A Multi-Level Backyard Project

This project was a challenge, but also very rewarding in the end. The yard had a unique slope that wasn't really user friendly, so we made it a multi-level garden space with a spot for eating dinner, a spot for the hot tub and the crowd-pleasing fire pit. It is the ultimate party spot (for suburban America anyway)!

This is the view from the fire pit. There is an upper level patio for dining and also the empty space to the left probably has a table on it by now. We used a variety of materials, including flagstone, boulders and stamped concrete.

Here is the focal point of the yard, the fire pit. There is a flagstone seat wall surrounded by grasses. It was a fun project.

View from the upper level dining area.

Fire Time

It is now officially cool weather in Nebraska. This is a fire pit area we created for a Street of Dreams home back in 2006. I was just thinking it looks like a nice spot to visit right about now. Not without marshmallows and cider, of course.

This is a really simple fire pit design. Sometimes simple is best. We were going for a really natural look, almost as if you stumbled upon it while walking in the woods. Wouldn't that be a nice surprise?

There is nothing better than a good fire during crisp autumn weather. Wish I could go build one right now.

Live your Life Outside

A deck doesn't have to be boring. Too many backyards go unused simply because they don't have an inviting transitional space. This deck is inviting and multi-functional. The main area is ideal for dining and everyday use. The pergola provides shade and the fan keeps you cool in the summer heat. There is a secondary, functional landing as well that is perfect for when entertaining a crowd. Finally, there is a rustic, flagstone patio with a fire pit to warm you up doing the colder months. This deck increases the usable space in the homeowner's backyard and invites people to sit and stay awhile... no matter what time of year. We love to design something that looks good, but also truly enhances the functionality of your outdoor space.

A transitional space doesn't have to be a fancy deck either. An herb garden right outside the kitchen is functional and invites us out daily during the growing season. A small patio with some seating and perhaps a fire pit would also do the trick. It is nice if these spaces relate to the adjacent indoor rooms such as a small and private patio for two off of a bedroom or a larger patio designed for entertaining off of the kitchen or living room. There are small things we can do to really increase our homes living spaces and encourage ourselves to step outside!

Take a look at a few of our other decks, patios and structures for some ideas.

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Is this a mirage?

You wouldn't guess this swim-up bar is in Nebraska would you? Sure would feel nice on a day like today. The homeowners on this project really wanted their backyard to feel like a resort. They wanted a place to entertain the adults as well as the grandkids. It was a small space but we managed to work in all of the desired elements including a bar/grill/dining area, a custom pool and spa with a natural stone "diving board" and even a fire pit. I don't know about you, but I could kick back and relax in a place like this!

The Shop

Here is a peek inside our small store/design studio in Rockbrook Village. We carry art, sculpture, pottery and even hand lotion for gardeners. The fire pit pictured above is artisan made.

We are currently having a midsummer sale! Our large pots are 50% off!!

The Gilden Tree lotions are also on sale at 30% off! Fun fact about Gilden Tree... it is made locally here in Omaha and has been featured in magazines for it's popularity on the east coast!

If you are ever in the Omaha area, please stop by and say hi!

A Place to Entertain

Here are some images from a project we completed this past spring. There are a lot of fun features including a fire pit, two water features, a built-in grill, and an inviting seating wall.

Cooper, the neighbor's dog even enjoys hanging out here until his mom gets home from work!

This was a really fun project to work on and I am excited to see it once the plants get established.

As you can see, there is plenty of space for entertaining or dining al fresco.

Natural Stone Driveway

The intent of this project was to have a third driveway stall that is somewhat disguised from the street and from the neighbors. We also wanted it to have a double life as a patio when desired. The homeowners could set out a table and chairs or a fire pit and have a nice spot to relax in their front yard.

The homeowners are avid art collectors so they included sculptural elements including basalt columns and steel garden art. (btw, we have a very similar steel sculpture in our shop in Rockbrook village available right now!) The smallest basalt column catches water for birds which is cool. They live at the edge of a forested area where there is a lot of wildlife.

We included Weigela and "Little Titch" cat mint.

Since they live in a wooded area it was very important to them to have things looking natural and a little wild.

The boulders add to the rustic, wooded feel to the addition as well.

This is a nice way to add functional space to the landscape without having to pour another slab of concrete. The trees, flowers and the natural stone birdbath will be inviting to both humans and friendly woodland creatures for many years to come!

Garden Party

It's funny how when you're working on someone's outdoor project, they often say they will have a party and invite you as a thank you... most of the time that doesn't happen... but last week it actually did happen! This was a complete outdoor living renovation featuring a built-in grill, several water features, a fire pit and plenty of space to entertain. The kids love it so much they actually do their homework out there now! The client also said that she has to keep the ingredients for s'mores stocked in case of a sudden craving. These clients were great to work with and had this party to thank all who were involved in creating this space. This patio is one of my favorite projects and I will be sure to post more pictures of it in the future.

Staircases in the Garden

Here are a few examples of staircases that we have designed for some of our clients. I know the gardeners out there will be disappointed for the lack of plants, but it is still nice to show a good foundation for a garden. I love stairs in the landscape because they give a person a destination. They can lead someone to a patio, a sunken fire pit, a water feature or simply another area of the garden. They can also frame a landscape as in the top photo and cause a person to pause and take in the view. They also offer so many possibilities as far as container gardens, lighting display and even a place to set the pumpkins in October.