewiecki, apld Ginkgo Leaf Studio, llc Firm Location: Cedarburg, WI ginkgoleafstudio.net Zone: 5b

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Before: The original hardscape and landscape did nothing to embellish the home. Existing retaining “walls” were basically piles of stone.

Dusk on the patio, which has multiple areas for entertaining.

The clients’ patio has become party central for the neighborhood.

PH OTO BY W E ST H AU S E R P H OTO GRAP H Y

PHOTO BY EDMUN DS STUDI OS

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

There are some fantastic elements to this project. Love the way the superbly detailed fire pit is tied into the back and side porches with the paving. Good craftsmanship on stonework and concrete throughout the project. The structure of landscape construction defines a great frame from the street and inside out. Overall a great project. apld.org

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Overall view showing the angle of the front walk relative to the walls. To fully coordinate with the existing low walls flanking the front porch, custom 4-inchthick Bedford coping was used throughout.

The Birch grove separates the wedgeshaped front walk from the driveway.

Existing trees were inventoried with invasive and nonnative species tagged for removal.

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For the front yard, low garden walls were incorporated as a bold architectural element. They offer a sense of enclosure and help define the public and semi-private spaces, as the home sits on a culde-sac.

The garden walls “fragment� to allow plants to emerge. What a difference from the original dark site.

Beach pebbles deflect rainwater below the gutterless porch roof.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY WESTHAUSER PHOTOG RA PHY

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This aerial view shows the scope of the entire project.

ENGLISH ARTS AND CRAFTS REFRESH Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Summit, NJ

M. ERBS Fine gardens Firm Location: Denville, NJ www.m-erbs.com Zone: 6b

PH OTO G R A P H S BY K E VIN NE LS O N, S KYLIGH T COM MU N IC AT IO N L LC , P H ILLIP S BU RG, NJ

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The front entry is beautiful, has great detail, and is executed beautifully. Love the edited, clean planting plan. Materials and forms work well for the site and client. Beautiful transition space and nice stonework.

silver award The new front walkway allows access from the driveway. The new natural stone walls and a line of formally shaped Boxwood helped delineate the new front yard.

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The design respects and complements the home’s English Arts and Crafts architecture by featuring traditional Lutyens benches at the front entrance while one of the more modern additions is to channel water from the roof and gutters into an underground drywell to recharge the aquifer.

A great view of the front entryway as approached from driveway.

The Boxwood were cloud pruned into their gorgeous shapes. apld.org

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FIVE GABLES Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Newtown Square, PA

Hess Landscape Architects Firm Location: Lansdale, PA www.hessla.com Zone: 7a 132

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silver award JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The quality and forms work to define this project as a work of art. The strength of the design will likely be revealed through seasonal changes.

Beautiful features and beautiful materials are masterfully installed, supported by a great plant list.

An aerial view of the ponds, bog, and pool. Water is important for the design; the surrounding spaces all relate to it in a logical way (left).

The walls of the “ruin” and gorgeous mixed plantings surround the fire pit.

The project was intended to link to other living spaces, establish thematic outdoor rooms, and to create landscape destinations (above).

Layers of perennials flourish near the rough-hewn limestone steps. The clients favored an “unstructured” theme, so the design was deliberately left loose in appearance, utilizing sinuous forms (left).

The limestone-lined spa was added near the open pool house, also new (far left). apld.org

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Lovely details accentuate the pond rockwork and associated fen plantings.

Shade species line the woodland path.

Continuity of plant communities was key: pond plantings are consistent with wetland typologies; plantings near walls and terraces that receive more radiant heat are durable, droughtresistant varieties; and the tree-covered pathway leading to the home’s basement entry consists of shade-tolerant, forest floor species.

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The landscape appears as if it’s slowly engulfing the designed ruin, as if the plants established themselves among the ruins. Limestone terraces and remnant walls were arranged in a manner consistent with what was once a building, the apparent “structure” having fallen long ago after succumbing to years of wear.

PHOTO G R A P H S BY STE P H EN GOVE L

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silver award GARDEN FOR STONES Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Cambridge, MA

Kimberly Mercurio Kimberly Mercurio Landscape Architecture Firm Location: Cambridge, MA www.kimberlymercurio.com Zone: 5b

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

It’s easy to overdo a small plan but [this is] just right. Very nice details: the bluestone edge, the steel edge, and the paving materials work well together. The garage is a great place to capture rainwater into a barrel or cistern. Throughout there is good scale of space and great repetition of form creating a true a three-dimensional work of art, space, and places.

PHOTO G R A P H S BY M IC H AEL CO NWAY

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The client did not want any lawn, nor was the client interested in a traditional patio, but did want an open area for gathering. The pea gravel terrace answered this request.

The client gazes upon the redesigned garden while doing morning meditation in her new room addition.

This view of the sitting stones, Serviceberry, and clipped Yew hedge provides a very restful scene (above).

