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City living isn’t always conducive to sprawling gardens. Especially not in that 600-square-foot condo with the Juliet balcony. But you don’t need a lot of land for a garden.
Whether to keep bugs at bay or add extra space, screened porches hark back to simpler times—though today’s versions, with stylish furniture and fireplaces, are often anything but simple.
Rain gardens are not only beautiful to look at and easy to maintain, but they can help clean up our rivers—and earn you a government rebate.
Why didn’t my tulips come back? Why did my dog dig up my garden? Here are answers to these and other pesky questions.
Great landscape designers, garden nurseries, and other resources to help improve your yard
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Landscape Professionals
This list includes landscape-architecture firms, which provide only design services—but often have relationships with contractors—as well as design/build firms, which have installation crews on staff.
Arentz Landscape Architects Richard Arentz and his team specialize in residential design that’s site-specific and sustainable by integrating native plants, existing topography, and sun orientation. Arentz also owns Ironwood, a landscape construction company. 4543 44th St., NW, 202-537-8020; 8014 Charnick Rd., Marshall, Va., 540-341-4330; arentzdc.com.
Barbara Balman Landscape Design Balman’s designs have a focus on sustainability; her European style reflects her childhood in Switzerland. 4619 48th St., NW; 202-744-9515; bbalmanlandscapedesign.com.
Chapel Valley Landscape Company This large design/build firm does both commercial and residential work. It specializes in exterior lighting, irrigation, and installing large trees. 3275 Jennings Chapel Rd., Woodbine, Md., 301-924-5400; 21617 Cedar La., Sterling, 703-406-0802; 20 S. Quaker La., Suite 110, Alexandria, 703-823-5751; chapelvalley.com.
Clinton & Associates Horticulturist and landscape architect Sandra Clinton started her design/build firm 13 years ago. It emphasizes lush plantings and livable outdoor spaces. 5200 Baltimore Ave., Suite 201, Hyattsville; 301-699-5600; clinton-la.com.
DCA Landscape ArchitectsThis high-end residential-design company specializes in traditional English gardens. 1315 Wisconsin Ave., NW; 202-337-1160.
Fine Earth LandscapeJoel Hafner and Bernie Mihm’s 35-year-old design/build firm is a one-stop shop for landscaping projects that include flagstone patios, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools, retaining walls, plantings, decks, and screened porches. Also has a high-end residential maintenance division. 16815 Budd Rd., Poolesville; 301-983-0800; fineearth.com.
Garden Gate Landscaping This residential design/build firm has been around nearly 50 years and excels at renovating existing gardens. A maintenance division specializes in organic lawn care. 821 Norwood Rd., Silver Spring; 301-924-4131; gardengate.com.
Graham Landscape Architecture Jay Graham’s team of six landscape architects takes ecology into account in projects ranging from a small Georgetown garden to a 500-acre estate. 229 Prince George St., Annapolis; 301-858-5330; grahamlandarch.com.
Gregg Bleam Landscape Architect This firm, known for its modern, minimalist designs, does projects all over the East Coast, including in the Washington area. 110-B Second St., NE, Suite 202, Charlottesville; 434-977-3232; gbla.net.
Jane MacLeish Landscapes MacLeish creates gardens with minimal hardscape (paving and other non-plant features) and a soft, whimsical style. 3743 Upton St., NW; 202-966-8279; janemacleish.com.
Jordan Honeyman Landscape ArchitectureA 21-year-old firm known for its planting designs, hardscape, pools, and gazebos. 711 Florida Ave., NW; 202-986-0711; jordanhoneyman.com.
Landscape Architecture Bureau This design/build firm is known for its work on commercial and public spaces, but it also does private gardens and estates. 714 Seventh St., SE; 202-543-6550; labindc.com.
Lila Fendrick Landscape ArchitectsA small firm, highly recommended by its peers, known for design versatility and an extensive range of projects. 6904 West Ave., Chevy Chase; 301-907-7700; fendrickdesign.com.
