Live Green Landscape Associates

Olek Residence

The client requested a garden with native plantings with formal traditional accents as well as a clear entryway. While our company was not the designer of the project, we were able to bring it to life with our installation of boulders, river rock, and cedar woodworking. Our entryway features a wrought iron handrail attached to a contemporary composite decking bridge that is led by special multi-colored bluestone pavers reminiscent of the bluestone native to the area. The bridge entry way provides a feeling of stepping into somewhere new and gives the garden a more defined sense of space. Once inside the garden you will find a small seating area, a dark cobblestone lining to emphasize the transition from gravel and mulch, and planter boxes for a maintained herb and vegetable garden. And at the edge of the planting beds, a custom-built shred rests like an old English cottage.

Colao & Peter

Oakton Oasis Backyard Renovation

We were brought on to this project because the client was not completely satisfied with an existing pool, spa, and pool deck. The site felt dull and outdated. Our goal for this project was to create a space that the family was excited about and wanted to use, whether they were enjoying a relaxing day at home or having groups of people over to entertain. To achieve the look we were going for, we removed the existing pool deck, added limestone paving and a raised limestone patio to house the spa, added a bluestone border to the pool deck and bluestone caps for all of the masonry walls, incorporated automatic fire bowls for visual interest and a modern flair, updated existing walkways, added landscape lighting, and incorporated a new planting plan for the space.

J&G Landscape Design

Country Living in Clarksville

The client tastefully and completely transformed their ranch-style home using a rustic-modern touch throughout. Our goal was to integrate the landscaping into this theme for a cohesive-looking project. The client maintains a fresh look by rotating annuals and site furnishings seasonally.

J&G Landscape Design

Historical Home in D.C.

Working with the homeowners of this historical home in Washington, D.C., we were able to create a new entry to their home and landscape. A new retaining wall allowed for a larger front lawn separated from the public sidewalk and a new larger driveway to create safe access from a busy road. The redesigned front walkway allows for an easy approach to the home and access between the front door and driveway without needing the public sidewalk. The larger stone stoop and walkway allows for a great greeting and gathering space, and the new plantings complement the architecture of the home to offer a brand new front yard experience with open lawn and perimeter plantings defining the space.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

A Pasadena Residence

The client wanted his summer home on the Chesapeake Bay to have a South Florida vibe. A sleek entry court with crisp lines was key. As a performance car enthusiast, our client wanted his guests to arrive and park their imported classics in a space that fit with the high-end vehicles in which they arrived. A wow factor utilizing titanium white concrete and high-end synthetic turf provided the perfect look. To tie the arrival court in with the garden, low stone walls repeated the look of the home’s foundation and allowed the expanse of parking to be screened upon arrival. Plantings were incorporated to add needed privacy, architectural interest, and platforms for an impressive night lighting effect.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

St. Michaels Residence

This family has become a lifelong client. Our company installed the front entranceway project more than 10 years ago. Correcting drainage issues, creating an inviting entrance, and finding a way to reduce the impervious surface so that a future swimming pool and backyard improvements will be feasible when desired were the clients main focus. Our crews replaced the asphalt circular driveway with a gravel driveway and car court. The drive from the parking court to the garage is disguised as lawn and therefore hidden. The sub-base consists of a geo grid and aggregate, allowing for a turf-covered driveway, which reduces impervious materials and simplifies the design. The Ipe boardwalk to the front door leads to the vase fountain aligned on the axis of the walk, which extends to a landing leading to the front door. Since this is a weekend/summer home, the plantings focused on summer blooms with deer tolerant plants.

J&G Landscape Design

Waterfront Residence in Annapolis

Working side by side with a builder, this new home construction allowed for great opportunities to create a wonderful landscape entry experience. A permeable paver driveway creates a grand approach and entry to the home while managing stormwater on site. A new flagstone walkway creates a beautiful greeting and gathering space. The new plantings reflect the architecture and experience of waterfront living. The open lawn area creates a buffer between the public sidewalk and private residence.

Grow Landscapes, Inc.