The entrance to the bluestone walkway takes visitors through a Red Cedar mortise-and-tenon fence. Note the Thyme joints in the bluestone walk (left).

Looking toward the garage from the pea gravel terrace. Reclaimed bluestone was used in some areas, and the plant palette featured native and drought-tolerant plants, including these groundcovers (far left).

The 2500-square-foot back yard included an original Sears Roebuck Kit garage and attached rustic pergola of which the clients were very fond and wanted to maintain (right).

silver award JUNCO COURT PROJECT Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Cornelius, NC

Jan Enright Creations

Firm Location: Mooresville, NC www.creategardens.com Zone: 7 JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The designer successfully transformed the front entrance into a much more welcoming invitation. We like the general flow of the path design and the color connection between home and plant palette. Good job resolving runoff problems in the attractive dry creek bed.

The back side has been turned into a beautiful outdoor living space.

The stone edging along the drive redirected water and refined the front entry.

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A landing for the clients’ bench creates a spot to rest and breaks the narrow walk. apld.org

The boulders provide a sense of place and help anchor the creekside living room.

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Numerous drainage problems, such as runoff that flowed down the drive and into the back yard close to the house, made the rear garden space unusable. The dry creek bed carries runoff away from the new outdoor room and creates a theme.

What a difference a new plant palette and design make! This curbside perennial garden displays its sunny curb appeal.

The flagstone path through the woodland garden creates a passage around house for those inclined to take a woodland walk (left).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY WES STEA R N S A RTI ST’ S EYE PHOTOGR A PHY

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silver award

N A R R O W B A C K YA R D R E N O VA T I O N Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Washington, D.C.

Molly Scott Exteriors, llc Firm Location: Washington, D.C. mollyscottexteriors.com Zone: 7a

PH OTO G R A P H S BY M E LISSA CLARK P H OTO GRAP H Y

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

There were so many requests for changes and improvements for multiple reasons for this small garden. The addition of walls, planters, and plant material improved the attractiveness of the space. The wall that doubles as seating area for visitors is a clever solution, and the additional planted areas help this very strict rectangular space be more inviting. Overall, much improved connection between spaces.

The spectacular large-scale planter for the specimen Kousa Dogwood and new seat walls give the flat yard much needed variation in level and scale to add interest and dimension (above).

The renovated flagstone patio meshes seamlessly with the existing surface.

Overlapping rectangles of flagstone paving create distinct seating and entertaining areas (above).

The redesign features an expanded patio that connects the house to the pool and garage. Planter walls create dimension (left).

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The flagstone patio surface is permeable, allowing water to percolate slowly back into the soil. apld.org

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silver award PUSCH RIDGE VIEW Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Tucson, AZ

Kathryn Prideaux Prideaux Design Firm Location: Tucson, AZ www.prideaux-design.com Zone: 9a

The space plan allows all three main spaces to be used in concert with one another. The clients, a young couple with two young boys, also requested a large grass lawn space for playtime.

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The glassy surface of the water reflects the sun-kissed Catalina Mountains at sunset.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MAT T VACCA

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

There is a lot going on in a small space and the designer pulled if off beautifully. The different paving materials, tile, and covered area all work together to make a better whole. The colorful tile was a risk, and it paid off. Fun colors and great transformation.

Bright, colorful stair risers lead to the spa overlooking the desert beyond.

The design aesthetic was intended to capture the young and vibrant spirit of the clients. apld.org

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The outdoor living space comes to life after the sun goes down with integrated speakers and an incredible entertaining space.

A quilted rusted steel panel creates a privacy screen as well as serving as a backdrop to the dining area.

PH OTOG R A P H S BY MATT VACC A

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The ramada was intentionally divided into an open/slatted portion and a solid portion. This helped alleviate the feeling of being overpowered by such a large structure.

Encaustic tile creates a graphic element and the rustic barn doors hide the TV behind.

silver award Bright green artificial turf creates the foreground for the crystal blue pool and architectural desert plant palette beyond.

SADDLEBROOKE RANCH Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Tucson, AZ

Kathryn Prideaux Prideaux Design Firm Location: Tucson, AZ www.prideaux-design.com Zone: 9a PH OTO G R A P H S BY M ATT VACCA

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

A great before and after! It will be fun for pots and containers to evolve with the clients’ lifestyle and life cycle. The connection between house and garden is great. Within the design there are some rich ideas such as stepping stones through the pool, pergola, and courtyards.

Great craftsmanship for the wall and metal edging and an inviting fire pit and dining area.

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The clients were a newly retired couple from California with two dogs. Artificial turf, eliminating the need for water for the turf area, was used to accommodate their desire for an area for the dogs.

A conversation space directly outside of large glass sliders at the dining room creates an entertainment extension of another outdoor room (top).

Courtyard walls provide privacy while a modern gate provides a dramatic sense of entry. Incredible specimen plants were chosen throughout to celebrate the wonderfully unique and architectural plant palette of the desert (above).