McHale Landscape Design Kevin and Steve McHale’s residential design/build firm has its own masonry, carpentry, and maintenance divisions and specializes in waterfalls, pool houses, outdoor kitchens, and remodeling interiors to complement the new landscape. Upper Marlboro, 301-599-8300; McLean, 703-760-8600; Annapolis, 410-990-0894; Easton, 410-770-9449; mchalelandscape.com.
Michael Vergason Landscape ArchitectsAlthough Vergason focuses on institutional projects and universities, he has won national awards for country estates and specializes in understated design. 1102 King St., Second Floor, Alexandria; 703-836-5557; vergason.net
Oehme, van Sweden & AssociatesThe firm founded by James van Sweden and the late Wolfgang Oehme is internationally known for natural, contemporary gardens. 800 G St., SE; 202-546-7575; ovsla.com.
Scott Brinitzer Design Associates This small company specializes in clean, contemporary residential landscape designs. 2300 Ninth St. S., Suite M-1, Arlington; 703-892-0266; brinitzer.com.
Tom Mannion Landscape Design A one-man design/build company creating lushly planted gardens that usually include water and native plants. 3219 N. Fourth St., Arlington; 703-528-9098; tommannionlandscapedesign.com.
Garden Centers
Alden Farms Garden MerchantsUnusual annuals and perennials, eclectic garden accents, and handcrafted stone birdbaths and sculptures. 19215 Beallsville Rd., Beallsville, Md.; 301-972-7183; aldenfarms.net.
American PlantAn extensive selection of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees, with a focus on organic gardening. A landscape division designs and installs outdoor spaces. 5258 River Rd., Bethesda, 301-656-3311; 7405 River Rd., Bethesda, 301-469-7690; 10106 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, 703-438-8880; americanplant.net.
The Behnke Nurseries CoA longtime local nursery with a good selection of annuals, perennials, indoor plants, and orchids. The Beltsville location is much bigger. Design and installation services available. 11300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, 301-937-1100; 9545 River Rd., Potomac, 301-983-9200; behnkes.com.
Cravens Nursery & PotteryLots of annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs as well as orchids, bonsai, tropical plants, pottery, and garden accents. Hardscape designers on staff design and install patios, driveways, and walls. 9023 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax; 703-573-5025; cravensnursery.com.
DeBaggio’s Herb Farm & Nursery Specializes in herbs and vegetables, including more than 100 tomato varieties. Also carries perennials, annuals, organic fertilizers, gardening supplies, and pottery. 43494 Mountain View Dr., Chantilly; 703-327-6976; debaggioherbs.com.
George Bridge BoxwoodsSpecializes in rare, vintage, and mature plants, including shrubs, hedges, fruit trees, and ornamental trees, but is best known for boxwoods. Recommended by landscape designers and even Martha Stewart. 5105 Griffith Rd., Gaithersburg; 301-482-2128; oldplants.com.
Ginkgo GardensThis Capitol Hill shop caters to tiny urban gardens and carries small trees, shrubs, indoor plants, garden ornaments, and outdoor furniture. Also provides design and maintenance services. 911 11th St., SE; 202-543-5172; ginkgogardens.com.
Holly, Woods and Vines Carries annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, patio furniture, garden accents, and pots and urns. 8453 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria; 703-799-1607; hollywoodsandvines.com.
Johnson’s Florist & Garden CentersIn business since 1933, Johnson’s sells annuals, perennials, bulbs, vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and houseplants, including bonsai and orchids. 4200 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202-244-6100; 10313 Kensington Pkwy., Kensington, 301-946-6700; 5011 Olney-Laytonsville Rd., Olney, 301-987-1940; johnsonsflorists.com.
Lilypons Water GardensRecommended by landscape designers as the place to go for water plants, Lilypons also sells fish, pond filters, pumps, and lights; also provides cleaning and maintenance services. 6800 Lily Pons Rd., Adamstown, Md.; 800-999-5459; lilypons.com.
Merrifield Garden CenterThis nursery and landscape-design/build company stocks thousands of varieties of trees, shrubs, annuals, perennials, houseplants, aquatic plants, vegetables, and herbs. 8132 Lee Hwy., Merrifield, 703-560-6222; 12101 Lee Hwy., Fairfax, 703-968-9600; 6895 Wellington Rd., Gainesville, 703-368-1919; merrifieldgardencenter.com.
