Sunken fire pit and raised seating area

For those who frequently entertain at home, or simply want to enjoy a private backyard getaway alone, sunken fire pits are growing in popularity. Combining the retro ambiance of sunken living rooms with the cozy atmosphere of a glowing fire, sunken fire pits make a great addition for those of you who appreciate carefully landscaped,…

large reef step on a swimming pool

Many homeowners dream of installing a swimming pool but are understandably concerned about safety. Whether you have your own kids or grandkids, other family members with special needs, or you’re concerned about neighborhood children and pets, you’re very right to consider the potential risks. Nearly 900 children drown each year in the US, and many…

Throughout our recent drought, you might have read or heard the acronym “WUCOLS” quite a lot. What does this stand for, and why do we care? WUCOLS stands for Water Use Classification of Landscape Species, and it refers to the amount of water required to maintain any particular species of plant used in landscaping. The…

A garden is typically a place of beauty, that accentuates your home and perhaps contributes to its market value. But a garden can also serve as a spot for relaxing, feeling a connection with nature, and even honoring the memory of a loved one. When you plant a memorial garden, you can devote your care…

White wall green ivy plant.

You move into a new home, and quickly discover a pest in your yard. Or your neighbor brings home a pest, and to your annoyance, it spreads into your landscaping! No, we’re not talking about groundhogs or moles… Many species of plants can be surprisingly invasive and persistent! So what can you do about a…

how much is a tree worth

Oak trees contribute numerous benefits to a home’s landscape. Not only are they beautiful; their towering height also means an oak tree can provide much-needed shade (which can lower energy bills) to your home. And if you enjoy seasonal color, many varieties of oak tree are deciduous, meaning their leaves change color in autumn. The…

catnip flowers

When you think of French and Mediterranean design, a farm in California might not be the first thing that leaps to mind. But a married couple – she an interior designer, he an architect – have created an oasis of strong southern European influence at the Patina Farm in Ojai, California. After touring the farm…

swimming pool remodel

As you plan your swimming pool installation or renovation, you’re likely hoping for a pool that is just as beautiful as it is functional. We have some good news: With a wide variety of pebble interior options available, we can help you identify a look that suits your backyard as well as your practical needs….

At some point during the planning process for your swimming pool, you will discuss the concept of pool coping with your contractor. In masonry terms, coping refers to the material used to cap the top of a wall. In swimming pool construction, the term refers to the material placed around the top of the pool…

gardening easter bunny

We’ve all experienced our fair share of Easter egg hunts over the years, and after some time the same old celebrations can feel stale. As the kids get older, you probably want to liven up your celebrations to keep them relevant to your family and guests. Or if you don’t have kids, you hope to…

“Sustainability” is a word you’ve probably heard a lot in recent years. It’s true that we need to change the way we live in order to minimize our impact on their environment as the population surges. But that’s a lot easier to do when we design structures and landscapes with sustainability in mind from the…

Backyard chicken coops are all the rage in the past few years. Keeping your own flock can help you provide healthy, fresh food to your family with minimal effort.  And now, with the price of eggs skyrocketing, you might be more interested in chickens than ever! But first, you will need a chicken coop. No,…

When you hear the word “garden” you’re probably already thinking of plant life. But many aspects of traditional gardens aren’t technically alive. We use fencing, hardscape, furniture, decorative objects, and more in our outdoor spaces. But with a little ingenuity, you can build structures that are living works of art all by themselves. These ideas…

Who wouldn’t love their own private, cozy outdoor space, filled with serene, beautiful plant life? If The Secret Garden was a beloved book when you were a child, or you’re just the type to enjoy peaceful seclusion, you will be excited to learn that you can create your own “secret garden” in your backyard. You…

Those of you missing outdoor activities at this time of year might be looking for ideas for a fun day trip. Why not visit the Getty Villa in Malibu? The museum has something to offer everyone in the family, from gorgeous, landscaped grounds, to intricate architecture, to fascinating works of art indoors. Located on a…

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