A simple modern gate with single point of light creates a dramatic entry into the courtyard and the home (left). apld.org

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2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Residential Bronze Awards

bronze award A W O O D L A N D R E T R E AT Residential Category $25,000–$100,000 Project Location: North Hampton, NH

Wickie Rowland, apld Design and Landscapes

by Labrie Associates Firm Location: North Hampton, NH www.DesignLandscapeLabrie.com Zone: 6a

The paths and a couple of interesting destinations beckon visitors to linger.

Take a left to the patio, bear right toward the parking area, and to the right of the pond is the “path to nowhere.”

A couple of chairs, the sound of water, and plants—now it’s time for a glass of wine.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY FR ED O’ N E IL

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bronze award ARTIST’S GARDEN Residential Category $25,000-$100,000 Project Location: Greenwich, CT

Rosalia Sanni Design llc Firm Location: Old Greenwich, CT www.rosaliasanni.com Zone: 7

Little Buddha, meditating under a native Dogwood tree among the Hellebores.

American Arborvitae compactly screens the neighboring buildings and allows room for shrubs.

This layered mix of beneficial flowers, including key natives, is in their summer glory.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY J OHN FER RIS ROB B EN

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Local bluestone and Connecticut native gravel completement the lily pool and the uplit fountain.

The gravel flower garden is enclosed by hedges with facing benches for easy conversation.

Pollinators are now frequent and welcomed visitors at this garden.

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bronze award KALORAMA RESIDENCE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Washington, D.C.

Cathy Carr, fapld, GreenHeart, llc Firm Location: Silver Spring, MD GreenHeartGardenDesigns.com Zone: 7

P H OTO BY J OHN FE RRIS ROB B EN

Camellia, Sarcococca, Helleborus, Mazus, ferns, and Hosta thrive in the shade (above).

The diagonal patio destinations add a dynamic feeling while the lighted brick walls provide night ambiance.

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The spacious location is even large enough for the clients’ blue ping pong table (not shown).

Note the sole installation access was the narrow walk between the greenhouse/ garage and the sunroom!

The oversized stone joins the smaller terraces as colors, textures, and fragrance surround the seating area (above).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MELI SSA CLA R K

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bronze award LEUCADIA RAINGARDEN Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Encinitas, CA

Ryan Prange of Falling Waters Landscape Firm Location: Solana Beach, CA www.fallingwaterslandscape.com Zone: 10b

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The client requested the designers implement spaces to entertain with their various BBQs and smokers.

This is the designers’ way of incorporating a recirculating water-feature into a sustainable design (above).

The rain catchments were designed to reduce water used for landscaping needs (right).

The designers “lifted” the usable space and “lowered” the raincatching landscape for a unique problem-solver (left).

Timbers, river rock, decking, and seeded-aggregate paving created this design (left).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY DUSTI N ORTI Z

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bronze award MIDWEST LUXE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Cedarburg, WI

James M. Drzewiecki, apld Ginkgo Leaf Studio, llc Firm Location: Cedarburg, WI ginkgoleafstudio.net Zone: 5b

The dining area overlooks the pool from underneath the pergola.

The back yard is now a great place for the family to gather.

The new pergola was designed to accommodate the clients’ large-scale entertaining.

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A fabulous view of the fire pit along the pool’s long axis (and look at the little friends).

The main patio was raised to be flush to the kitchen floor.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY WESTHAUSER PHOTO

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bronze award

MODERN ‘50S RANCH Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Pleasanton, CA

Linda Middleton, fapld Terralinda Design Firm Location: Walnut Creek, CA www.terralindadesign.com Zone: 9

The master suite deck overlooks the patio (left).

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Check out this seating for relaxing with the family (above left).

The pool nestles into the hillside to create a wonderful destination (above).

This custom-built trough captures both light and sound (above).

Mixed beds attract an abundance of pollinators (top).

A Bocce court built above the cistern overlooks the property (above).

The outdoor kitchen walls were built from the demo’ed patio (left) .

PHOTOGRA PHS BY I LUMUS PHOTOG RA PHY A N D M A RKET IN G

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Overlooking the calm pool—who wouldn’t want to swim here?

NORTHVILLE POOLSCAPE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Northville, MI

Geoffrey Fornari Great Oaks Landscape Associates Firm Location: Novi, MI www.greatoakslandscape.com Zone: 5

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To rest or play?

Why not both!

Looking back toward the clients’ home from across the pool (left).

Nicely spaced steps lead up to the pool.

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bronze award POLARIS ESCAPE Residential Category Over $100,000 Project Location: Longmont, CO

TLC Gardens Firm Location: Longmont, CO www.tlcgardens.com Zone: 5a

A spiral staircase connects the main patio and native plantings to the lower level outdoor living environment (above).

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The water feature accents the patio and fire pit area with its natural seat boulders.

The pergola’s seating area looks out over the outdoor living environment (left).

The mountain views over the flagstone patio and seating are a bonus to the native backdrop.

