Looking across the guest house to the main house. Specimen crape myrtle tie the two properties together, as well as similarly designed panels of lawn framed with low plantings of boxwood, azalea and perennials astilbe and nepeta. Other than colorful planters filled with annuals, the majority of the flowering plants feature white blossoms. White flowering hydrangea and crape myrtle are used throughout the property.

A before photo looking at the main house from the opposite corner of the property along the street sidewalk.

Same view. Along this city street, a planting of Nellie Stevens is kept tightly pruned by our maintenance crews. Hydrangea, azalea and liriope add spring and summer color. The side yard which is used to entertain is completely private from the street.

At the last few hollies, the front of the house is revealed. Lower plantings of Boxwood and Astilbe replace the holly hedge. Our crews performed extensive soil replacement and amendments to assure the health of the plant material. You can see the second building used as a guest house, at the far right of the photograph.

A before of the driveway between the main and guest house. Note the incredible view of the National Cathedral.

Similar after view. Newly paved driveway of premium black granite cobbles was constructed by our masons. Set on a concrete slab with mortared joints, the driveway includes a granite curb to keep the edges crisp and clean year-round. Wrought iron gates can be used when children are playing in the back. The gates are also closed and locked when the clients are out of town.

A sport court behind the guest house is the first sign that this property is sport and family oriented. Our landscape and masonry crews teamed together to install this court – a novelty in downtown Washington, but a great addition for their kids and friends.

A look the other way illustrates the client’s dedication for providing areas for the children. Moveable sport equipment currently on the walkway can be placed on the lawn for practice. Along the back border are more permanent play structures installed by our crews

The more permanent play structures include a swing set, playhouse, and an in-ground trampoline.

10. The play areas were completed with artificial turf to prevent the mud that usually accumulates under and around play sets. Past the playground, the pool offers fun and relaxation for the entire family.

Looking back at the house and yard from the pool house. The installation of large deciduous trees helps the scale of the home relate to the land. On the right, behind the chaise lounges, a glimpse of the steps to the upper terrace.

An inviting stairway leads to the upper terrace. Healthy plantings of hydrangea provide long lasting summer blooms.

Our crews rotate annuals in the planters three times a year. The evergreen screen between the neighboring home is thriving and the arborvitae hedge is well on its way to completely screening our client’s outdoor space from the neighbors.

A view across the upper terrace highlights the formal symmetry and lawn panel. A firepit, dining, and seating areas frame the lawn. The terrace lawn was installed over a Geo-grid system to handle tents and large parties without significant damage to the turf..

The upper terrace continues with formal plantings of Boxwood and Hydrangea. An osmanthus hedge behind the fire pit seating area eliminates the view of the fence. The healthy plants and turf are a result of comprehensive grading, soil removal and enhancement, managed irrigation, and skilled installation.

A shot of the grilling corner during construction.

Looking across the upper terrace from the firepit area to that grilling corner, the elegant design, spectacular view, peaceful colors, and material choices, all combine to give the client the functionality and aesthetic requested.