portfolio

These homeowners came to us wanting to update their property with new plantings at the street, which matched the existing landscaping of the neighborhood, as well as update the various beds around their foundation. The existing beds throughout the property became overgrown and needed a bit of breathing room to allow space for the new plants to fill in. The old vegetation was ripped out and replaced with both native, and adapted plants.

The wooded area in the backyard was rid of debris, and a drainage system was added using the rocks that were in their previous landscape design. Not only were the materials able to be recycled, they are now used to help prevent continued erosion of the hillside by taking the water from the sloped driveway and giving it a path toward the woods. Limestone was the chosen replacement because it is cohesive with the neighbor’s landscaping and the pre-existing stairs in the backyard. Blocks of limestone were used to line the new beds and build a new fire pit to accessorize the beautiful view!

Our customers for this project were a young, active family new to Austin with a keen eye for design and a love of the outdoors. The main goal of this project was to implement an outdoor living space while also providing an area for their dogs and kids to be active. 

Starting in the front yard, we added a walkway to connect with the street to create a welcoming entrance for guests.  Next we focused on extending their indoor living space into the backyard by implementing elements that they would draw them outside. The new patio and fire pit, built-in seating opportunities, an outdoor shower, and an adjustable louvered pergola help keep the space comfortable for everyday use. A rain water catchment and a raised garden and herb wall create opportunities to interact with their landscape. The inclusion of the custom built play area gives the kids a separate place to play while mom and dad entertain. 

The home was a new construction, with unique yard layout that left us with a series of corners. These customers were conscious of choosing environmentally friendly options to work with nature in their space rather than combat it. We were able to create movement within the yard and soften the structures with native plantings that added energy to the space.  

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. 

Another fun Crestview project! This young couple wanted a back yard that reflected their bohemian-eclectic style and could add additional privacy from the ever climbing construction around them. A place for "hanging out and drinking coffee or beer in the backyard." But what was most exciting, was the air stream they had just purchased and were in the process of restoring. With the end goal of using it as a guest home for family and friends, we were challenged with creating a space that was cohesive and connected this new living space with the rest of the yard.

In the front we had another quark to fix. The sidewalk from their front door to the street suddenly stopped 5 feet from the curb, making a less than inviting entry for guests. So, creating a new usable entryway with additional curb appeal was a top priority.

We managed the entertainment space by using modern poured concrete pad's as a focal. A poured concrete wall serves as a bench as well as creates a visual anchor for the patio area. To soften the hard materials, small plantings of succulents and ground cover were planted in the spaces between the pads. For a backdrop, a custom Cedar Plank wall and trellis combined to soften the vertical space and add plenty of privacy. The trellis is anchored by a Coral Vine to add interest. Cafe style lighting was strung across the area create a sense of intimacy.

We also completed the fence transition, and eliminated the grass areas that were not being utilized to reduce the amount of water waste in the landscape, and replaced these areas with beneficial plantings for the wildlife.
Overall, this landscape was completed with a cohesive Austin-friendly design in mind for these busy young professionals!

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!