A native plant palette was used in the plant beds looking out over the patio and fire pit area (below).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY DAVI D WI N GER

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Planting Design Award

Plants frame the flagstone fire pit and help soften the retaining wall.

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silver award

CA M I N O L E N A DA R E S I D E N C E Project Location: Orinda, CA

Mario Herrada, Zacate Landscape Design Firm Location: San Francisco, CA www.zacld.com Zone: 9b

This “Before� shot shows where the new hardscape, plantings, and wall under the deck to be installed.

The flagstone/ brick walkway and wood wall under the deck are a dramatic improvement!

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The gravel pathway leads to the flagstone patio past varied foliage colors and textures.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The plant palette includes Ferns, Hydrangeas, and Japanese Anemones, which flank the new gravel path.

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This garden has been radically transformed from a bare hillside.

The overall appearance of this planting design was quite creative, engaging, and beautiful and includes a much-underutilized plant, the lush Geranium ‘Biokovo’ that softens the linear lines of the walls. Further, the use of Acanthus mollis as a strong, structural plant is an interesting way to bring design continuity to the entire garden as its repetitive placement provides strong rhythm.

silver award

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Architectural details from the home were used on the new façade, giving the appearance that the existing deck is a “roof-deck.”

English Boxwood spheres accent the David Austin rose garden while the tuteurs give it a vertical accent.

The terraced future site of the David Austin rose garden and tuteurs. apld.org

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2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Small Garden Awards

C E N T R A L PA R K W E S T P E N T H O U S E Small Garden Category Project Location: New York, NY

Gunn Landscape Architecture Firm Location: New York, NY www.gunnlandscapes.com Zone: 7b PH OTO BY PAU L WARCH O L

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gold award

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gold award Previous spread: A wide shot of the totally transformed and lush lower terrace. Trees and plantings were selected to provide a changing landscape including a showy white Cercis canadensis ‘Alba’ and Cornus kousa, which bloom in spring. Pinus thunbergii provides a lush, cloudlike sculptural form and a flourishing green wall of climbing Hedera helix, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Clematis paniculate, and Hydrangea anamola subsp. petiolaris provide seasonal and year-round interest.

The clients wanted a petfriendly green roof. The result is this sustainable green roof with dense plantings and vegetation growing between the paving stones that create a sense of connection with the interior spaces (above right).

The lower terrace includes cooking, lounging, and gathering spaces around a weathered zinc water feature (below).

PH OTOS BY PAU L WA RC H O L

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PHOTO BY J U L IA N N A SOHN

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

An incredible transformation — a slam dunk creating an engaging space. Small spaces can be daunting in terms of accommodating expectations while respecting [site] limitations. This juggling act is masterfully accomplished and perfectly scaled with hardscaping and plants. The design engages the senses. Water adds a nice touch and the sound subdues the noise of cars. Intimacy and privacy are attained while maximizing every square foot. Loved the plant layering under such constrained circumstances.

At the far end of the lower terrace a raised ipe deck, customdesigned banquette seating, and a pergola provide screening for the mechanicals.

PH OTO BY PAUL WARC H O L

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All the custom-designed elements, including the water feature and seating, were created to be modular so that they could be transported through the narrow elevator and assembled on-site.

The upper deck is just 110 sq. ft. but it has spectacular views of Central Park.

PHOTO BY J ULI A N N A SOHN

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silver award The seating area is an inviting space as viewed from the home—light, airy, and bright.

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A new landscape space has been created consisting of light, color, form, and texture.

B R E AT H I N G N E W L I F E I N T O A T I R E D M I D - C E N T U R Y YA R D Small Garden Category Project Location: Fayetteville, AR

Carl Smith Carl Smith Design

The existing space was of poor aesthetic quality with little experiential value. Through the gloom, an existing stacked-boulder rock retaining wall offered design opportunities.

Firm Location: Fayetteville, AR Zone: 6b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Impressive resolution of challenging problems with a well-orchestrated design.

Delightfully appropriate planting scheme makes nice use of the surrounding stone.

Different paving materials work, and the wooden boardwalk nicely picks up the home’s color and texture. Before/after photos show significantly positive transformation of space now is engaging and lush. The definition of smaller spaces for entertaining and contemplation is masterful. A perfect example of an inviting outdoor room.

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The design response is a holistic solution of controlled sight-lines, colors, textures, and movement that weave together the drainage solutions with a vision for outdoor living. apld.org

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Saved from the landfill: the existing fencing was cleaned, rehabbed, and sealed, pleasing both the clients and the neighbors (top).

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In this “Before� shot you can see the virtually unusable patio was small and disappearing into surrounding mulch borders (above left).

The upcycled existing bluestone extended the patio by adding new stone (above).

silver award CITY BROWNSTONE GARDEN Small Garden Category Project Location: Hoboken, NJ

Emma Lam A Small Green Space Firm Location: Jersey City, NJ www.asmallgreenspace.com Zone: 7b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This transformation has resulted in a nice, clean, polished look.

