Favorite Landscape Projects of 2023: Reflections from Lanson B. Jones, Brendan Joseph and AJ Akhtar
As the New Year begins, the team at Lanson B. Jones & Co. is looking back over some of our favorite landscape projects of last year. We are eternally grateful for all our customers and the opportunities to create such enjoyable spaces.
Lanson's Favorite Project of 2023
Project: Modern European Garden
Location: West University
A highlight of the year for Lanson was a project that represents a fusion of his appreciation for both modern design and his roots in European-style gardens. The residential project was situated in West U, and as a neighbor, Lanson felt a personal connection to it.
The project married the hedgerows, geometric shapes, symmetrical patterns, and axial arrangements of the European aesthetic while also prioritizing open space and functionality. The couple also had small children and wanted to maximize the existing space in the yard for their play.
Project Details
The garden design focused on creating a simple and bold layout, with large circles and rectangles, which are truly appreciated from an aerial perspective. The goal was to maintain a light and airy feel that was also clean and purposeful.
The front yard (shown above) showcases a circular pattern for flower beds and landscape edging while the back takes a cue from the rectangular pool and lawn areas as seen below. The team planted Eagleston hollies around the pool for privacy and delineation. There was also an emphasis on having an open space around the family’s playhouse.
With consideration of the compact size of the site, the emphasis was on usability and practicality. As the project involved more of a design focus—sculpting and fine-tuning what was there—there was not a need for extensive planting.
Why It Was a Favorite
Overall, this project stood out for Lanson due to its successful integration of modern and European design elements, the collaboration with the clients, and the project's overall functionality.
“I loved this project because it mixed old and new styles in a way that just worked,” he said.
Brendan's Favorite Project of 2023
Project: Large Garden Renovation
Location: Piney Point
One of the most noteworthy landscape architecture projects for Brendan was the extensive garden renovation undertaken by Lanson B. Jones & Co. for a maintenance client in Piney Point. The project had been a year in the making, with preliminary work starting in June. The finishing touches were added in December.
The garden embraced a modern-traditional theme centered around simplicity. The transformation involved shifting from a busier, more complex landscape featuring various plants and textures to a clean, streamlined aesthetic.
Focal elements included a well-organized line of trees, immaculate ground cover, and the incorporation of a synthetic lawn, enhancing the overall low-maintenance and clean design. Year-round green grass is a bonus. Additionally, strategically placed flower beds with steel edging add a touch of elegance and seasonal color.
Project Details
The project involved planting 120 Eagleston hollies, extending them full to the ground to create both a privacy screen and a lush backdrop. This choice aims to rest the viewer's eye in the background, ensuring that the unique architectural features of the property stand out against uncluttered surroundings.
To further enhance the outdoor space, the team planted flowers in the beds around the outdoor kitchen area and elsewhere (as shown above). Incorporating cyclamen as a go-to plant met the client's affinity for bright colors, including red, hot pink and purple. These vibrant hues not only illuminated the beds but also created a striking contrast against the evergreen backdrop.
Why It Was a Favorite
Brendan enjoyed the project because of the unique collaboration with the client. As is their customary approach, the team conducted an initial walk-through with the client, listening to her needs to develop a game plan for the project.
“Her great energy, passion for the project and appreciation for the efforts invested made the process really fun,” Brendan said. “She saw the end goal the same way we did.”
AJ's Favorite Project of 2023
Project: Modern Sports Court Garden
Location: River Oaks
Above, a pickleball court built by Lanson B. Jones & Co.
One of AJ's standout projects of the year was a modern sports court garden located in River Oaks. This multifaceted endeavor included the design and installation of a custom full-size regulation pickleball court and a full-size regulation bocce ball court.
Above, the bocce ball court installed by Lanson B. Jones & Co.
The client's property presented a unique challenge due to its distinctive shape. AJ and the team measured and assessed the property, determining suitable sports court types for different areas while navigating regulations associated with easements.
Project Details
The client's initial pickleball court request evolved, prompting an exploration of additional recreational areas for underutilized spaces. Following discussions about preferred games, and further exploration and measurement of the space, the team added the bocce ball court.
For the bocce ball court, ensconced next to pre-existing magnolia trees, a crushed oyster shell playing surface and a stone step detailed with concealed lighting created an elegant entrance. The pickleball court was constructed with pre-tensioned concrete for enhanced durability. A synthetic lawn between the courts offers a versatile space for picnicking and observing play, surrounded by a picturesque river birch amid gravel pathways.
To maintain an unobtrusive boundary, the court was encased by a trimmed European-style hew hedge, forming a natural green screen without the need for a large wall. Two large color beds, featuring pink pansies, flank each side of the pickleball court, with plans for other seasonal colors.
Why It Was a Favorite
AJ appreciated the collaborative and engaged nature of the clients on this project, fostering a positive back-and-forth dynamic throughout the design process.
“They were wonderful,” he said. “Very involved but they trusted our judgement and expertise too.”
The complexity of the endeavor, highlighted by the installation of a floodwater retention system, introduced an additional layer of technical challenge that AJ found personally fulfilling.
“The meticulous alignment and geometric symmetry of the sports courts is a source of pride for our team.”
If new or updated landscape architecture is on your wish list for 2024, contact the team at Lanson B. Jones & Co., Inc. for outdoor spaces that are sure to delight.