Great Falls Retreat

This Great Falls project includes a semi-inground pool, monolith water feature, pavilion with wood-burning fireplace, retaining walls, and patios. Highlights include the exceptional craftmanship of the stone work, featuring thick building stone throughout as well as the dense perennial plantings. The overall feel is one of restful seclusion despite the near proximity of neighbors. The homeowners recently shared that they use the space daily in all but the bitterest of cold weather and that the project has added to their lives in ways that far exceed what they expected.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Edgewater Residence

The new homeowners of this property inherited dated, nonfunctional outdoor living spaces. Our work included installing new pool coping and repairing the automatic cover, now with a stone cover box. Interior renovations included gutting the basement to make an entertaining haven for “College Football Saturdays,” which the clients host regularly. Because the impervious surface allowance was maxed out before we arrived on the project, our carpenters built a ground-level Ipe deck to create an allowable surface for an entrance and a seating area for the new basement. The plantings are deer resistant and focused on blooming in the summer months.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Glen Mill Residence

The client called us because they wanted a covered outdoor space for multi-season use. The backyard they inherited was not functional and unusual. It had nice features, but they were fragmented, with multiple styles—from farmhouse to neoclassical to contemporary to rustic—and disjointed. A multi-level pool deck and pool were in place, and the client did not want to invest in upgrading the flatwork, but they disliked the sunken classical garden and Victorian pergola. Our scope of work included removing the ornate pergola and building an outdoor living area that included the potential for three or four season use, a large screen TV for viewing sports and Friday night movies, counterspace for serving food and drinks, storage, overhead heaters, a maintenance-free fireplace, and room for comfortable furniture.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Great Falls Residence

We were called in for a new project for an existing client. They wanted to replace their old synthetic deck, stairs, and gazebo with masonry patios and a new covered and screened pavilion while incorporating the existing masonry fireplace. They asked that the new work blend seamlessly with our original masonry installations from a decade ago. The resulting combination of the new hardscapes and old creates a more cohesive overall design with colorful travertine paving being the common denominator throughout. The exterior space is more functional, with designated areas for grilling, dining, and entertaining, and a new patio for the fireplace. The design of the new covered screened pavilion echoes the arches in both the architecture of the home and the covered pergola we installed in a previous phase. The larger pavilion accommodates family gatherings and dinner parties comfortably and is a welcome addition to the property.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

McLean Residence

Our team of designers and craftsman were asked to create a functional and colorful "She Shed" garden for this McLean, Virginia, home. The comprehensive project required a collaborative effort among our design team, masons, carpenters, and landscape technicians. We built the infrastructure and performed the masonry work, carpentry, and landscape planting. The project is a totally functional fruit and vegetable producing outdoor living space constructed within a natural landscape. Our crews worked as a team to create this unique garden space. Hand-chiseled stone, solid cedar fencing, precision craftsmanship, and careful attention to plant selections make this a beautiful and luxurious outdoor space.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Mill Creek Residence

The client called us after several companies told them it was impossible to fit a swimming pool on the property. As new homeowners, they wanted their outdoor space to have lots of amenities and be used multi-season. Their wish list included generous space for parties and entertaining, a pool, a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, a grill station and counter, a covered area for relaxing and watching sports, and last but not least, an outdoor shower. With three children under 5, all having varying levels of swim experience, we designed a pool with safe entry and use for all ages and development levels. This busy family utilizes their outdoor living spaces for a wide range of activities.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Seneca Residence

The client called us to correct the drainage in the rear yard and enlarge the screened in porch. The water drained towards the house and in hard rainfalls, water would collect on the floor of the existing screened porch. The project ultimately grew to include a renovated breezeway entrance off the driveway, renovated fireplace, new pool deck, retaining wall with steps to an upper lawn, along with colorful plantings throughout.

The screen porch was enlarged for more comfortable family gatherings and entertaining. The old brick fireplace was given a new look and life with a full stone veneer. Stone cabinets flank the fireplace for storing wood and a large screen TV was added for watching football and Friday night movies. Retractable screens were installed and make this covered space flexible and usable throughout the seasons. Drainage was addressed with a stone retaining wall, an extensive French drain system, and by adding a single step up into the porch. Flagstone banding against the new travertine paving material helps denote the single step and prevent falls.

The pool deck was removed and a concrete base, topped with colorful travertine stone, replaces the original concrete paver patio. Plantings are geared towards the summer months. Color is provided with flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, with Crape Myrtle, Black-eyed Susan, Purple Cone Flower, Summer Phlox, and Blue Mist Shrub being the most prevalent.

Pinehurst Landscape Co.

