Resort-like landscaping in Boulder, Colorado

It’s no secret that Boulder, CO has an absolutely stunning natural landscape. Though Boulder’s steep terrain can pose a challenge, Environmental Designs produced an award-winning landscape, complete with lush, low water plantings, a sparkling pool, and multiple outdoor living spaces. 

Landscape Design

EDI partnered with Marpa Landscape Architecture to develop the client’s vision for this extraordinary outdoor space. The client wanted the feel of a mountain retreat to capture the gorgeous Boulder, CO views while still maintaining privacy. These requirements combined with difficult terrain created a challenging project. But EDI created a functional as well as beautiful space, incorporating walkways, gardens, a swimming pool, and outdoor living areas into a very steep hillside. The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado awarded EDI the 2018 Elite Award of Excellence in the Design/Build category. For more information about this award – follow the link below! 

https://www.alcc.com/elite-2018

Landscape Site Challenges

The challenges of the project did not stop with the steep hillside. The steep hillside of the Boulder foothills got slippery when rain came during the landscape construction. It took careful planning and a lot of communication to get this project built as the landscape construction was also happening the same time as the homebuilding. The landscape design had to compliment both the beautiful natural environment and the contemporary style of the home.

Sustainable Landscape Construction

This project also needed to conform to Boulder’s Green Point program, which requires inclusion of sustainable landscape practices. Water efficient native plantings make up almost the entire plant palette. Reserving existing trees and planting more trees provide plentiful shaded environments. Dense, low water plantings keep the hillside intact and provide year-round beauty, and organic soil amendments were installed in all the permeable areas. Although this was a challenging project, this space was transformed into a hillside resort getaway that the clients love.  

Do you have a challenging location in need of landscaping? We’d love to share our landscape expertise with you. Contact us today for a landscape consultation!