Traditional

This  is another one of those gardens that I did not want to leave. There is a special spirit here, and it just feels good. Dry stack stone walls tame 'the wild', where brambles and ground water had taken over a big chunk of the back yard. The ground water was redirected into the seasonal stream, which was then piped under the new, man made stream. Bronze scuppers give the illusion of the groundwater being piped directly into this pool. The blond sandstone unites the garden in the built in fire pit, fireplace, seatwalls, custom carved arch, stone slab bridges, and patios. A beautiful, beautiful arbor provides shade and a destination in the garden on the other side of the stream. Serene plantings and the sound of running water invite you to stay and relax. Be sure to check out the chicken coop photos too; it's a beautiful thing as well! Loved working on this project.

Landscape Design & Project Coordination: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Stone work: BT Stone Masonry

Concrete - Patio, paths, bench caps: CMC Designs

Carpentry - Pergola, Chicken Coop, Garden - Tad Judd

Landscape Installation: Beus Landscaping

This garden is a dream.  The steeply sloped back yard was retained with gorgeous tiers of natural sandstone, doubling the usable space of the gardens in a very dramatic and artistic manner. The stone was also used in the steps, patios and in the stunning rill water feature that originates from the copper, wok like bowl at the top of the wall, and then cascades through the walls and plantings. Delightfully intimate entertaining areas are carved out in the space, with bench seating for parties, a beautiful pool of water, and fire pit area for stargazing and alfresco dining.  

Landscape Design and Project Coordination: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Landscaping: Western Landscaping
Stone Work: BT Stone Masonry

This rural garden on acreage got a sophisticated update when the home was remodeled. Extensive, locally quarried stone work is used throughout the project to tie it together: stone steps, stone patio, and beautiful stack stone walls. Curved stone walls embrace the unique formal herb garden. This garden, constructed of powder coated, heavy gauge aluminum, is a focal point from many rooms in the home, and has become a favorite space for the entire family to gather. Very mature, Whispering Pines, are located throughout the property, and give a sense of timelessness.   A cobble covered planter, scavanged from the original home, was relocated to a place of prominence near the front entry to acknowledge the history of the home. This garden truly reflects it's owners'.

Landscape Design & Project Coordination: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Stone Work: BT Stone Masonry

Landscape Installation: Western Landscaping

This small garden in a suburban neighborhood takes advantage of every bit of space. I was lucky to work with those rare clients that pretty much give me free range to do what I feel is right. The blank garage wall become a focal point with three glossy black pots punctuated with spiky Gold Yuccas, and backed by gorgeous, dark red Don Juan roses climbing on the owners' own oversize steel trellises. The hand carved, red sandstone fountain was given a new basin of matching stone, and was relocated so that is centered off the charming, wisteria clad pergola. A small lawn area, textural plantings and a fragrant herb garden complete the back garden. Art is found in the front garden in the dramatic, red sandstone patio featuring a spiral of polished, black beach stones. Plants with interesting leaf color and texture predominate in the plantings, and were selected to give year round interest.

Landscape Design and Project Coordination: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Stone work: BT Stone Masonry

Landscape Installation: Beus Landscaping 

Sometimes, really large yards can be a really large challenge! This brand new home on multiple acres become a family retreat when 'rooms' were carved into the space, creating intimacy in what was once a wide open space. Ceilings are created with trellises, pavillions and shade trees.  The swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and dining area, the large play area accessed through an espaliered fruit tree draped arbor tunnel, and a unique rock water feature made this a true family gathering spot. Everyone wants to hang out at 'Grandma and Grandpa's.  Horses and views of eagles nesting near The Great Salt Lake aren't bad either.

Landscape Design & Project Coordination: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Landscape Installation: Beus Landscaping

What to do in a tiny, tiny condominium back yard.........create multiple seating areas, an illusion of more space, texture, color, structure and interest.  The existing concrete dining patio was given new life with an acid stain in shades of rust, cream and coffee. A separate, intimate graveled area, just big enough for two aqua Adirondack chairs and a big shade umbrella, makes a great place to read, talk or enjoy a cup of coffee. Custom steel perspective panels on the back fence give a feeling of extra depth to the space, and make a uniquely artistic statement. Skyrocket Junipers and Multi trunk Redbud trees give privacy from really close neighbors. Apricot hued roses, aromatic lavender, whispy ornamental grasses and Pardon Me daylilies - all planted in a mulch of sea green stones - engage all the senses. Formal, rusty iron urns on plinths, filled with woven willow balls create an unexpected focal point to this lovely garden space. Antique medicine bottles in blues and greens are an unexpected decorative touch, and provide an additional touch of color to this fun garden.

Landscape Design & Project Management/Landscaping: The Ardent Gardener Landscape Design

Concrete Staining: CMC Designs

Custom Perspective trellises: Hellbent Steel