Coffered trellis ceilings on pergolas bring together architectural style and practical functionality. Originally seen indoors, these designs now find a fitting outdoor application. The structured beams not only enhance the outdoor space but also provide shade and define the pergola's boundaries. The interplay of light and shadow within the coffered trellis adds visual interest, making the pergola a captivating focal point.

Beyond aesthetics, coffered trellis ceilings contribute to the overall atmosphere of a pergola. The repetitive geometric patterns create a sense of order, making the space inviting for relaxation and socializing. Gaps between the beams allow sunlight to filter through, adding a dynamic touch. This makes the pergola suitable for both daytime retreats and evening gatherings. The coffered trellis ceiling blends form and function, turning pergolas into timeless outdoor sanctuaries with architectural finesse and a welcoming ambiance.

Biodiversity in the backyard is crucial for maintaining a healthy and resilient ecosystem. A diverse range of plant and animal species contributes to the overall balance of the environment, promoting natural pest control, pollination, and soil health. In a backyard setting, this biological diversity not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also creates a self-sustaining ecosystem. By fostering a variety of plant life, from native flowers to trees, homeowners can attract diverse insect species, including pollinators like bees and butterflies. This intricate web of life not only beautifies the space but also plays a pivotal role in the overall health of the surrounding environment.

Architectural garden structures further amplify the significance of biodiversity in the backyard. These structures, such as arbors, pergolas, and trellises, provide vertical spaces for climbing plants and vines to flourish. This not only adds a visually appealing dimension to the garden but also creates...

Solar in the Landscape

When talking about residential solar systems we usually think about rooftop solar panels, but wait! There are three reasons to talk about landscaping and solar in the same breath. All of them can represent a source of work or collaboration for the landscape pro.

First, people are often installing solar panels on ground mounted systems because they can get better performance due to orientation, and they don't have to worry about roof penetrations or architectural appeal. When ground mounted systems are employed, they are almost always, an eye sore. Case is point; landscaping can be used to obscure a ground mounted array, or through the use of plantings and other hardscape elements, bring it more meaningfully into the landscape. The illustration below is a beautiful example.

A ground mounted solar array with tastefull landscaping.

The second situation, where landscapers and solar installers can collaborate, is in the...

So the client eventually settled on this design for the south side of the garden (the private side), but had not decided on a gate or materials yet. We proposed SynCore, our own composite material, Accoya, the premiere natural wood product with a 50 year warranty, or Sapele, a tropical hardwood like Mahogany, but less expensive.

The client ultimately decided on Accoya for all of the components, both for it's long life, and it's sustainability. Also, the decision was made to make everything white.

Arched Entry Scheme Selected for South Entrance

On the North side of the garden the owner wanted to make a more meaningful statement, as this was going to to be the public face of the garden. The gate decision was made here also, and we would be putting a matching garden gate at the South side as well.

 Public Facing Arbor with Gate

  Mid project a lower garden was added to the project along with additional picket fencing,...