Design Guide – A fire pit design that works as a fireplace

Frank Clemente — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:51:13 +0000

What’s it going to look like?

Can you do something different?

Can you do a sketch so I can show it to my husband?

A wok-like concrete bowlsits on the edge of a raisedplanter wall. Part of the

bowl extends over the

water to create a

simple water fall. Thornless roses

with Vinca fill the planter

behind.

A Spanish style home inspired

this water feature veneered with

8-inch Azulejos with randomly

placed accent tiles. The

basin wall has a sand finish. it’s

painted to match the color of the

tile. The top of the basin’s wall

and weir panel are capped in

stone.

This natural stone-veneered

fireplace sits on the border of an

elevated wood deck. An

appliance firebox was used to avoid

a chimney stack that would

otherwise block the view of the golf

course. A 36 inch iron railing works

as a trellis for Bougainvilleas.

Low-litter deciduous trees shade the summer gathering spaces around the pool and raised spa deck. A nearby herb garden serves the pergola-covered BBQ and eating area. The tree-lined entrance and forecourt enhance the front and give it curb appeal.

Natural stone looks well at pools. It gives water features a more natural look. The wood pergola shades a 14 x 15ft. raised terrace. Thornless climbing roses and jasmine add evening fragrance. The steps on the side lead into the pool

Privacy was important for this secluded brick in-fill and paver-gridded circular patio and water feature. Decidous trees shed their leaves in winter to allow the sun to warm the space. Perennial beds add color year-round to this Mediterranean inspired patio.

A rust-finished contemporary water feature was designed to enhance our client’s forecourt.

The dark, deep, blue Pebbletec interior finish makes this fountain’s basin work as a reflecting pool when the water is still. Water-fountain adapted perennials add seasonal color.

Sarah and Danny Make Their Home Outdoors

Frank Clemente — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 23:56:43 +0000

The Work

The backyard did not work for the client. The owners where unable to enjoy it or to entertain visiting family and friends. The landscape sent a message that said, “ stay indoors.”

The owners decided it was time to take control.

Our theme is a touch of country with a Mediterranean flair. We chose a three-shaped paver pattern with grays, touches of blue and rusty red. The pavers were laid under the covered patio, at the new BBQ, around the Fire Pit and used as paths to other parts of the landscape.

Natural stone veneers represent the country feel at the BBQ and Fire Pit. As a final touch the perimeter wall was painted a soft tint of sage green.

The Outcome

Michael’s Backyard Makeover

Frank Clemente — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:04:08 +0000

Before

Turquoise accents with warm orange-yellows, burnt reds, and some grays express the client’s love for color for their Xeriscaped backyard makeover.
The yard’s back walls where overcome with unbridled plant growth. The lawn had seen better days. The pool deck was worn out and there wasn’t any landscape lighting to brighten up the evenings.

The biggest challenge was removing the Bermuda lawn to avoid re-growth. We poured a concrete underlayment to block any germinations and as a base for the adobes. Experts tell us that Bermuda grass is classified as an invasive plant. The City of Scottsdale offers tax credits to its residents who remove their lawns. Some cities offer credits when clocks are updated.

After

We re-patterned the topography to catch rainwater to deliver it to most of the new native plant beds. Xeriscaping does not mean dull, beige-like, stringy plants. Surprisingly, some semitropicals work well in Xeriscapes. Water is saved by combining a well designed drip system, with rainwater harvesting earthworks, proper soil building and with native and desert-adapted
plants.

Soil: The Secret For Natural, Healthy, Colorful Landscapes And Gardens.

Frank Clemente — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:10:31 +0000

My experience has shown that the secret for successful, energy-saving landscapes and gardens is to partner with soil microorganisms to grow amazing plants. These friendly workers help the plant, draw up water and air economically, make soil nutrients more available, and keep pathogens at bay. To start we ask.

What kind of soil do you have on your property?

Is it alkaline or acid? Arizona’s are mostly alkaline. (less acid) The pH chart shows 7 as neutral, 14 as alkaline and 1 as acid. Arizona nurseries, landscape contractors, and gardeners claim slightly different pH numbers. I inoculate your soil with humic substances so that you can have any plant you want without struggling with the soil pH issue. You can can have Gardenias, Cacti, Oaks, sparkling green low water-use lawns regardless of the clay content and pH readings.

Visit the following site for a more complete explanation of pH. http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/soil_pH/plant_pH.htm

Can My Soil be tested?

Yes. Most labs in Phoenix charge a fee. UofA does not offer soil testing. A soil test report shows the mineral, organic and chemical composition of the soil. It is used to determine ways to build the soil to its optimum life supporting power.

See this site: http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1111.pdf

For an explanation of soil sampling and analysis go to: http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1412.pdf or you can Email me at frank37732@msn.com for my simple, one-page set of instructions that help you get a rough idea of your soil’s composition.

Is Soil Building The Same As Fertilizing?, No!

Construction, abuse of soil, and destructive growing practices have robbed us of our major natural resource to grow plants–fertile, living soil. The key that opens the door to establish the natural processes is to change the soil condition into an environment that is favorable to beneficial microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and others that never cause diseases). These microorganisms work unseen and below ground to help build the soil’s water-holding capacity, protect plants from pathogens, degrade polluting compounds that could inhibit growth, help roots absorb nutrients and water. The plant uses less water to grow and stay healthy. For soil building products go to http://www.organicgardengrower.com or e mail me to find out about my living, humic soil building system to restore the natural processes of your soil. frank37732@msn.com

Where Quality Costs Less.

Clemente Design Studio, LLC of Phoenix, practices, consults and installs landscapes, gardens, succulent and cacti gardens through an integrated process of soil micro organisms, water-saving technology, micro climate design, rainwater harvesting, and plant selection to deliver a superior and long lasting, low maintenance landscape.

Cell: 602-540-3773. Web site: www.clementedesignisgreen.com

Listen to Frank and guests on the Green Round table Radio Show on the first Tuesday of the month on KXXT, 1010 am from 3-4 pm.