Landscape architects, contractors and landscape designers were honored at the 38th Annual Arizona Excellence in Landscaping Awards, sponsored by the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association (ALCA). ALCA judged projects that were designed and constructed in Arizona by professional contractors. Awards were given to those projects that demonstrate the highest landscape quality, provide unique solutions to problems, conserve natural resources and enhance the environment. Tucson Lifestyle Home & Garden is pleased to present, in no particular order, the local residential award winners. Award of Excellence Residential Redesign $50,001-$125,000 Landscape Design West, LLC/ Sonoran Gardens,Inc. www.landscapedesignwest.com / www.sonorangardens.com Specimen boulders create a rhythm within the landscape, emphasizing the vivid plant material and giving nearby roots a nearly continual moist location in which to thrive. A colorful, sustainable assemblage of native Sonoran Desert plants such as ocotillo, globe mallow, chocolate flower, and Blackfoot daisy invite wildlife such as hummingbirds and butterflies to share the space. Plantings were placed close to entertaining areas. Photo provided by Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA Judge’s Award Single Family Residence Installation Under $25,000 Horticulture Unlimited, Inc. www.horticultureunlimited.com An existing walkway was removed and pavers were used to create an addition onto the existing patio to provide enough space for an entertaining area. The finished product uses native boulders and contours to mimic the Catalina Mountains, which are easily seen from the backyard. Award of Excellence and Xeriscape Award Winner Single Family Residence Installation $50,001-$75,000 Landscape Design West, LLC/ Sonoran Gardens, Inc. www.landscapedesignwest.com / www.sonorangardens.com This landscape is an example of how a sustainable xeriscape landscape comprised almost exclusively of native Sonoran desert plants can be extremely colorful, have year-round texture and interest, and attract and provide a habitat for native pollinators. Planting areas are purposely located close to seating, fireplace and pool areas to enjoy up close. Photo provided by Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA Judge’s Award Single Family Residence Installation $75,001-$125,000 Wheat Design Group www.wheatdesigngroup.com The landscape architect made use of an existing pool, spa, barbecue bar and fire pit.A travertine stone patio was installed with custom bullnose edging around the pool, spa and fire pit. Matching travertine tile was overlaid on the existing stairs and upper patio. Planting areas were softly mounded to provide elevation change and visual interest. Award of Excellence Single Family Residence Installation $125,001-$175,000 Sven Gunn Designs / Sonoran Gardens, Inc. www.svengunndesigns.com / www.Sonorangardens.com An enormous amount of hardscape was added, including a front paver driveway, courtyard enclosure, drainage, lighting, rear perimeter wall, raised planter/seat wall, pavers, steps leading to and including the fireplace, custom metal trellises, free-standing planter window boxes and gates. Low-water-use specimens offer a lush-looking plant palette. Photo provided by Sven Gunn and Liam Frederick Judge’s Award Single Family Residence Installation $175,001-$250,000 Solana Outdoor Living www.solanaoutdoorliving.com Formerly a blank lot, the prestigious views of the golf course and sunsets were highlighted by the designer. The pool and spa were built with a clean line look. Natural stone on the ground and veneer on the walls adds warmth. The fire/water feature at the end of the cut-stone platform adds a tranquil sound and visual features within the spa. Judge’s Award Residential Redesign Under $50,000 Horticulture Unlimited, Inc. www.horticultureunlimited.com Flagstone steps and a walkway were built so guests could go from a custom wrought-iron bridge over a natural arroyo down to a new flagstone patio area.A built-in fire pit at the edge of the new patio was created to enjoy beautiful views of the city lights. To create a large enough area for the patio, part of the existing slope was cut and native boulders salvaged from the site were used to create a retaining wall. Award of Distinction Residential Redesign Under $50,000 Horticulture Unlimited, Inc. www.horticultureunlimited.com A portion of the existing flagstone was removed around the perimeter to create more area for plants and topography change using native Catalina boulders. New flora was brought in to create differences in color, texture and size, and saguaros and cacti scattered around the site also were transplanted into the yard. Lighting was installed to subtly illuminate the area. Judge’s Award Residential Maintenance Under $20,000 Horticulture Unlimited, Inc. www.horticultureunlimited.com An array of native plants adorns this entry. The backyard contains an extensive hardscape surrounding the pool area. Surrounding the exterior wall is a south slope containing rock and very little plant material but still kept free of debris and weeds.To the east is an expanse of natural desert plants that are fully maintained during the bi-weekly visits to the property. Judge’s Award Residential Maintenance Under $20,000 Horticulture Unlimited, Inc. www.horticultureunlimited.com The owner of this gorgeous, multi-level property works out of the home, so tidiness is critical. After first ensuring the entry landscape is pristine, three lawn areas are kept mowed, properly irrigated, and seasonally over-seeded. Plantings that surround the pool are neatly trimmed, and hardscaped areas, decorative rock and walkways are kept clear, preventing unsightly mess or overgrowth.