Texas Estate Landscape

Neil Bales, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Lawns of Dallas, says that the overall goal of this project was to create a landscape with a tranquil, zen-like atmosphere. He worked closely with the interior designer to complement the style of the home, which was also undergoing a transformation.

This view shows the renovated pool and pool house in the distance, with formal boxwood hedges and seasonal color below a canopy of crape myrtle. Money wart creeps across the wide stone walkway that connects the various outdoor spaces. In order to carry the clean, fresh feeling of the interior outdoors a color palette heavy on whites was employed.

The view through the crape myrtles in the opposite direction reveals a stately pavilion and a sunken tennis court in the distance. The court has been used for large entertaining functions on the weekends and more intimate tennis games between friends during the week.

Further out in the yard is a custom putting green. The artificial turf, from Forever Lawn, was cut to size on site by the installers. The green can be used for serious golfers to practice their short game, or as a fun activity for the whole family.

In the distance is a sunken lawn that provides open space that is unusual in the middle of the city. The walls surrounding the lawn existed before the renovation, but were rebuilt to coincide with the new design.

Another fun feature is the in-ground trampoline. A typical trampoline can be dangerous and unattractive; sinking one into the ground makes it safer and more visually pleasing. According to Bales, installing the trampoline was a challenge because they ran into nearly six feet of groundwater when excavating.

The property also features two stunning flower gardens, seen here is the azalea garden, the least formal of the two. Most of the azaleas here existed before Lawns of Dallas began their work. Bales estimates that they are between 30 and 40 years old. The soil was amended to ensure that they would thrive and continue to bloom every spring.

The fountain, which was also existing, was brought back to life with a fresh layer of stucco. Two bronze statues representing the owners' children were added to complete the garden.

In comparison, the rose garden's design is more formal. The owners wanted a cutting garden that also doubled as a tranquil hideaway where they could sit and relax. A bed of neatly criss-crossed boxwoods contains pansies and tulips. Gray gravel was used to pave the paths.

This garden is on the front of the home and gains privacy from a high wall, wrought iron fence and plants that act as a green screen near the entrance. Once inside the home the garden can be enjoyed through the large windows of the main living area. Additionally, Bales points out that when sitting on the outdoor sofa, you can look through the home and see the pool.

Patio furniture for the pool area, including chaise lounges, oversized day beds and barstools, helps add to the resort atmosphere. These pieces, along with the black containers, were sourced by the interior designer so that there would be a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor furniture and decor. The modern design of these accessories contemporizes the formal design of the landscape.