Residential Design & Reviews
Rustic Trail The Dream: To create an exquisite garden full of continuous color blending native plants, nativars, and family favorites attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The client also opted for the heavy planting of ground covers to minimize mulch use. The garden was created from scratch; what an incredible outdoor space this family can now enjoy!
11th Street The Dream: To create an exquisite, private outdoor space for a family home situated on a busy corner in the city of Boulder. An outdoor kitchen, water feature, cabana, outdoor fire pit were also on the wish list. This multiyear project is still coming to fruition, however the garden redesign is full of continuous color blending mature privacy evergreens, drought tolerant plants and family favorites attracting bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The garden was created from scratch; what an incredible outdoor space this family can now enjoy!
Seventh Street The Dream: To remove all grass and xeriscape to create a simplified, yet beautiful and sustainable garden full of continuous color providing a habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators. The client also opted for the heavy planting of ground covers to minimize mulch use. New walls and paths were built by the client and the design is moving piece by piece with a keen eye on the budget, comfort zone, and energy of the DIY client. Naturally, the garden is coming together and evolving over many seasons. The garden was created from scratch; what an incredible outdoor space this retiree can now enjoy!
Locust The Dream: Remove lawn to conserve resources (time, water, pollution from mower) and functionalize space for family vegetable garden. This project was a DIY-assist. The homeowner had a firm vision of her dream backyard which made the process uncomplicated and swift. The clarity in planning created precisely the desired outcome. After the client and I finalized the design, I recommended a contractor and supervised the correct process of lawn removal, gravel installation, container soil blend, plant selection and in-ground planting for one quarter round corner section. The homeowner planted the containers and planters herself as the final touch to complete her dream backyard.
UPDATE Spring 2025! The client has asked me to return and xeriscape her front yard.
Maxwell The Dream: Spruce up existing flower beds with low-maintenance, colorful, drought resistant plantings for a busy Boulder family.
This project was a full plan and install. The homeowner requested colorful, long-lasting, easy flowerbeds to spruce up his lovely cottage on Mapleton Hill. He handed the project over and “Wow!” was his response. I definitely exceeded his expectations. Existing plants were repurposed and planters were also designed using a blend of annuals and perennials which can be transplanted to the garden in fall.
Brockway The Dream: Modernize entry walkways and create a new, low lying perennial bed that will thrive in acidic, dry, conditions.
This project was a full plan and install. The homeowner requested new entryway designs, a lighting plan, and the replacement of a grass lawn with a low lying, beautiful perennial bed that would enhance the beauty of the front and side entryways. After much collaboration, we decided on a green and white-themed plantings that blended hostas, Pawnee Buttes sand cherries, a Daphne, anemone, astilbe, Annabelle hydrangeas, peonies, succulents, and repositioning of existing plantings for a continual bloom from spring to fall.