Hardscaping is exceptional with clean and sharp terracing and the perfect new lighting is exceptional. The reuse of bluestone into light and dark striping detail for the patio, as well as refinishing the existing fence, create patio areas and a yard that appear very usable for a young family.

The whitewashed newer brick walls further lighten the space (left).

The reconfigured space with its new low-voltage inset masonry lights to light the wall and steps and the upper tier (below left).

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PH OTOG R A P H S

BY ME G A N M A LOY PH OTOG R A P H Y

The patio leads onto an artificial turf lawn that provides a larger permeable surface area in keeping with city codes and supports the designer’s environmental responsibility to lessen city water runoff.

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Two spaces flow elegantly for a generous and elegant entertaining area (top).

The elevated locations created a sense of separation from the busy street, but also meant that people in the garden felt on display, so screening and privacy were important. Planters at the main patio provide screening from busy street below.The brick wall has been reworked and the 12% grade change accommodated (above and right).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MELI SSA CLARK PHOTOG RA PHY

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silver award HISTORIC GEORGETOWN C O M B I N E D C O U R T YA R D Small Garden Category Project Location: Washington, D.C.

Molly Scott Exteriors, llc Firm Location: Washington, D.C. mollyscottexteriors.com Zone: 7a JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Overall, this project is a solid improvement in a garden that is now quite welcoming and will undoubtedly be used often.

Uniting two areas into a cohesive garden was achieved quite well and the spaces achieved the homeowners’ desire to have both a larger space for entertaining and the more secluded sitting area. The designer set the stage with the hardscaping, including a nice complement of brick and bluestone that looks original. Notable attention to detail with the bull-nosed treads.

This statue was originally in the main garden. It now sits in a niche creating a strong axis that visually combines the spaces.

A Climbing Hydrangea softens the iron fencing salvaged from the guesthouse garden.

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Multiple large pots with Japanese Maples and Aucuba create privacy with lush foliage, and the predominately evergreen plant palette makes the space feel like a garden in every season.

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The Art Deco glass balcony provides an elegant garden connection.

KALORAMA ART DECO C O U R T YA R D Small Garden Category Project Location: Washington, D.C.

Molly Scott Exteriors, llc Firm Location: Washington, D.C. mollyscottexteriors.com Zone: 7a JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This renovation is quite welcoming and a well-executed conversion to a usable and aesthetically appealing space. The flagstone is exceptional and the 45-degree slanted diamond section adds so much with a creative transformation that does justice to clients’ input. The garden’s scale works and will get even better as woody plants mature; the look is clean and sharp.

Evergreen plant material provides year-round interest.

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Bold changes included removing an overgrown Magnolia, which dwarfed the space and monopolized natural light, and painting the walls to match the house (below).

The redesigned rooftop plantings provide heavy screening with an emphasis on evergreen textures. Container plantings provide seasonal color (above).

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The wonderfully detailed tile wall and fountain spout create a focal point for the whole garden while bright splashes of chartreuse foliage contrast the largely evergreen plant palette.

Exquisite details continue at the fountain with these handmade tiles and spout (left).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MELI SSA CLA R K PHOTOG RA PHY

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silver award

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

This beautiful backyard oasis’ most impressive feature is the bluestone patio, but the pond, an attractive formal focal point and with its sound adding a much-needed dimension, is a close second. The hardscaping is, overall excellent. The fountain is perfectly scaled and placed for maximum effect. Aligning garden elements with existing facades kept the layout well-organized and repeating brick from the buildings in the fountain helps marry the landscape to the architecture.

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The fountain base is planted with a mix of herbs such as Rosemary, Lavender, Lambs Ear, and Allium.

The fountain is perfectly centered as a focal point to a small breakfast room addition, providing year-round interest (left).

WA S H I N G T O N T O W N G A R D E N Small Garden Category Project Location: Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture Firm Location: Arlington, VA jenniferghorn.com Zone: 7b

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The design sought to lengthen the perspective of the rear garden by elevating it. A rear panel of sod was established at 8 inches higher than grade and bound by a hedge of ‘Green Mountain’ Boxwood. The threshold to this elevated lawn is established with two grass risers.

In order to minimize the presence of the garage, a fountain is established for midground views from the home.

PHOTOGR A PH S BY A LLEN R USS PHOTOGR A PH Y, L LC

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2019 APLD INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Specialty Projects Awards

gold award PA R K S LO P E R O O F T O P G A R D E N Specialty Project Category Project Location: Brooklyn, NY

Amber Freda Garden Design Firm Location: Brooklyn, NY www.amberfreda.com

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

An amazing transformation of space that has been maximized as an engaging outdoor garden room with very nice flow and transition of spaces. The scale of the plantings in relation to the usage areas is perfect and space is defined well in three dimensions with overhead elements.

The placement of edging and raised containers create definition, soften the space, and define multiple areas of use. The changes in elevation are appreciated and useful to irrigation and electrical connections. What a wonderful idea to mass planters to create a larger planting area.