Blythewood Residence

This stone manor home, originally constructed in the 1910s, is located near the center of Baltimore, Maryland. Bordering on a restoration project, careful detailing and effort was practiced to preserve the authenticity of the space while creating and connecting to newer elements. The grounds of the property have several old trees similar in age to the house and stone work, which was carefully preserved during the construction of a pool/poolhouse, sports court, and formal lawn. Artificially weathered and oversized stepping stones were used to connect the different spaces, as well as a classic and timeless planting scheme anchored in hydrangeas, geraniums, and deutzias. An enticing glimpse of the rear stone façade and authentic white lattice work can be seen from the road, but the grandeur of the formal lawn and deutzia hillside can only be experienced by invited guests.

Jennifer Connoley Landscape Design

Urban Oasis, Outdoor Entertaining Area, Landscape and Hardscape

This tiny 2,120-square-foot side yard of an in-town residence was transformed from a fenced lawn with a dysfunctional porch/egress to a flourishing garden/entertaining space. The project involved demolishing an existing porch and pillar and installing a stone porch, brick steps, a stone dining patio, a stone raised bed, a brick firepit area, a drainage infrastructure, a custom water feature, sod, landscaping, and lighting. In keeping with the traditional colonial architecture of this Eastern Shore home, the client wanted a classic design with simple, clean lines. In addition, she wanted elements that would add a modern edge to the project. The design focuses on entertaining as well as privacy. From wide wraparound steps and traditional stone and brick masonry to a simplistic wooden trellis, the combination of materials provides a timeless elegance. Mature trees and additional screening plants outside the existing fence help to create intimacy within the space. A blend of traditional, noninvasive landscaping and native plants was used to provide colorful, textural, all-season appeal.

Kane Landscapes, Inc.

Hardesty Residence

About eight years ago, our maintenance clients realized their teenage children were growing up quickly. The desire to spend more time outdoors together with the family prompted them to hire our team to design and build a backyard entertaining environment complete with a pool, spa, grilling area, ample patio space with a fire pit, and a lower “soccer” field. In a very small rear yard, our design team was able to create a beautifully appealing linear layout that met all of their requests.

Sisson Landscapes

A Formal Great Falls Landscape

The client recently moved from D.C. to Great Falls, Virginia, and was enthusiastic about having additional space to develop a more elaborate garden. What we designed for her was a formal garden, consisting of four levels: an upper lawn terrace, boxwood hedging, a perennial border, and a European beech hedge to separate the space from the other areas in the garden. The lawn terrace also featured a reflecting pool. Steps lead down to a second terrace featuring an Armillary sphere and a pea gravel walkway flanked by Annabelle hydrangeas. Steps lead down to a parterre garden filled with heirloom roses and boxwood hedging. A central fountain and two arbors also complement the space. A lower lawn area includes a pergola sitting off in the distance. The main hardscapes include a flagstone dining patio with outdoor grill area, pea gravel walkways with cobblestone edging, granite steppers, masonry steps, stone retaining walls, and various shade structures. Irrigation and lighting was supplied throughout.

Surrounds Landscape Architecture & Construction

Fox Creek Farm

We installed a new rear area entertainment space, including an entry gate with wall and stoop at the garage; bluestone walkways and patios; a covered terrace and porch off the rear of the home; an outdoor pool; a prefab spa; surrounding masonry walls, steps, and patios; landscape, lighting; and drainage.

Colao & Peter

Lodge Style Sanctuary

As a design build firm, it is a very common request that we not only create high-end outdoor living environments but also create projects that complement the architectural style of the home. That was exactly our goal for this project. The home demonstrated a rustic, lodge style that included natural stone veneer throughout, so we wanted to bring in materials like boulders, natural stone steps, and wild flowers. Our scope of work included a pool and spa, fire pit, multiple patio spaces, steps and walkways, and plantings throughout the property. When designing the pool, we added the spa above for the purpose of creating multiple destinations and locating it closer to the house. We also added a stone veneer bond beam wall to hold up the grade above and incorporated sheer descent water features that flow into the pool for added visual interest and a serene aesthetic.

