Modern

These modest homeowners were looking for drainage solutions, low maintenance plantings, and an entertainment space they could enjoy outside. Mowing the grass had been a pain in the past, so with this design we decided to remove it entirely. Instead, more native grasses were utilized to take in water and reduce erosion. A new fence modernized and updated the space and allowed the interior of the backyard to be leveled providing more opportunities for design elements like a floating bench and custom built fire pit.

These customers thought their space was too small to utilize in the way they wanted. We introduced the idea of small spaces needing to be simple, yet impactful in every material and placement chosen. To make the space feel larger, we emphasized the visual height of the space with tall pottery, trellis work, and an herb planter wall, while taking advantage of unused space under the stairs to create storage. The large concrete patio pavers also assist with the illusion of a larger space. The entire space centers around a custom designed iron planter and fire pit combo for night time lounge entertaining.

After their brand new construction was completed, this family had a beautiful and comfortable home that truly fit their needs. However, this new construction lacked an outdoor living space, which left the backyard feeling stark and bare. With this blank slate, we were able to create a relaxing environment for this family to enjoy.

Faced with the challenge of using every square-inch of this small space, Native Edge was able to design a landscape that left this family worry-free. We incorporated a low maintenance composite decking system, modern raised metal planters, and a bubbling urn water feature to tie this peaceful landscape together. The poor drainage of the lot gave us the opportunity to create a striking cat walk and drainage feature, which left ample room for their vegetable and herb garden hobby. There is even a nook for the family dog to enjoy!

This duplex has a very modern aesthetic with focuses on clean lines and metal accents. However, the front courtyard was undeveloped and uninviting. We worked with the client to tie the courtyard and the property together by adding clean, monochromatic details with a heavy focus on texture. 

The main goal of this project was to add a low-maintenance outdoor living space that was an extension of the home. The small space and harsh sun exposure limited the plant pallet, but we were able to use lush plant material to maximize the space. A monochromatic pallet makes for a perfect backdrop for focal points and key pieces. The circular fire-pit was used to break up the 90 degree angles of the space, and also played off the round pottery. 

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.

After purchasing their home, this wonderful couple wanted to make their mark! They wanted to improve the overall friendliness to their home, and that starts with the landscape! Being situated on a large lot, they felt responsible to create a practical landscape that encompassed a drought tolerant plant palette, and sustainable practices.
We were able to focus the energy to the entry of the home, welcoming guests with a comfortable courtyard that was open, yet exclusive. We used a natural limestone, to fit the neighborhood, and a small section of poured concrete to create seating wall with built in fountain to cool down those hot summer nights! We softened this hardscape with a plant palette that will add seasonal interest with the use of natives, and combined these with sticking Agave for some additional architectural detail.
This was complimented with a poured concrete walkway in both the front entryway and backyard to extend the amount of outdoor living.
We were able to capture their modern tastes, and blend this seamlessly with the Austin eclectic lifestyle!

This stylish Brentwood home had recently been renovated while preserving the integrity of its original mid-century design, and architecture. With furniture and furnishings true to the stylish time period, this was a perfect yard to imitate the aesthetics of the infamous Brazilian Landscape Architect, Burle Marx. This family needed a fun, yet functional space to host friends and family; but wanted to preserve the timeless aesthetics of the stylish Mid-Century flare. Burle Marx is famous for his organic nature within modernist landscape architecture. We pulled inspiration from Marx, as one of the first people to call for the conservation of Brazil's rainforests, to introduce a palette of native and beneficial plant materials to mimic his environmental efforts. We also pulled from his artistic expressions with our curved and dramatic garden bed lines, and placement of specimen plantings. All in all, we created a truly timeless landscape design, that's style will easily convey generation to generation.

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.