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Previous spread: This rooftop garden in Brooklyn’s Park Slope received a total design makeover including low-maintenance composite decking, custom-built pergola, outdoor kitchen, and gorgeous multilevel plantings.

A black-and-tan pergola, globe lights, and black fiberglass planters combined with uplights in the plants make for a dramatic nighttime effect (right).

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It’s illegal for a roof deck in NYC to be made of more than 20% wood, so a composite wood was chosen instead.

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gold award

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silveraward

BASIL STREET Specialty Project Category Project Location: Encinitas, CA

Ryan Prange of Falling Waters Landscape Firm Location: Solana Beach, CA www.fallingwaterslandscape.com Zone: 10b A photo (above) showing how the usable space was “lifted” and the rain-catching landscape was “lowered.”

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

“Lifting” areas and utilizing various materials make for an engaging and harmonious landscape, a creative modification of a space with many challenges. Irregularly spaced boulders breaking up the linear nature of the decking/paving is masterful.

Throughout, there is nice literal and figurative anchoring. The scale seems quite appropriate and this landscape seems to blend form, function, and beauty. Interesting use of raised walkways and permeable pavement within the project; the drive’s concrete squares separated by drainage troughs was a fun idea. Plants support a variety of biomes.

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To address the drainage concerns, usable spaces were “lifted,” and the landscape “lowered” throughout the property to eliminate the possibility of water damage. Underground seepage pits disguised as dry stream beds, swales under the decking, earth berms, and pervious paving were also added.

River rock and native plantings made up the bio-swales. SoCal natives and naturalized plants were used throughout the landscape (above).

Two large cisterns were implemented and designed into the landscape (top).

PHOTOGR A PHS BY DUST IN ORT IZ

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silver award

GIBBS RESIDENCE Specialty Project Category Project Location: Santa Fe, NM

Mark G. Brotton, apld Living Water Irrigation & Landscape, llc

This shot shows the waterfalls and pond boulder water feature.

Water from the top flowed under a stone bridge and then down two more waterfalls into the large pond.

Firm Location: Santa Fe, NM www.livingwaterSF.com Zone: 6b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Spectacular! Hardscaping is superb, and the use of rocks for accent, function, and paths is excellent and appropriate for the garden’s setting and style. Love the creative approach to the space that blends well with the residence. I noticed the thoughtful use/storage of water in a desert environment and use of materials that are well-suited to the home and environment. Lighting is also well done, as is the enclosing wall serving as a board to which sounds of water can reflect.

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PHOTOGR A PHS BY MI CHAEL J. CL A RK

A close-up view of the top waterfalls from stone bridge; the water feature creates a maximum amount of flowing water sounds to be heard from various points. apld.org

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silver award STEAL THIS:

A massive character boulder was slightly elevated from the pond surface, with five water outlets drilled at natural “bird bath basins” within the boulder. The effect is dramatic, with water movement visible from all directions.

From the top boulder waterfall, one can look south over the beautiful garden. To offset the lawn and pond, a cistern, properly connected to the irrigation and the pond auto-fill, was employed.

The master bedroom’s flagstone pergola patio looks south at the oasis.

Proper soil amendment was included in every part of the design with a planting scheme chosen for year-round interest.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MI C HA EL J. CL A RK

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A view of the master bedroom’s pergola patio looking north to catch all the wonderful Xeric plants, which included a lowwater grass/ wildflower blend.

The master bedroom’s path from main portal is lit with a beautiful glow.

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silver award

KO I CO L L E C TO R ' S D R E A M Specialty Project Category Project Location: Chicago, IL

Reflections Water Gardens Firm Location: West Dundee, IL www.reflectionswatergardens.com Zone: 5b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Top notch! Superior design and installation. The successfully installed scale with access limitations is nothing short of magic with extremely creative transformation of space and that addresses the client’s needs and interests. The beauty of this space is captured both from inside of the home and when exploring [it].

The plant palette is impressive in terms of diversity.

Continually fresh water provides a yearround happy place to thrive and is home to 20 koi, some imported from Japan (top).

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The pond is fed at the top by recirculating water from two waterfalls. Water throughout the feature is recirculated beginning with a tiny waterfall in the back corner of the berm, which spills to the pool. Two bottom drains pass water through a pressurized biological media filter, where it is backwashed and returned through a recirculation jet.

A wading pool with stepper stones separates the two waterfalls from the threefoot-deep pond below. apld.org

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A reclaimed barnwood footbridge separates the deeper pool from the waterfalls and leads to a cedar deck and covered area.

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silver award

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To accommodate year-round operation and a healthy environment for the koi, snow melt underlines the entire project. Gradient heat in and around the feature keeps everything from freezing, as does water warmed by a boiler heat-exchange system.

The client finds his water feature is a respite from the daily stresses of his work.

The only way in and out with equipment and materials was an eight-foot opening between the two garages.