D. A. Dunlevy

Luxurious Pavilion for Complete Outdoor Living

Like many of us whose priorities shifted after 2020, our clients dreamt of an add-on to serve as a relaxing outdoor retreat or welcoming gathering point. The new pavilion aimed to elevate the property without feeling “new” or abrupt. This made it critical for the pavilion to be meticulously designed in balance with the existing architectural and landscape elements. For this to happen, the crew had to first transplant a 20+ foot tall river birch. The tree was hand dug and star laced so that it could be successfully relocated on site. The open layout, exposed beams, tongue-in-groove ceiling, and elegant drop-down lighting all contribute to a kinship with the natural environment. A fireplace with a palette of warm, neutral stones creates a cozy, luxury getaway. The rustic reclaimed barn wood mantel set on stone corbels adds depth to the feature and grounds the above-mounted outdoor television. Elegant lighting, outdoor heaters, and ceiling fans all extend the comfort and enjoyment of the space. The fully customized outdoor kitchen features a large grill, sink, refrigerator, ice maker, wine cooler, and storage vaults set within the natural stone walls and granite countertops. Overall, the design resulted in a structure so attuned to its surrounds that it feels like it was always meant to be there—one that enhances the value and enjoyment of the property and encourages lingering.

Ed Ball Landscape Architecture

Transformative Outdoor Living Design

The goal of this project was to create a more open property by redefining pedestrian access to the property through a direct front formal walkway from the street with a gas lantern, along with a secondary informal walkway to the front of the house. We regraded the front of the property for proper drainage and redesigned the plantings by layering the plantings and curved planting beds to create horizontal and vertical motion. The new garage and house were separate structures, and we created a larger pergola to unify the two structures as one, adding layered plant materials, a flagstone walkway, and vines. The walkways were then stretched to the backyard, where we kept the lawn area clear and defined the expanses of the property with plantings along the edges to make the property feel larger. The fire pit area and outdoor kitchen were nestled to one side of the property, creating three unique outdoor rooms.

Kane Landscapes, Inc.

Duncan Residence

The client hired our company to transform the entire property a few years after their custom home was completed. The goals included re-creating the approach to the home to ensure the driveway and landscape would fit with the architecture and allow the house to “stand out” in the neighborhood, as well as allow better circulation of vehicles. The client also desired a revision to the “ho-hum” pool environment that would allow outdoor entertaining for both intimate and large-scale occasions. Our company was responsible for all outside work, including the design, the demolition of the existing driveway, and all hardscapes.

Live Green Landscape Associates

Pollard Residence

The client and their family regularly vacationed in other states. When travel restrictions were first enacted for COVID, the client wanted to bring the experience of a mountainside resort to their own backyard. Indoor restrictions further pushed the client's desire for an outdoor gathering space that would comfortably host friends and family. Our team designed a refreshed and expanded backyard space. This included a custom wood-burning fireplace and a custom pavilion. The fireplace was constructed out of a granite stone veneer with a custom bluestone color chimney and we subcontracted the pavilion, which included a fan, lighting, and infrared heaters. This space was intended to have the warmth of an indoor living room while being able to have a beautiful natural edge and provide the outdoor airflow capabilities to negate fear for everyone's health and safety during the pandemic.

Rossen Landscape

Foxhall Village Residence

The client wanted to add a pool and entertainment spaces in their backyard. They wanted a clean and modern landscape. We designed and constructed a backyard living space with a pool, patio, pavilion, gas fireplace, pergola, and outdoor kitchen.

Rossen Landscape

Wilson Lane Residence

This project is a new-build residence with an existing pool, which the client wanted to renovate and expand to include a spa and shallow splash area. They wanted a larger pool, pergola, and kitchen/bar areas to be able to entertain guests. The client was also particular about the planting design; they liked Southwest-style plantings and could not have anything with profuse blooms because of a bee allergy. We designed a brand new backyard living area from scratch with a large pool, pergola, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, patios, lawn areas, and plantings.

Sisson Landscapes

The Hidden Monk's Garden in the District

This garden is inspired by the Monk's Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardener Museum in Boston. The original garden featured sinewy paths of charcoal brick pavers winding throughout stands of grey birch and paperbark maple, creating a space to meander and contemplate. In our case, there would be no meandering or contemplating. Instead, the idea was to create an outlook from a new home addition that would remind the client of the garden that they loved. Creating a meandering path on a small site like this would require curves of such a tight radius that brick pavers would not serve. Instead we went with 4-inch x 4-inch charcoal cobbles, and instead of the grey birch, which do not do well in our area, we substituted Himalayan birch. At the ground plane, perennials with chartreuse foliage also pop against the charcoal cobbles, and provide a variety of textures.

