August Project of the Month
21 Aug, 2009 By: Landscape Management Staff LDB Solutions
Designed by: Paul Fields
Lambert Landscape Co., Dallas
www.lamberts.net
 Situated at the convergence of three residential streets, this residence is veiled behind a green screen with spectacular glimpses into the 1.8 acres of gardens, reminiscent of Renaissance Italy. As the original designers of the clients’ gardens, Lambert was called upon to seamlessly integrate a 1-acre site that was purchased to the east. This additional land required the removal of an existing home and pool, the relocation of a city sewer main, and extensive drainage modifications. |
 Construction on this renovation and expansion began before the house renovation plans were completed, which allowed the Lambert team to begin immediately. However, notes Paul Fields, who led the project, “This circumstance also demanded daily coordination and plan modification with many trades, both ours and the homebuilder’s.” The creation of terraces across the two sites exaggerates a subtle 10-ft. grade change, and adds to the Italian design principle of terrain manipulation with hardscape features. The most significant factor was the relocation of a city sewer main, which was found to be incorrectly noted on the survey. “Additionally, the only option for relocation was directly below a 75-year-old red oak, which required a 50-ft. bore 6 ft. below the surface in order to avoid removal of the mature tree,” he says. |
A 17th-century marble cistern, plumbed as a fountain, contrasts with the fossilized limestone and lush planting in the wine-tasting courtyard. Built-in wall planters hold cascades of bougainvillea. |
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 The exterior ironwork was designed by the Lambert team. Impruneta terra cotta pots containing hawthorne trees and box globes are used throughout this account for their frost-proof nature and accurate designs. |
 The home’s wings, stone terrace and expanded gardens were seamless additions. The pool was part of Lambert’s previous construction. Specimen lacebark elm was sited for shade and scale. |
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This multi-season garden is beautiful by day, but more distinctive at night when bathed in warm ambiance. |
A 19th-century lead fountain with marble tile background creates the focal point of this integrally lit arbor terrace. Transplanted live oaks and specimen box globes provide scale and maturity.
This project was among the Grand Award winners for the 39th annual Environmental Improvement Award Program hosted by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). For more information about the program, visit LandCareNetwork.org.
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