As owners of a landscape architecture firm in Knoxville, Tenn., Julie and I take time at the end of each year to celebrate our successes, reflect on lessons learned and explore opportunities for new adventures. We’re fortunate to have had many successful landscape design and construction projects in the Knoxville area. Here are just a few:

Backyard Landscaping Renovation in Farragut

Landscape Construction By: Magnolia Landscape Construction
Referred by: www.carexdesigngroup.com

When this family came to us for help reconfiguring their backyard landscaping, they had a covered deck on the back of the house, but it was detached from the rest of the yard and lacked an inviting transition down to the lawn. We solved the problem by designing a raised patio that shortened the transition and gave them an additional seating area. For the new patio, we used Belgard’s Tandem wall block and column — a favorite product at Carex Design Group! We also used the open space in the interior of the column to recess planter boxes to help soften the space. In addition to adding irrigation and landscape lighting, we updated the landscaping in the yard and added a crescent-shaped raised planter.

Two-Part Landscaping Installation in Lenoir City

Built By: Magnolia Landscape Construction
Referred by: Former Carex Design Group Clients

One of our specialties at Carex Design Group is creating landscape design masterplans for residential properties. You may have caught sight of this one in a blog post last spring on walkways after we completed the first phase of installation. While phase one included the front walkway and landscaping in addition to a small seat wall at the home’s entrance, for phase two, we focused on the backyard. To make sure the clients had ample entertaining space, we included an extensive patio and fire pit with a cooking grill. Because the home originally had a wooden deck with a large step down to ground level, we designed a new flush entry to eliminate a trip hazard and make sure everyone stayed safe during the festivities. Additionally, in the spirit of phased design and installation, we incorporated hidden footers in the patio columns to prepare for a future screen room the homeowners plan to add. The hidden footers will allow for future support posts without looking out of place in the meantime and the knee wall that serves as a seat now will be the future outer wall for the screen room.

The columns with the hidden footers also serve as a throne for the family’s dog Vincent! During a recent visit, we all agreed the design is Vincent-approved.

Here’s what the client had to say:

Natural Landscaping in the West Knoxville Woods

Built By: Integrity Lawn & Landscape
Referred by: Dogwood Arts House and Garden Show

Although we finished this job in late 2018, we consider it a 2019 success because it wasn’t quite done in time for the 2018 project wrap-up post. For phase one of this project, we designed a retaining wall and drainage plan with new planting for the front yard. However, shortly after starting construction, the clients decided to have the full masterplan installed, which included additional planting, sidewalks, landscape lighting and a fire pit and patio that served as a transitional space connecting the front yard with the backyard. Using the patio as an oversized landing helped us disguise the 10’ grade change, making it less noticeable and giving the space a cozy cabin atmosphere where the family could sit around the fire. We also added a new treatment to the aging lattice work that included horizontal bands stained to compliment the aged wood on the existing deck and log cabin.

Here’s the 3-D landscape design plan we created:

We recently photographed the space after about a year of it having been installed. Here’s what it looks like now:

In addition to having a fun night catching up with these wonderful clients, we got to hear from them about how they use the space. We found they’re using the fire pit frequently and like the planting areas because it solved the erosion issues and eliminates the need to mow! Back when we finished the project at the end of 2018, here’s what they shared on our Facebook page:

Resolving to Fix Your Landscaping in the New Year?

If you want a plan to improve your landscaping in the new year, call me at 865-765-5550 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.

Julie and I hope you have a happy holiday season and a very happy new year!