Hardscapes were hauled in to begin shaping and building the water feature for the client, a Chicago firefighter and koi collector (left).

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silver award

N E T KO S H A FA L L S Specialty Project Category Project Location: Mettawa, IL

Reflections Water Gardens Firm Location: West Dundee, IL www.reflectionswatergardens.com Zone: 5b

Netkosha Falls is serenity in motion, fulfilling the client’s request for a year-round, serene oasis at home to spend time with family swimming, sunning, boating, and relaxing (above).

What a lovely view! A 1,600-square-foot wetland filter, cleaned every two years, traps sediment and nutrients. Water then drops nearly eight feet back to the recreation pond. (right).

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Very impressive project! The benefit of this space for wildlife is significant.

Of special note — the selection of boulders was well done as is the scale of the larger ones. This water feature blends so well into the natural environment and the waterfall flow, levels, and auditory contributions looks perfect. The addition of the bridge and the decking is nice, allowing the owners easy access.

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PHOTOGR A PHS BY CA PLA N STUDI OS PHOTOG RA PHY

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Creating the stream, pool, and waterfall included grading for pumps and mechanicals that would literally drive the feature’s recirculating water from the larger pond (above).

As mechanicals were being installed, work began placing glacial boulders brought in from northern Wisconsin. The waterfall begins to take shape.

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silver award Flow from the stream becomes wider as it pools at the top, just before cascading down the waterfall.

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The client’s deck offers a serene viewing space of the stunning water feature.

Netkosha Falls is now home for minnows, bass, bluegill, and other aquatic life. It provides a biodiverse resting place for migrating birds and beneficial insects and is a natural habitat for native perennials and grasses.

P HOTO G R A P H S T H IS PAGE BY CAP LAN STU D IOS P HOTOGR A PHY

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silver award

RANCHO DEL RITO Specialty Project Category Project Location: San Jose, NM

Mark G. Brotton, apld Living Water Irrigation & Landscape, llc

The low-voltage lighting system adds beauty to the evening landscape; provides safety, security, and wildlife deterrence via a motion sensor; and allows evening use of the patios and pathways. The copper fixtures are designed to last a lifetime.

Firm Location: Santa Fe, NM www.livingwaterSF.com Zone: 6b JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The most impressive feature is how this project is unified with the surrounding landscape and residence in terms of visual flow and texture.

Interesting creation of multiple areas while clearly accommodating movement and flow throughout. The result is that transitions throughout this landscape seem seamless with the perfect blend of the residence and landscape.

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What a fresh view after a rain!

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MI CHA EL J. CLA R K

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The southern pathway garden leads to a large flagstone patio and a lower sitting patio for the client to view the river with its natural boulder waterfalls.

Delphiniums accent the French villastyle garden. The clients preferred a French style with plants such as Larkspur, Foxglove, Roses, Provence Lavender, and Daylilies, among other complementary plants. apld.org

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silver award

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The low-voltage lighting system purposefully added beauty, as well as providing safety, security, and wildlife deterrence via motion sensor, to allow evening use of the patio and pathways, designed with copper fixtures to last a lifetime.

The beauty and practicality of this system has been a client highlight.

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A rainbow welcomes visitors to the entry garden. Stone was harvested on-site, boulders were sourced locally, and existing rustic walls were repaired.

Looking through the Aspens at the lovely border. The client expressed desire for plants such as Larkspur, Foxglove, Roses, Provence Lavender, and Daylilies, among other complementary plants.

The entry garden features a meditation centerpiece for this formerly visually flat front entry.

PHOTOGR A PHS BY MI CHA EL J. CLA R K

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silver award

SCREENED AND OPEN LOGGIA Specialty Project Category Project Location: Silver Spring, MD

Cathy Carr, fapld GreenHeart, llc Firm Location: Silver Spring, MD GreenHeartGardenDesigns.com Zone: 7

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JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

Love this transformation! This is an attractive addition that clearly enhances the owner’s ability to enjoy the outside. Overall, a cleanly defined, architecturally engaging space with exceptional and creativity to address the concerns of the homeowners. The transition from residence to outdoor space is seamless and very pleasing to the eye. Nice mix of open/closed roof with skylights to allow more light and interesting detail with contrasting stone circle inside the squares and rectangles paving.

This is a well-constructed straightforward design.

Voila! The new screened and open Loggia. A transitional space under the eaves of the roof (behind the black rain barrel) permit rain-free grilling (top left).

A “Before� shot of the east elevation; note the tent erected for shade.

The grill will move outside the Loggia (far left).

Several skylights, a fan, and electricity were installed. The ceiling is of fir and pine. Retractable screens are facemounted on the header.

Before the screen installation, the exposed 4- x 8-inch Douglas fir rafters in the dining space become a pergola over the living room portion. The ceiling/roof decking is made of 2- x 6-inch tongue & groove pine. Pressure-treated posts (6- x 6-inch) are wrapped with Azek and painted to match the trim color.