Susanna Farm NurserySpecializes in dwarf and unusual evergreens and Japanese maples. 17700 White Ground Rd., Boyds, Md.; 301-972-7513; susannafarmnursery.com.
Thanksgiving FarmsA good source for unusual vegetable plants and annuals as well as perennials, ornamental shrubs, hanging baskets, trees, and evergreens. In the spring, you can buy asparagus and strawberries from the farm; fresh-picked vegetables and fruit are available throughout the summer. 1619 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, Md.; 301-662-1291; thanksgivingfarms.org.
Furniture and Accents
BrookstoneOutdoor furniture, fireplaces, decor, games, and lighting. Multiple Maryland and Virginia locations; brookstone.com.
Côté Jardin Antiques A selection of garden antiques, mostly French, includes faux bois garden furniture, birdhouses, fountains, ornaments, and sculptures. 3218 O St., NW; 202-333-3067; cotejardinantiques.com.
Country CasualA destination for solid teak furniture including Adirondack chairs, dining sets, chaises, and planters. 7601 Rickenbacker Dr., Gaithersburg; 301-926-9195; countrycasual.com.
Crate & Barrel A range of items from hammocks to outdoor sofas to dining sets. Multiple area locations; crateandbarrel.com.
Frontgate Upscale outdoor furniture, fire pits and heaters, planters, outdoor kitchen accessories, decor, and more. 888-263-9850; frontgate.com.
Janus et CieRecommended by designers for high-quality, contemporary outdoor furnishings, including sofas, dining sets, and chaises. 3304 M St., NW; 202-333-8111; janusetcie.com.
Lunaform Based in Maine, this online source sells artisan-quality urns, planters, and birdbaths. 207-422-0923; lunaform.com.
Notting Hill Gardens An Old Town boutique for home and garden items, including dining sets, lanterns, urns, and accents. Also offers design/build services. 815 King St., Alexandria; 703-518-0215; nottinghillgardens.com.
Patio.comAn extensive selection of outdoor furniture, accessories, and games. 8022 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, 703-827-0099; 824 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-309-0025; patio.com.
Plow & HearthA catalog, online, and retail source with a large selection of traditional outdoor furniture, accessories, and garden supplies. 11951 Grand Commons Ave., Fairfax, 571-522-1970; 1625 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-984-0031; plowhearth.com.
Restoration HardwareClassic, stylish outdoor furniture in wicker, fabric, aluminum, and teak as well as fire pits, heaters, planters, decor, and accessories. 1222 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202-625-2771; 7926 Tysons Corner Center, McLean, 703-821-9655; restorationhardware.com.
Room & BoardOutdoor furniture and accessories with a sleek, modern design. 1840 14th St., NW; 202-729-8300; roomandboard.com.
Sheffield Furniture & InteriorsThe area retailer for Brown Jordan, a designer-recommended line of sand-cast aluminum, driftwood, and woven outdoor furniture. 1582 Rockville Pike, Rockville, 301-881-6010; 21080 Dulles Town Center, Dulles, 571-323-6000; sheffieldfurniture.com.
Spring Valley PatioOutdoor furniture in teak, wicker, wrought iron, and aluminum. 4300 Fordham Rd., NW; 202-966-9088; springvalleypatio.com.
Sur la TableSmokers, grills, outdoor ovens, tableware, party items, and coolers. 5211 Wisconsin Ave., NW, 202-237-0375; 1101 S. Joyce St., Arlington, 703-414-3580; Tysons Galleria, 703-749-1125; surlatable.com.
TargetInexpensive outdoor furniture in wood, wicker, and metal as well as grills, garden tools, lighting, fire pits, and other accessories. Multiple area locations; target.com.
Urban Country A home-furnishings store with a selection of outdoor pieces from Brown Jordan and Lee Industries. 7117 Arlington Rd., Bethesda; 301-654-0500; urbancountrydesigns.com.
Urban Essentials Contemporary outdoor furniture, including sofas, armchairs, dining sets, lounges, and benches. 1330 U St., NW; 202-299-0640; urban-essentials.com.
