I think we’re all ready for the end of 2020. Although it has been a challenging year in many ways, Bob and I are grateful for the many wonderful landscape design and landscape architecture clients we’ve worked with at Carex Design Group this year. Here are a few of this year’s best landscape design projects in Knoxville and the surrounding areas …

Infinity-Edge Pool in Seymour

Although infinity-edge pools aren’t typically used in a way that you can see or spend time on the spilling end of the pool, we had a design challenge with this project in that the homeowners wanted a pool but has limitations in the space because of an existing septic system. Bob’s and Cassidy’s design solution was to keep the pool above grade by using this infinity-edge pool design. The bonus of this approach is that the shelf at the end of the pool adds a water feature element to the space and an additional seating area around the fire pit, kitchen and patio area.

For this project, we also designed and built a new deck to expand the area above while using an under-decking water management system to keep the covered kitchen and outdoor space dry. This enabled the clients to add a ceiling fan and TV to stay cool and entertained while using the space.

To see a fantastic fly-over video of this design, check out Bob’s post on Landscape Design Plans In Knoxville Perfect for a Pandemic Quarantine.

Outdoor Recreation: Pool and Putting Green in Farragut

This project was inspired by and excess of at-home time during the 2020 pandemic. The homeowner wanted to create ample recreation options to entertain friends and family while keeping the party outside where social distancing was possible. Bob and Cassidy took special design consideration to create a welcoming entrance for guests (on the left of the image below) that would allow them to arrive without entering the house. Plus, the the pool house has a bathroom and wet bar area to help keep the party outside of the main house.

For the pool, we designed a simple shape to enable us to use fiberglass and keep the costs down a bit. Fiberglass pools are becoming quite popular because of the greater affordability compared with the gunite pool (like the one in Seymore mentioned above). Although the fiberglass is more affordable than gunite, maintenance and longevity are about the same. The up side of using gunite is that you have near limitless design possibilities in terms of shape and size.

A show-stopping feature of this landscape design is the putting green, which is not a typical request in the Knoxville area. With a background in landscape design for golf courses as well as putting green design, Bob was excited to incorporate this element for the homeowners. A great outdoor activity for entertaining, backyard putting greens are low maintenance when we use artificial turf. This design mimics a real golf experience with some interesting elevation change. Below the green, Bob added several “tee box” areas from which people can chip. We also added cool light fixtures in the cups to allow for night-time play.

If you’re ready to see this project through the eyes of your golf ball, check out the video Bob shared in his post on Landscape Design Plans In Knoxville Perfect for a Pandemic Quarantine.

Party Time Pavilion and Fire Feature in Farragut

This family wanted a private outdoor space near their existing pool but away from their existing deck on the other side of the pool. They host a lot of parties and wanted a place where it’d be possible to gather more people or allow ample room for a band to use as a stage area. We designed a very modern-looking screen at the back of the pavilion to create privacy but still allow the breeze to blow through. This area is phase one of the project with phase two including an outdoor bar and seating area under the pavilion.

Backyard Patio Project in West Knoxville

This was a design we did for a traditional home built in the 1920s. Because the home is so classic with clean lines and materials, we opted to design a patio that would complement that simplicity in shape and style, using limestone, brick and bluestone to create a look that seems more original to the space.

To continue that theme, we used classic plants in the landscape design, including Mondo grass, Boxwood, Hydrangeas, Arborvitae, Davidii Viburnum and Rhododendron. The planting plan features clean lines with a simple layout, showcasing fantastic flowering plants with varied bloom times so flowering lasts from spring into late summer. For fall and winter, we used a generous amount of boxwood, Arborvitae and other evergreens to keep things looking fresh throughout the fall and winter.

Perfect Planting in West Knoxville

For this landscape design project, Bob and Cassidy created a beatiful transition from the main house (behind the photographer) through the side yard off the garage and home office. Because this homeowner lives in a wooded area, we used nature stone, boulders and informal planting to make the space look natural amid the woods.

The transition includes gracious natural stone steps for easy access and an informal planting plan featuring Elijah Blue Fescue grasses and Angelina sedum tucked into the stone steps for a natural look. We also included low-growing Nandina and spreading Plum Yew to fill out the planting space. Because the area is used a lot, we added low-voltage LED lights and lit columns to keep things safe in the evenings.

For a close-up view of Angelina sedum, check out these 5 Winter Interest Plants for Your Knoxville Landscaping.

Reach Out for a Landscaping Makeover in the New Year

For help finding joy in your Knoxville landscaping in 2021, fill out our contact form or email Carex Design Group owner and landscape architect Bob Graves. Cheers to 2021!c