Featured Landscapes

Mid-Century Modern Meets Taos

Our clients had a vision for their landscape. Architectural lines with naturalistic plantings. A style that spoke to the modern aesthetic while being family-friendly, casual, and cool. Simple materials given new life, and a yard given new meaning. This is what our work is about - Outdoor areas that extend your living space and enhance your life, your way.

Custom metal gates by Frank Secker of Zog Design informed the geometry of the landscape, right down to the L-shaped planter beds. Sometimes a single detail can inspire an entire design. Here the entry gate casts evening shadows over the architectu… — Custom metal gates by Frank Secker of Zog Design informed the geometry of the landscape, right down to the L-shaped planter beds. Sometimes a single detail can inspire an entire design. Here the entry gate casts evening shadows over the architectural leaves of Siberian Iris.

Stone Forest’s basalt fountains are a favorite for their versatility and elegance. This one screens out background noise from the highway, brings birds to the garden in the Summer, and provides a refreshing drink for the family cats. When not in use… — Stone Forest’s basalt fountains are a favorite for their versatility and elegance. This one screens out background noise from the highway, brings birds to the garden in the Summer, and provides a refreshing drink for the family cats. When not in use, it serves as a sculptural focal point.

Small Scape Ideas For Cozy Courtyards

Enchanted Homes 2020: The Small Spaces Issue. Our article features how to create the perfect courtyard for your home. Whether it’s Classic New Mexico Style, Modern Desert, Zen Retreat or another style entirely, take some tips on how to make your courtyard the best room in your house.

BORROWED LANDSCAPE

Harnessing the space beyond your space, whether it includes mountains, trees or sunset views, can make a small space feel larger. Exploring the relationships between your interior experience (inside your courtyard) and the exterior experience is a fun way to design, based on an East Asian design principle known as the ‘Borrowed Landscape.’

Fountains by Stone Forest - Santa Fe

FRAMING YOUR SPACE

Your desired experience will help inform how to “set the scene.” Protection from the elements is paramount for optimal enjoyment of an exterior space. Consider planted borders and shrubs as well as fencing and walls for these purposes. Trees and shade structures are great tools to provide shade relief as well as a sense of intimacy. Or, leave the space open overhead to create expansiveness and the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful New Mexico Skies.

FURNISHING & SCREENING

Everything you put in a small space becomes a player in enhancing, or detracting from, your experience. Always consider how your furnishings interact with the surroundings. Minimize external distraction with the use of selective screening.

Gate by Frank Seckler

FLEXIBILITY

In a limited space, it is crucial to make the most of every square foot. Keeping a small space simple will make it feel bigger. Mobile furniture makes a space modular and multi-use. Multi-purpose landscape features can help maximize the potential of the space.

POINTS OF INTEREST - SETTING THE MOOD

Focal points and landscape lighting within a courtyard can enhance the visual experience of the garden. These can consist of plants, sculpture, fountains, furniture or something as simple as a grouping of boulders.

Sculpture by Frank Seckler

PLANTING FOR ALL SEASONS

When planting a small space, plan for all-season interest. With less room you must choose wisely. Consider plants with winter interest, plant bulbs to come up in early spring, and choose flowering plants with a long bloom time to take you through the summer. Select ornamental grasses can be a versatile choice for tight spaces, offering beauty year round.