Austin Home Magazine

We had a several challenges to face with this project. Not only did we need to update a dated landscape to accommodate two seemingly different design tastes (modern & minimalistic vs natural english garden), we were tasked with improving the property's drainage, improving the driveway access, reducing water usage and plant maintenance, and fixing a crumbling wall.

To marry the two design tastes, we started with the more modern elements of metal planters and softened the landscape with mass plantings of ornamental grasses and native sedge. These grasses act as a turf replacement that do not need to be mowed and require less regular watering. On each side of the yard we constructed new cedar fences to provide updated and additional privacy. In addition, we poured a new concrete wall to replace the existing retaining wall and play off the new modern vibe.

This fun and young family moved to this South Austin neighborhood to be closer to friends and family. However, their new home's outdoor entertaining space and lack of landscape felt underwhelming and unwelcoming. The only redeeming feature was their yard backing up to the greenbelt. Our mission was to design a landscape that was not only perfect for their area, but fit their young, fun and busy professional lifestyle.

For the front yard, we complimented the entryway with a mix of modern cut natural stone complemented with water wise plantings. Metal planters, beds of succulents and decomposed granite, as well as other xeriscape features reduced the amount of turf, leaving just enough for their neighborhood movie nights!

In the backyard, we expanded their entertaining space by defining several new spaces; a stone patio for cooking and lounging, a children's play area with climbing wall and custom dragon made out of recycled tires, and a washer pit where they can host local tournaments. As custom gas fire pit act as a focal point for the various areas, and provides light and heat as the days get shorter.  All of this transitions smoothly into the greenbelt. Giving their yard an endless feel.

With a passion for entertaining both children and adults, this family needed a flexible and usable space. Additionally, recent construction had changed the family's greenbelt view, into an industrial eye sore.  Taking cues from the modern interior decorating of the house, we revitalized this tired and tiny back yard into an open and flowing oasis of fun and functionality.

A low maintenance, drought tolerant plant palette was a must for this busy family, and is reflected in our plant choices of ornamental grasses and agaves. A custom constructed swing complements and anchors the play area, without visually invading the overall esthetic of the yard. The swings construction will easily accommodate a hammock as the children get older.  The implantation of bamboo screening hides the new industrial area by blending the space into the surrounding greenbelt. Custom cedar benches provide additional seating and are complimented by large custom metal planters to anchor the space. Removing large areas of struggling grass and replacing it with limestone and black gravel, creates a perfect area for larger groups to mingle.   With distinct areas for children play, adult seating and  "free range socializing" this small space is ready for big parties. 

There is so much happening on this project we've had to divide it into two parts for ya! Make sure you check out the Front Yard.

Truly, one of Native Edge's Crown Jewels, this project is one of our all time favorites. When the homeowner moved in, this property's dated landscape had become a disjointed overgrown mess. The customer's requirements for this space were to increase the entertainment space, a modern and natural zen feel, better access between the various areas of the yard, and a Art Studio that could double as guest quarters.

We tripped the amount of outdoor entertaining space with three main areas; outdoor living, lounge area, and space for the dogs. A custom gas fire pit comes off the studio area to anchor the entertaining area. The furniture chosen for this section stacks on itself to create a obelisk; when not in use, allows additional square footage for the patio and doubles as an interesting visual.

We brought in our friends at McKinney York Architects to help us design and build this world class studio. For the outdoor shower we designed and built a custom iron shower caddy nick-named "The Butler." The butler stands at attention, discreetly holding your towels and toiletries while you shower. The studio is anchored by a raised turf area to soften the hardscape, and offer a place for the dogs to lay, while the artist is at work!

There is so much happening on this project we've had to divide it into two parts for ya! Make sure you check out the Back Yard.

This Hyde Park cottage had recently undergone a beautiful indoor renovation, and was in desperate need of an outdoor facelift to match.

In the front yard, our primary focus was to create an open and enhanced entry way. We used terracing to build a level limestone walkway that refocused the attention to the entry of the house, creating a more welcoming and usable feel. Terracing also helped us create defined planting spaces for visual interest as well as helping with proper drainage and erosion control. Plants that would grow naturally in the cracks and crevices of the wall were selected to soften the hardscapes, and help reduce the urban heat effect. With the addition of a small water feature, we were also able to provide wildlife with a safe and natural habitat!