Wheat's Custom Lawn and Landscaping

Private Residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland

Tasked with integrating an existing pool shell into an intimate backyard garden setting, we utilized modern cues from the home’s architecture to create an outdoor living oasis that relies heavily on design principles of form, color, texture, and height. We provided soil improvements, grading, drainage materials, decorative stone, vegetation, metal edging work, irrigation, and LED lighting to achieve our collective vision and goal.

Rossen Landscape

Woodland Falls Residence

The client’s intent was to enhance their existing pool deck area by adding a pavilion with a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor kitchen for relaxing and entertaining.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Easton Residence

When we arrived at the site, the house was under construction. The expansion of the house brought it to the existing driveway. It was important to create space between the house and drive with an arrival area, but still easy to manuever and not affect the existing large shade tree between the house and new drive. Drainage was a big issue because everything was flat. We drained everything to a catch basin in the center of the turf area, then extended the drain to daylight in a more effective and concealed location. We located the pool near an existing shed. We enhanced the shed to be a small but very attractive and usable pool house. Although the pool is in the front side yard, it is separated from the driveway and entrance to the residence by a hedge of osmanthus and is hidden from view. On the back foundation terraces facing the river, we included seat walls to bring some dimension to the spaces.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Great Falls Property

We were called in to renovate the entire front yard of this 25-year-old home. Overgrown shrubs and too many trees were overwhelming the property and obstructing the views. Our scope of work entailed cleaning up and removing existing plant material; constructing a new arrival court, brick wing wall, and pier to set off the parking area while creating a screen for the garbage and recycling bins; renovating the front steps; installing a pre-cast border around a lawn panel; and installing new plantings. The backyard and pool terrace of this home was outdated, poorly constructed, and disconnected. Our team created a new outdoor pool terrace featuring a renovated pool, extended flagstone pool deck, outdoor fireplace, grill counter, and detailed brick inlays that showcase the craftsmanship of our masons. The existing pergola was rebuilt with synthetic material.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Riverview

Our client asked us to install a landscape plan developed by a local landscape architect. As we began the project, the client quickly deviated from the plan and asked us to implement his new ideas for the property. Our masons and landscape crews worked with the builder and the homeowner to create a beautifully landscaped waterfront estate property. Our scope of work included masonry subcontractor management, irrigation, and drainage, along with plantings and turf throughout the 12-acre estate. The highlight of the project was successfully transplanting a 24-inch caliper willow oak from our nursery to the front entry of the home.

Planted Earth Landscaping Inc.

Baltimore Residence

This property was a blank slate, with new construction finishing just prior to kickoff. Aside from the pool, we managed the full scope of exterior construction from masonry and carpentry to planting and gas lines. The transformation was evident on a daily basis for almost six months of installation.

Planted Earth Landscaping Inc.

Great Falls Residence

This grand estate is was constructed in the forests of Great Falls, Virginia. A circular entrance leads toward the grandeur front entry of this Colorado Mountain Lodge-style residence with heavily vegetated herbaceous and understory tree plantings. The home itself is a true woodland spectacle, and the accompanying landscape serves its centerpiece well. Along the drive towards the rear outdoor living areas there is an asphalt basketball court. Through the rear gate, a playground for the children is in view. The path opens up to a pool with an organic feel, complete with fireplace terrace, flagstone paths, and a river gravel stream sending filtered water directly into the pool. Beyond the pool berm is a fenced-in vegetable garden with raised cedar planters and gravel paths. Below the pool berm is a full acre of manicured lawn for play and entertainment. Hillsides surrounding the lawn are covered with dozens of reforested native trees to bring the property back to nature following construction.

Planted Earth Landscaping Inc.

McLean Residence

This project was a new home build from the ground up. We were contracted by the builder to install the garden and plantings. There was a great combination of masonry with our planting and grading, and the inground pool made for perfect outdoor spaces on the property.

Colao & Peter

A Modern Twist on a Middleburg Historic Home

This was a very unique project comprising a 17th century home combined with a modern addition and structures, including a portico and a pool house. We were asked to be a part of this project by the homeowner, who was also the architect and the builder, to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor living environment that bridged the gap between the historical and modern elements on site. We created a private entrance gate with a circular driveway leading up to the home; renovated the in-ground swimming pool; and installed a Japanese Garden, masonry walls, steps and walkways, and plantings throughout the property. As our passion is creating "resort-like spaces" this played a substantial role in the design as we aimed to create defined spaces that felt like a personal oasis for the client, whether they are entertaining a group of people or casually relaxing at their home. We incorporated a variety of materials, finishes, and landscape lighting that we felt would complement each other while also being cautious to not over design in order to retain the existing natural and minimal aesthetic.