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While the flagstone paving unifies the space, the screen walls, both fixed and retractable, separate the outdoor dining room from the outdoor living area.

PHOTOGR A PH S BY MELI SSA CLA RK

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silver award

T H E J U DY B L AC K M E M O R I A L PA R K AND GARDENS Specialty Project Category Project Location: Washington Depot, CT

Richard B. Rosiello Meadowbrook Gardens Firm Location: New Milford, CT www.meadowbrookgardens.com Zone: 6a

The entry from Bryan Hall Road shows the “wavy� bench, a sculptural floating bench that is a favorite of visitors (top left).

The entry steps are wide and welcoming (above).

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The space was creatively shaped by the walls and paving enhances circulation around the edges, creating a remarkable transformation. Lush plantings blend with usable open space and maximize the intimacy of a landscape close to urban elements. The space is scaled well with the perfect blend of living and non-living elements. This is a great example of what folks can do to reclaim neglected space.

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The entry from Green Hill Road offers a good view of the (also) refurbished mechanic’s garage.

This view from the sculpture plinth looking northeast. The space was designed to accommodate a variety of activities including the farmer’s market, traveling art shows, outdoor movie nights, concerts, and numerous other events (above).

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The lawn has shown wear from the multiple activities, especially the weekly farmer’s market. Now, the vendors will utilize mats to help protect the integrity of the lawn.

The entry paths are surrounded by gardens filled with perennials, shrubs, and trees to evoke the feeling of cottage gardens. This was achieved by repetition of plant material and color/texture of similar plant materials. The low walls also provide additional seating (above).

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silver award

This “Before” shot shows the site was an overgrown mess. The space had poor soil, low microbial activity, and was dominated by euonymus, locust trees, invasive honeysuckle, and ivy (left).

This “After” shot was taken from same location as the “Before” shot— what a difference!

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URBAN WOODLAND Specialty Project Category Project Location: New York, NY

Banford Weissmann Banford Landscapes llc Firm Location: New York, NY www.banfordlandscapes.com Zone: 6b

Vibrant colors cascade down the slope in fall.

JUDGES' PERSPECTIVE:

The scope of this substantial project is quite impressive and the results are immediate, beautiful, and significant.

The space was transformed nicely with this reclamation and should serve and motivate as an example.

This woody palette for this trees and shrubs only garden is diverse, and the designer carefully selected plants for ease of maintenance and pollinator value while limiting the palette and repeating those plants.

A street view of the garden in spring; the design intent was to create a richly diverse buffer zone between the urban density outside the park and its landscaped interior (below). apld.org

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bronze award H AC I E N DA T H E RA P E U T I C G A R D E N Specialty Project Category Project Location: Tucson, AZ

Elizabeth PrzygodaMontgomery Boxhill Design Firm Location: Tucson, AZ www.shopboxhill.com Zone: 9a

A day in the life of the residents at the hacienda garden may include equine therapy.

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This in-progress photo is of the long view of the garden. Some of the lower planters along the path of the garden show the range of color. Due to the facility’s location in a rather stark, monochromatic desert environment, one of the design goals was to provide residents the experience of entering a greenhouse.

The antique Moorish wood gate is stunning.

2019 board of directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT Danilo Maffei, FAPLD Maffei Landscape Design LLC 202 N. Garfield Street Kennett Square, PA 19348 (610) 357-9700 PRESIDENT-ELECT Eric Gilbey, PLA Vectorworks, Inc. 7150 Riverwood Drive Columbia, MD 21046 (443) 542-0658 SECRETARY/TREASURER Richard Rosiello Rosiello Designs & Meadowbrook Gardens 159 Grove Street New Milford, CT 06776 (860) 488-6507 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Lisa Port, FAPLD Banyon Tree Design Studio 11002 35th Ave NE, Suite 206 Seattle, WA 98125 (206) 383-5572

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DIRECTORS Paul Connolly, FAPLD Sundrea Design/Build PO Box 30777 Tucson, AZ 85751 (520) 302-7441 Laurin Lindsey, APLD 1646 Harvard Street Houston, TX 77008 (832) 868-4126 Nick McCullough, FAPLD McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery 14401 Jug Street New Albany, OH 43054 (614) 989-9902

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Lisa Orgler, PLA Iowa State University, Dept. of Horticulture 129 Horticulture Hall Ames, IA 50011 (515) 294-6375 Bill Ripley, FAPLD Stride Studios 8525 Miami Road Cincinnati, OH 45243 (513) 984-4882 Wickie Rowland, APLD Design & Landscape (Div of Labrie Associates) PO Box 635 New Castle, NH 03854 (603) 828-8868

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The Designer is an official publication and member service of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD), 2207 Forest Hills Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112. Ph: 717-238-9780 Fax: 717-238-9985.

Disclaimer: Mention of commercial products in this publication is solely for information purposes; endorsement is not intended by APLD. Material does not reflect the opinions or beliefs of APLD. APLD is not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. All printed articles become the copyright of APLD. apld.org

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