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Steel & Cedar: A Stunning Pergola Takes Center Stage

by Heather Day / July 15, 2023

At Native Edge Landscape, we believe that outdoor spaces are canvases for artistic expression and harmonious design. In one of our recent projects, we had the opportunity to create a breathtaking pergola that seamlessly blended with the surrounding environment while showcasing the unique artful taste of our clients. Join us as we explore the captivating details of this design and the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating a truly remarkable outdoor space.

Cedar and steel pergola perfectly accented by large scale decor
Finished back patio with two Trex decks and large steel and cedar pergola. Furniture and styling is midcentury modern.

The Pergola: A Perfect Fusion of Steel and Cedar

The focal point of this project is undoubtedly the large pergola, which we carefully constructed from steel C-channel and rough cedar purlins. The combination of these materials resulted in a striking aesthetic that effortlessly marries strength and natural beauty. The warm tones of each play off one another and come alive in the sunlight, while the alternating basketweave layout of the slats offer even more visual interest as well as variation in the provided shade. The design concept was carefully planned to ensure the purlins fit snugly into the channel, cleverly concealing any visible fasteners. This attention to detail adds to the sleek and streamlined appearance of the pergola, elevating its visual appeal and rustic elegance.

Working in Harmony with Nature

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is how the pergola and the clam shell-colored Trex deck were thoughtfully designed to complement and highlight the existing large red oak tree. Rather than overshadowing or competing with its natural beauty, the design gracefully worked around the tree, creating a harmonious coexistence between human craftsmanship and nature's elegance.

Mid-Century Modern Charm with an Artful Twist

While the overall design of the space exudes mid-century modern aesthetics, what truly makes this project stand out is the clients' unique and artful taste. Their personal touch can be seen in the selection of decor, furniture, and subtle embellishments that add character and personality to the space. The result is a stunning blend of timeless design principles and the clients' individual artistic expression, creating a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor sanctuary.

The view from the secondary TREX deck, overlooking a zen cactus area against the cedar fence. Ground is hardscape with pavers and blackstar gravel.
The view from the secondary TREX deck, overlooking a zen cactus area. Deck is decorated with terra cotta statuary and steel planters with cacti.
A portion of the client's cactus collection in gorgeous stone planters against a cedar fence
The patina of the steel C-channel perfectly compliments the clients' existing decor
Vintage Brass Eagle on the siding of the home
Client's existing art installation in corner of the back yard
Clients' existing art stool placed on a field of blackstar gravel
Steel C-Channel with Patina Perfectly Matching Clients' Existing Firepit
Cedar and steel pergola perfectly accented by large scale decor

Craftsmanship that Inspires

Every element of this project, from the pergola's construction to the careful integration of existing natural features, is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of the Native Edge Landscape team. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, our designers and craftsmen brought the clients' vision to life, transforming their outdoor space into a work of art.

Finished back patio with two Trex decks and large steel and cedar pergola. Furniture and styling is midcentury modern.

The large pergola in this project serves as a striking centerpiece, combining the remarkable simplicity of steel and cedar to create a visually striking structure that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. Through careful design and meticulous craftsmanship, we successfully incorporated the clients' artful taste, resulting in a space that reflects their unique style while embracing mid-century modern charm. At Native Edge Landscape, we take pride in creating outdoor spaces that are not only aesthetically stunning but also deeply personal and reflective of our clients' individuality.

If you're seeking to transform your own yard into a captivating art space, we invite you to contact Native Edge Landscape. Our team of experts is ready to bring your vision to life, combining artistry, sustainability, and conscientious craftsmanship to create an outdoor sanctuary that is truly extraordinary. Let us inspire and elevate your outdoor living experience today.

Mid-Century Ranch Makeover

by Dillon Tuttle / October 8, 2021

This mid-century ranch makeover was designed to create an exciting outdoor living space to compliment the homeowners’ in-ground pool and outdoor movie theatre. We wanted the unique style of the home to extend into their outdoor space. Architectural plants paired with the movement of softer flowers and grasses blend into a visually striking and relaxing space for this young family to entertain and enjoy! Texture was a big influence in this landscape with a mix of hardscape and foliage to fuse the space into a modern rustic charm. Windmill palms, cacti, and yuccas were paired with flowering perennials and ornamental grasses to provide seasonal bursts of color and amplify the southwestern ambiance.

Cafe lights and hitching-post towel racks were selected for a cozy and eccentric Austin flare. Artificial Turf was installed to replace the pre-existing pea gravel to soften the landscape and create a more pet-friendly backyard for their dog to play in. An outdoor kitchen with a raised countertop for extra seating was built within access of two doors for hosting and cleaning convenience. With this backyard makeover, the hosting possibilities are endless!

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Mount Bonnell Native Oasis

by Dillon Tuttle / June 24, 2021

We have had the pleasure of working on multiple projects for this property over the past few years! It has been great to watch the property change and turn into the native oasis it is today! The most important aspect of this property that the owner wanted to maintain was that all the plantings were native to Central Texas. The back of the property was filled with native plantings around the pool, and the property owner wanted a cohesive look with her beds in the front yard that had become overgrown. We removed the old plants and added in some of the same native plantings that were found in her back yard. Yaupon Holly was added along the property line to provide extra privacy from the neighbors and flowering natives were clustered to make the property more pollinator friendly!

Another request from the owner was that we make the property more inviting during the evenings. We added in some outdoor lighting to highlight the trees, as well as lighting that illuminated the pathway up to the house and around the back of the property. This added a dreamy element to the space, making the property more inviting to guests.

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Warmest Welcome: Gathering Around A Fire

by Rowan Marney / October 15, 2020

Adding a fire pit to your space provides an eye-catching focal point while increasing the value of your home.


Nothing says "welcome" like a fire pit. They provide both an optimal location for hosting guests, and a relaxing sanctuary for a romantic night in or a quiet evening with the family. The beautiful dancing flames draw you in, making the rest of the world disappear, even for just a moment or two. Fire is also a wonderful way to add a glow to your space without having to install harsh lighting. It adds a certain elegance while also proving a warm atmosphere to unwind in.Highly customizable from their size, to type, to function, there are endless possibilities when choosing the right fire pit to fit your lifestyle. There are portable pits for those who want to have the option of moving their gathering space around. Customizable built-in pits leave room to create a cohesive look and flow within the space. Fire pits come in all shapes and sizes that allow you to choose exactly what size will work for your needs and space. Wood-burning and natural gas fire pits both have their added benefits and harbor different uses, so thinking about the type of experience you want is important.Wood burning fire pits provide guests with a nostalgic and traditional experience. Humans have been making fires this way since the beginning of time so why shouldn't you? There's something about the smell and warmth of a wood burning fire that allows us to relax and reminisce. This type of fire pit needs to be built and placed safely to ensure the flames and sparks won't travel outside the pit. Raised pits and the use of gravel or rock around the area can provide a safer environment to light fires.Natural gas fire pits provide all the benefits of having a fire, without the smell or mess. There is no soot or ash to clean up, no smell left on your clothes, and they cast less emissions when burning. Natural gas pits work by running a gas line to a metal fire pit ring. This ring is placed on top of river rock to provide drainage, then topped with lava rock which absorbs some of the heat. Glass rock can then be added on top to finish the look and give your space that "wow" factor. Natural gas fires do not have sparks that fly out from the flames, making this option the safer of the two.Now that the bulk of the summer heat is over, the best place to enjoy the expansive, Texas starry-night sky is next to a fire. Give yourself, and guests, the ultimate space to enjoy a drink or toast marshmallows as we head into our cooler season!