Jennifer Connoley Landscape Design

Fabulous Farmhouse, Full Property Landscape Design

This renovated circa 1910 historic home has old charm with a modern farmhouse feel. The project included the demolition of an old chicken coop, outhouse, and porches and the installation of new stone porches, a screened porch, a stone patio, an outdoor kitchen, a pergola, a kitchen garden, a stormwater retention area, a front walk, parking areas, paths, and redesigned fencing. In keeping with the minimalist architecture, the clients wanted a very simple, understated design. The outdoor kitchen was inspired by the client’s passion for their Greek heritage. We selected stone that closely resembles the pizza oven built by their grandfather at their home in Greece, still in use today. An open spit was incorporated for slow roasting lamb, rustic cedar was used for the pergola, and forged historic replica iron fixtures adorn the wooden cabinetry for an authentic feel. A few mature trees on the property were preserved and worked into the landscape. Additional screening plants help to create privacy throughout the space.

Pinehurst Landscape Co.

Millero Residence

The initial consultation for this project began just after the client had fully renovated the interior of this mid-century rancher. The client’s goal was to create a new entrance that reflected the minimalistic and contemporary style of the interior. A new stepping stone path was created leading from the driveway parking area towards the front door, where the same porcelain paver material was used to create a landing. Steel edging and gravel were used to connect the exterior lines of the house. The planting scheme was simple and understated, reflecting the architecture of the house. The large monochromatic exterior walls of the house were perfect backdrops to frame select specimens, completing the gravel gardens. A year later, we renovated the rear yard. We continued the porcelain path around the side of the house. We constructed a timber wall with a broad set of lawn stairs leading down to a sloping lawn. We graded the lawn to allow for two terraces, one for dining and one for a firepit.

Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture

Falls Church Hybrid

The goal of this design was to connect a traditional home on the Falls Church streetscape with a more casual “workshop” in the rear of the property. Perhaps most importantly, they wanted a space for croquet and other lawn sports. We created a large sports lawn to connect the house with the workshop and shored up the grade with seemingly endless mountain boulders.

Live Green Landscape Associates

Silcott Residence

The client was in the process of renovating their entire home and requested landscaping that would be as grand as the improved home. Our team worked with them to draft and plan the new design until they liked what they saw on paper. They frequently host gatherings at the home and were looking to create an outdoor area sufficient for entertaining. The main spaces were designed as two outdoor rooms to invite guests to gather. This included a circular firepit area in the backyard as well as the pool area. Our team worked with their pool area by adding bluestone accents to the space by wrapping the existing concrete pool deck and recapping it. The walkways are paved with 2,000 square feet of bluestone on a cement footer to give a modernistic feeling to the renovation. The pavers were then cut in a curvilinear design to soften the harsh edges of the home. The paths efficiently meander through the property to allow guests to utilize multiple stopping points to enjoy the entire space.

Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.

A Lush Oasis

We have cared for this property for nearly two decades. The property is professionally manicured on a weekly basis throughout the growing season, including bed care/weeding, pruning and property cleanup to remove debris. All of the shrubs are hand pruned in a horticulturally correct manner. Shears are never used. Thousands of annuals are planted every season, and fertilizer is applied to improve their quality to give the property the extra colorful pop over the summer months. The turf is trimmed and edged on a weekly basis and fertilized twice a year after a soil sample analysis. The turf is treated monthly for weeds to keep the lawn in its best aesthetic condition and is then core aerated and overseeded every fall to promote healthy turf growth. Along with maintenance and general care, the property is thoroughly inspected on a biweekly basis. This ensures that the property always stays at its best and allows us to proactively address any foreseen issues with the landscape or plant health.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Walker Road Residence

We have been maintaining this 30-year-old Great Falls, Virginia, home since 2018, when our firm constructed the travertine walks and patios, a solid cedar pergola, outdoor kitchen, pool, and granite cobblestone bordered drive and installed the flowering ornamental plantings throughout the property. Our maintenance responsibilities are comprehensive and include weekly mowing, turf and plant health care, seasonal color rotation, and several “party setup” events during the summer.

