In this charming backyard, Exterior Designs creates a lush backdrop complete with pops of color when the agapanthus’ purple flowers are in bloom. Texture and varying plant heights lend visual interest while the white marble landscaping rocks create a sturdy foundation. Each season the Exterior Designs crew returns to plant white Impatiens, caladiums or other white seasonal plants to contrast against the lush green backdrop. This project required careful planning around the large exposed oak tree roots as to not disturb the tree, which is certainly the focal point in this quaint courtyard.
This backyard was originally boring and lacked purpose. The homeowner’s yearned for a place to put their belongings, while creating a space fit for relaxation. Exterior Designs custom built a storage shed for their things, while creating a space that feels like a retreat from the bustling city. Beverly Katz selects blue cut flagstone, a traditional New Orleans material found in many of the city’s courtyards. She also creates dimension behind the pool by layering lush flowers and shrubs. The greenery provides a privacy screen and dampens city noises. The beautiful custom pool was hand-dug since space would not allow for heavy machinery. The pool is finished with a fountain that creates a soothing sound of water trickling. The homeowners and their guest have a place to unwind with the complementing lounge furniture. From boring to adoring, this landscape was…
The homeowner requested an intimate flagstone courtyard for entertaining family and friends, while providing a functional space for her dog. Within the courtyard Katz creates a space using mondo grass instead of sod, which provides a place for the dog, while also anchoring the courtyard’s fountain. Eagleston holly trees are used to form a privacy screen, establishing a serene view from the family room. The wooden porch rail was incorporated as a practical design feature to tie in with the home’s architecture. Katz intentionally selected shorter plants to surround the railing as to not obstruct the view. Azaleas, agapanthus, gardenia and annuals, among other plant materials, provide color, texture and visual interest. Raised brick-framed gardens keep the courtyard neat and tidy, allowing the homeowner a beautiful low maintenance landscape.
Hidden beneath overgrowth and a solid wooden fence, this French Quarter charmer was brought back to life. The wooded fence that ran across the home’s front and all existing plant materials, except for a single crape myrtle, were removed to uncover a beautiful two story home complete with a balcony. Katz added a wrought iron fence to offset the existing privacy fence and complement the black iron balcony railing, creating a French Quarter style home that is entered from the side. The courtyard’s focal point is a brick-framed central garden with a fountain urn that ties in the blue of the home’s shutters. Sasanquas, holly ferns, sweet olive and agapanthus along with colorful annuals create a welcoming feel as you enter the courtyard, providing a relaxing and fragrant atmosphere. Homeowner Karen Colvin boasts,” the view looking downward from my balcony…
As the original New Orleans courtyard designer, Beverly’s colorful courtyard was designed with gracious curves and multi-levels, creating two unique spaces that keep the eye moving. Upon entering her pale pink flagstone courtyard bordered with brick pavers, you are instantly surrounded by a combination of colors, textures and the sound of trickling water, all creating the ambiance of a traditional New Orleans courtyard. The upper dining level has a beautiful fountain tucked in the landscape and flanked by gardenias and blooming brunsfelsia. The lower sitting level is filled with southern plants and containers bursting with colorful annuals contrasted by a background of large leaf textured acanthus.