West ElmA small selection of contemporary outdoor furniture, including dining sets, sofas, lounges, and umbrellas. 3333 M St., NW, 202-333-2928; Tysons Corner Center, 571-633-0227; westelm.com.
Williams-Sonoma Outdoor ovens, grills, cookware, and dinnerware. Multiple area locations; williams-sonoma.com.
Swimming Pools
Alpine Pool & Design CorporationThis luxury pool designer and builder comes highly recommended by both readers and landscape professionals. 7220 Poplar St., Annandale; 703-333-3000; alpinepool.com.
Crystal PoolsSince 1973, Duncan Mac-Keever’s family has designed and built custom spas, water features, and pools, including freeform and natural pools. 9 Kirkwall Ct., Rockville; 301-299-6414; crystalpools.com.
Town & Country PoolsDesigns and builds luxury custom pools. 7540 Fullerton Ct., Springfield; 703-451-6660; townandcountrypools.com.
Stonework
Charles Luck Stone Center Thousands of stone products from around the world for walls, patios, pathways, fireplaces, and more. DC, 202-944-2345; Sterling, 703-674-2240; Ashburn, 703-674-5660; Clarksville, 443-535-0543; charlesluck.com.
Irwin StoneFlagstone, slate, building stone, wall stone, boulders, gravel, and other specialty stone. 601 E. Gude Dr., Rockville; 301-762-5800; irwinstone.com.
The King’s Masons This masonry company has done hardscape design and construction, including patios, driveways, walkways, and fireplaces, for more than 30 years. 8195-C Euclid Ct., Manassas Park; 703-396-8807; kingsmasons.com.
Serra StoneHighly recommended by landscape architects, this family-run masonry company also does earth moving, excavating, foundations, brickwork, drainage, and concrete work. 4312 Montgomery Ave., Bethesda; 301-986-1830; serrastone.com.
Tri-State Stone & Building SupplyA good source for Carderock stone and other types of flagstone and wall stone. 8200 Seven Locks Rd., Bethesda; 301-365-2100; carderock.com.
Lawn Care
Hate mowing your lawn? Here are a few companies that will do it for you. Most also fertilize, aerate, and seed turf in addition to handling spring cleanup, leaf removal, shrub trimming, planting, and mulching.
Andy’s Lawn & Landscape Works in Arlington only. 703-241-3752.
Baumann’s Lawn and LandscapeIn DC, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Howard counties. 301-931-1984.
Craig’s Lawn CareIn Northern Virginia. 703-385-1641.
Elite Lawn and Landscaping Serves parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties. 703-754-3317.
Steve’s Mowing In Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, Annandale, and Alexandria. 703-750-2580; stevesmowing.com.
Tree Care
Most of these firms, usually with arborists on staff, offer tree and stump removal; trimming and pruning; and disease and pest management. Some also provide planting and transplanting; cabling and bracing; mulch and firewood; and emergency service. Most give free estimates.
Ace Tree Movers Installs and moves large trees. 21201 Zion Rd., Brookeville; 301-519-0008.
Adirondack Tree Experts In business since 1996, this highly respected firm has removed and planted trees at the Maryland governor’s mansion. 301-595-2827; adirondacktreeexperts.com.
Affordable Stump & Tree Removal This family-owned operation has worked in Northern Virginia since 1988. 703-690-3963; affordablestumpandtreeremoval.com.
The ArboristTim DeCoste runs a professional operation known for reasonable prices. 703-753-0273; thearboristinc.com.
Bartlett Tree ExpertsThis firm, started in 1907, has more than 100 locations worldwide, including in Gaithersburg, Springfield, Annapolis, and Frederick. bartlett.com.
Capitol Tree Care Founder Bill Shelton, who grew up in Northern Virginia, has more than 30 years of experience in tree care. 202-234-0577 in DC and Maryland, 703-359-6608 in Virginia; capitol-tree-care.com.
The Care of Trees A large firm with offices in Gaithersburg, Dulles, and Alexandria, this is not only a reader favorite but, perhaps because services include site development and tree preservation, also a top choice of local architects. thecareoftrees.com.
The Davey Tree Expert CompanyFounded in 1880 in Ohio, this employee-owned firm has offices throughout the US and Canada, including in Gaithersburg, Chantilly, and Baltimore. davey.com.
