Tucson Lifestyle Home and Garden • May 2016 • Award-Winning Landscapes

Landscape architects, contractors and landscape designers were honored recently at the 39th 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.

The client wanted raised planter beds for vegetable gardening, a soothing water feature, outdoor kitchen, and additional shade. The upper spa area was made more user-friendly by constructing longer steps, a seat wall and a gas fire pit. Lush, colorful plants were mixed with low-water-use trees, shrubs, sculptural cacti and succulents.

The clients’ wish list for their renovation included a sitting area that would capture the city-light views at night. Elements of fire and water also were added, as well as additional shade for the back patio. The existing concrete patio was covered with pavers and extended to the barbecue area. A ramada created a comfortable outdoor living room.

Single Family Residence Installation $250,001-$350,000 SOLANA OUTDOOR LIVING, LLC www.solanaoutdoorliving.com

To complete a rustic, hacienda-style look, pavers with a brown clay brick border visually harken back to the architecture of the home. Synthetic grass provides space for the clients’ pets and grandkids. The plantings transition smoothly from the natural desert. Citrus trees, flowering shrubs and groundcovers were added.

Sweeping curves intersect to create multiple levels of this raised outdoor living area. A dining patio on a platform offers alfresco meals with a combination water/fire feature, providing ambience both night and day. A blended plant palette of desert-adapted species and tropical accents provides color and lush atmosphere that blends with the surrounding landscape.

This backyard for a 1990s home needed updating. Existing flagstone stairs and pool decking were repaired and new flag- stone pathway added. Existing trees were preserved, synthetic turf replaced the lawn, and low-care, low-water-use plants were chosen for color accents. Native rock boulders were added to enhance the exist- ing ones. An irrigation system also was renovated.

The entry to this standalone residence proffered a stark greeting, with a simple paver walkway traveling through an empty courtyard-style yard. A simple but graceful entrance was created using the existing path but augmenting it with flowers, foliage, textures and trellises.A tasteful footbridge crossing over a dry streambed creates a visual barrier between the public entrance and the private living area.

Since 2013, Northwest Landscape has maintained a stunning landscape at Canyon Pass. Shelly Ann Abbott, MLA, consulted on the initial plan, which included the design and installation of numerouos specimen succulents and night lighting to increase aesthetics.

The property is a former mining camp with preserved stone and concrete buildings within the estate’s landscape.A long tree-lined drive leads to an impressive entryway with drought-tolerant species. Many evergreens, xeriscape plants and a massive fig vine must be meticulously maintained. Plantings must be protected from wildlife searching out new food sources.

A former faux-stone water feature that had dominated the small backyard was mostly demolished, and some of the outcroppings and boulders were incorporated into the new landscape. Native plantings were preserved so the landscape has a mature, established feel. A set of flagstone stairs allows accessibility to the spa area.

The residence sits on an outcropping of rock, so there are drastic elevation changes from the front yard to the infinity pool overlooking the city, and the sloped areas are particularly difficult to access and maintain. Turf areas are mowed and watered to promote growth, while weekly visits also include tending yuccas and succulent specimens and keeping wildlife damage at bay.

As part of Santa Rita Landscaping’s culture program, a $10,000 improvement was donated to a local non-profit, and the winner was the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.Full landscape design was provided with the help of multiple vendors. Many donated trees and a new dog yard in front of the care clinic also were added.

Award of Excellence is given to only one project in a category. These projects must meet the highest standards of achievement, harmony with the environment and creativity with an evaluation score of over 90 percent.

Award of Distinction is given to only one project in a category that demonstrates high levels of innovation and quality; adhere to strict landscaping industry standards and evaluations of over 80 percent.

Judges Award is awarded to projects that demonstrate superior levels of workmanship and creativity. This award goes to achievement and performance scores over 70 percent.