Planted Earth Landscaping Inc.

Owings Mills Residence

This property came to us as a pre-existing install, with a well-established landscape in need of proper maintenance and care.

Planted Earth Landscaping Inc.

Alexandria Residence

We installed this garden during spring 2020. Located in Old Town Alexandria, this new garden introduces nature to the urban setting.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Dunkirk Residence

Our garden and turf care teams have been maintaining this garden since it was renovated five years ago. The turf is mowed weekly, with careful attention to some marginally draining areas after a heavy rain. Leaf litter is heavy in the fall and often requires two visits in one week during November. Shaded turf areas are seeded throughout the year to maintain a healthy, lush, green lawn. Annuals are rotated four times a year within the landscape. The client entertains often throughout the summer, and our crews are asked on short notice to prepare the property for outdoor gatherings. Our maintenance team is proud to offer a diversity of services that keep this property tidy, clean, and healthy throughout the year.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Bozman Residence

We were contacted by this homeowner after an existing client recommended us for boxwood care and total property maintenance. The property had boxwood blight that decimated their formal garden and surrounding plantings. They needed a redesign and a plan to keep the remaining boxwood healthy going forward. We visit the property weekly to mow and tend to the landscape, with large scale monthly visits to inspect and maintain the plantings with detailed care. We redesigned the formal garden using alternatives for boxwood and kept the formal colonial style. We have added and switched out plantings around the entire property.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Bethesda Residence

Our crews have been maintaining this property for almost 10 years. The first thing we did was resolve a major drainage issue along the front of the property, adding a berm and planting screening material. Five years ago, we were asked to fill in the existing pool and design a garden in its place. When the our client’s grandchildren heard, they complained, so the pool stayed. The charming pool house in disrepair and moldy. We demolished the original retaining walls, created a drainage solution for the area, and rebuilt the walls; renovated the pool house; expanded the existing patio; built the pergola, raised garden, and grill cabinet; and replanted the back garden. Our maintenance responsibilities are all inclusive and include weekly mowing, turf, and plant health care; four seasonal color rotations; and gutter cleaning. Pruning is also a huge component of this maintenance program. Using IPM strategies and being proactive keeps the ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials healthy and happy.

Live Green Landscape Associates

Anne Arundel Community College

The client wanted to take their community college campus and revamp it into a university-level campus experience while successfully melding the new design with the existing landscapes. This also included adding a new state-of-the-art health-life sciences facility. The new hardscape included 25,000 square feet of regular and permeable paving, 10 unique precast concrete walls, and five vertical precast concrete weir walls for bioretention ponds. The final planting plan includes 320 trees, 2,300 shrubs, 3,300 groundcover plants, perennials, and grasses, 30,000 square feet of sod, and 20,000 square feet of meadow seed mix. The site also includes picnic tables, trash receptacles, benches, 200 tons of river gravel, and 59 boulders in various sizes.

Live Green Landscape Associates

Baltimore City Courtyard

The client’s intent to bring to life a 1930s apartment complex was achieved through two main courses of action. First, to reimagine a rooftop courtyard attached to the complex through an elaborate, intimate, and active garden for the residents and patrons of adjacent restaurant patrons. Second, to repair the rooftop of a parking garage structure that was built in the late 1950s. This included the removal of the existing rooftop garden, repairing the deteriorating understructure and waterproofing the rooftop. Original landscape installation plans were reimagined in the true creative vision of the owner through revamping elevations and completely changing the plant palette as well as modifying the scope to create an adaptable design that would allow for future garden additions.

Live Green Landscape Associates

Rash Field Park

The client came looking to finally redesign a park and create a place that could be used for the enjoyment of all ages and backgrounds in the heart of the city. This involved designing for different demographics of people who are interested in art, culture, and urban nature as well as health and wellness. This design required many different contractors for each element. The site is in one of the highest pedestrian trafficked areas in Baltimore and was designed to be a destination park open for use of the community. Our involvement in the project involved 5,000 cubic yards of soil imported to the site, 285 square feet of sand, 1,170 square feet of custom artificial turf, and 5,025 square feet of wood fiber mulch to ensure proper drainage; biodiverse planting; and rain gardens designed to control the city runoff into the harbor.