Family Tree ExpertsIn business more than 20 years, this family operation serves Northern Virginia. 703-594-3103; familytreeexperts.com.
Freedom Tree Service In business since 1996; clients include golf courses, churches, and homeowner associations. 703-753-4900; freedomtreeservice.com.
JL Tree Service This 37-year-old, family-owned firm operates in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties as well as DC. 703-359-4444; jltree.com.
Lee’s Tree ServiceFamily-owned since 1991. 301-208-8235; leestreeservice.net.
Ports Professional Tree Surgery This 36-year-old business serves Arlington, parts of Fairfax County, and other Virginia suburbs. 703-323-7061.
SavATree A 26-year-old firm with offices throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. It also offers organic treatments and lawn care. 301-545-1712; savatree.com.
Shifflett Tree Service In business since 1967, this firm covers Montgomery County, Springfield, and DC. 301-948-5554; shiffletttreeservice.com.
Thrive Specializes in ongoing care of landscapes, including soil testing, improved drainage, fertilization, and deer repellents. 703-709-0007; thrivinglandscapes.com.
Tyson’s Tree Service This firm owns a fleet of bucket trucks, cranes, chippers, and dump trucks. 703-849-9188; tysonstree.com.
Wood Acres Tree Specialists A 29-year-old firm specializing in proactive tree and shrub care. 888-464-3926; woodacrestree.com.
Other Resources
Fogdog Sports An online source for outdoor sports equipment including basketball hoops, croquet and bocce sets, and trampolines. fogdog.com.
Outdoor Illumination Custom lighting design, installation, and maintenance. 5161 River Rd., Bldg. 2, Bethesda; 301-907-4999; outdoorillumination.com.
Sport Systems Installs high-end game courts, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds. 10078 Tyler Pl., Ijamsville, Md.; 800-609-9966; sport-systems.com.
Inspiration
Many people turn to magazines such as Garden Design, Horticulture, and Fine Gardening for inspiration and how-tos. Here are organizations, public gardens, and websites that also can help inspire you to create your dream garden.
American Society of Landscape ArchitectsThe website has a “firm finder” tool that allows you to search for members. 202-898-2444; asla.org.
Association of Professional Landscape DesignersThe website has resource links and a searchable member database. 717-238-9780; apld.org.
Brookside GardensFifty acres of gardens, exhibits, lectures, classes, and family events. 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton; 301-962-1400; brooksidegardens.org.
George Washington University’s Landscape Design & Sustainable Landscapes Graduate Certificate ProgramFor-credit program with a concentration on small-scale landscape design. Many well-known area designers are graduates. 202-973-1130; nearyou.gwu.edu/landscape.
Green Spring Gardens A 27-acre park offering lectures, demonstrations, classes, family activities, and rentable garden plots. 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria; 703-642-5173; greenspring.org.
Kenilworth Park and Aquatic GardensA park with more than seven acres of ponds and many varieties of water lilies and lotuses on display when they’re in season. Educational programs and a shop offer information on aquatic gardening. 1550 Anacostia Ave., NE; 202-426-6905; nps.gov/keaq.
Landscape Contractors Association The website has a searchable database of landscape professionals, links to plant databases, and tips. 301-948-0810; lcamddcva.org.
Montgomery College Landscape Technology Program Courses in horticulture and landscape design and technology. 240-567-7803; montgomerycollege.edu.
Professional Landcare Network The website has a searchable database of contractors. 703-736-9666; landcarenetwork.org.
United States Botanic GardenA national plant museum showcasing a wide variety of plants, including those that grow well in the Mid-Atlantic. Educational events include lectures and tours as well as programs for children. 100 Maryland Ave., SW; 202-225-8333; usbg.gov.
United States National ArboretumSpecialized gardens including azaleas, dogwoods, herbs, and perennials as well as educational programs and lectures. 3501 New York Ave., NE; 202-245-2726; usna.usda.gov.
Virginia Tech School of Architecture & Design Degrees in landscape architecture are offered. 1001 Prince St., Alexandria; 703-706-3003; archdesign.vt.edu.
