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A couple in
West Houston by the name of Murphy commissioned us to renovate
their pool and build a flagstone patio around it. They wanted
new landscape pathways installed that led up to and away from
the pool, and they also wanted something added that would allow
them to enjoy their back yard throughout the year, regardless of
weather conditions.
We began our flagstone landscaping project with a complete
renovation of the pool. Built in the old 1960s style with small
entry steps, it appeared visibly dated and worn, and it badly
needed remodeling. We broke out the walls of the pool and
reshaped it from a square structure into a round structure with
a wider, elongated far end. We added much larger steps to create
a sense of grand and generous entrance to the pool, and we added
a spa at the near end. The bottom of the pool was also remodeled
with a more decorative, dark plaster called sunstone. Finally,
to create a water element that would not break up the landscape
with a fountain or water wall, we installed water jets to create
a 3D water movement.
The next step of our project involved replacing the original pea
gravel aggregate with a
flagstone patio that centered the landscape. We used a very
unique construction technique to create this structure. Most
flagstones, due to their irregular shape, are often laid down in
such a way that it does not fit well together and does not
provide a smooth surface upon which to walk. One of the
hallmarks of our service is creating flagstone landscapes and
patios fit where individual stones are carefully placed together
by hand like a pieces from a jigsaw puzzle, then sealed with
small grout joints. This method enables us to create a very
smooth surface to walk over, (even while barefoot), but with a
decorative sense created by the slight geometric irregularity.
To add function to our flagstone décor, we created two
distinctive pathways into the pool area from divergent points on
the landscape. One ran directly from the master bedroom to the
spa, while the second pathway led from around the house for
guests to come in through a rear garden entry. We installed
custom drain grates made from stone and brass to maintain a dray
surface along these walkways without compromising aesthetic.
Generous seating was then installed all around the pool. At the
far end of the pool, we broke a small section out of the
flagstone to plant a small redbud tree. On the near side of the
pool, we created a very special area that the Murphy’s had
always wanted as a component of their landscape—a
fire pit with a separate seating area. To accentuate this
area, we created a raised gravel patio and built a small wall
around the fire pit. The stone enclosure provided both a visual
compliment to the flagstone, and a warm place to congregate for
conversation on chilly evenings that allows people to enjoy the
landscape throughout the year. Fire adds a nice sense of
ambiance to any environment, and allows one to enjoy an evening
near the pool even when it is far too cold to swim.
We further accentuated the area both around the flagstone patio
and throughout the entire landscape with a variety of native
ground cover and drought tolerant plants. Iris grasses were
added to bring white flowers every spring. We planted potato
vines for color, and a type of rose known as “Knockout” which
requires very little spraying and fertilizing. To add a touch of
red to the ground cover, we planted Caladiums, which is a
popular plant for landscaping all over the Houston area. Two
types of shrubbery were added to the Murphy yard as well.
Pineapple guave was planted to create bluish-gray contrast to
the greens and reds of other vegetation. Hollies were also added
to provide a framing perspective and backdrop for up lighting at
night.
Flagstone landscapes like the one we did for the Murphy’s do not
necessarily have to be constructed around a pool. Because
flagstone so closely mimics natural stone shapes, it can also be
used to ornament garden edges,
waterfalls, and fountains. Call
Exterior Worlds
today to see how our unique construction methods can enhance and
magnify your
landscape design.
For more the 20 years
Exterior Worlds has specialized in servicing many of Houston's
fine neighborhoods.
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