Ruppert Landscape

Norfolk Southern Headquarters

Located on a three-acre site in Midtown Atlanta, Norfolk Southern’s high-performance headquarters has been designed as an efficient, next-generation urban campus that reimagines the employee work environment and experience. Composed of two office towers, the complex is unified by a five-story campus-style hub that serves as a destination for employees to work and socialize. The client’s intent for the project was to create a headquarters where employees don’t just work—they thrive. Their design focuses on environmental sustainability, wellness, and equity. The project included the installation of 685 CY of concrete flatwork; 21,500 SF of pavers; 1545 LF of granite curbing; an irrigation system; 5,153 SF of rubberized play areas; 9,615 SF of artificial turf; 5,900 tons of drainage stone; 87,500 SF of GR30 retention cup panels and geotextile filter fabric; 6,900 CY of soil; 87 large caliper trees; 2,800 shrubs; 16,400 perennials; and site amenities such as decorative fencing, fitness equipment, and playground equipment.

Ruppert Landscape

Robinson Landing

Robinson Landing is a luxury condominium project located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This mixed-use renewal project was designed to breathe new life into the two-acre, multi-parcel site by incorporating three key elements: 26 four-story townhomes, 3 five-story multifamily buildings, and 10,000 SF of restaurant and commercial space. The overall scope of this project included excavating 425 CY of soil; installing 70 silva cells, 122 tons of stone, 460 tons of sand, 2,066 CY of soil, 49,000 SF of soil fabric, 96,425 SF of pavers, and 38,000 SF of concrete; performing masonry, including granite veneer and coping on all walls and stair treads; installing drainage and irrigation; and installing over $1.4 million in site amenities.

Pinehurst Landscape Co.

The Courtyard at Boordy Vineyards

We were approached by the owners of Boordy Vineyards, who wanted to revitalize the primary entrance to their barns and tasting room. It was previously a stone dust courtyard with poor drainage. The original concept an exposed aggregate courtyard with a tumbled bluestone circle in the middle where they would set their firepit. The client wanted the materials to reflect the agricultural character and age of the surrounding barns and the farm as a whole. We spent time with the client to review several previous projects of ours to show them various material options. We ultimately selected tumbled bluestone set in a herringbone pattern for the field of the courtyard surrounded by a granite paver border. Two walkways (one from a parking lot into the courtyard, the other from the courtyard down to the main barn) were built using patterned bluestone to match the existing terrace.

Ruppert Landscape

Georgetown University Law Center

Central to Georgetown Law’s mission of educating exceptional lawyers is the philosophy of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, helping students forge a path to leadership that balances personal success and career achievement. To that end, we were entrusted to maintain a landscape that reflects the proud history and prestige of this institution while balancing the need for peaceful, reflective outdoor space for students and faculty to study, relax, and connect with their peers. We helped achieve this goal through a high standard of maintenance, which includes flower beds, trees, pots, and turf, including care of 2,200+ annuals, approximately 700 perennials/grasses/shrubs, 1.5 acres of turf, 15,300+ square feet of bed space, and over 50 trees, as well as managing the irrigation system.

Ruppert Landscape

Riverwood

Situated just off the Chattahoochee River and minutes from Buckhead, Midtown, Central Perimeter, and Downtown Atlanta, Riverwood comprises two LEED-certified office buildings with spectacular city views. The property is expected to be the Class A office standard for sophistication and style in the Northwest/Cumberland area, designed to attract the next generation workforce. The owner/property management company wanted to enhance the 35-year-old landscape, addressing some challenges with its plant palate while providing the same high-class, full-service feeling that tenants experience inside the buildings. The maintenance of the site includes care of 2,500 annuals, 200 perennials/grasses/shrubs, 3 acres of turf, and 50 trees as well as mulching, edging, turf management, pruning, mowing, irrigation, and several significant enhancements to help augment this site’s visual appeal.

Ruppert Landscape

In America: Remember

In America: Remember was a public art installation commemorating all Americans who have died due to COVID-19. In September 2021, 693,000 white flags were installed on 20 acres of the National Mall for two weeks, creating a national opportunity to reflect upon the enormous toll of the pandemic. Local DC artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, who conceptualized and executed the event, reached out to us to request aid in installing the flags, and we offered to perform the work at no cost. This was the second installation of In America for which we volunteered to assist. We had over 200 team members from nine offices in six states working throughout the three-day install.