March 2025
Meet The Team
Get to know Pro Landscaper USA
Award-Winning Projects
NADRA’s 2025 Awards Night highlights the best of 2024
Let’s Hear It From: Michael Bernier
Michael Bernier talks getting his start in advertising, good design, and the dangers of relying on maintenance
A Testament to Hope
After the Woolsey fire, Garden Arts & Design rebuilds
Academic Oasis
Trueform Landscape Architecture Studio revamps
ASU’s Hayden Library
Along the River Ouse
B owles & Wyer turn a former quarry into a retreat both rustic and contemporary
Going Natural
Allen Schnaak of BioNova shares why everyone is asking for a Natural Swimming Pool
Remarkable Relaxation
From pool to sauna, products to make relaxing outside even easier
Dry-Laid Details
Graham Melville shares why he’s fascinated by dry-laid stonework
The Future of Wellness
Why wellness decks are one of 2025’s trends to watch
Cross-Pollination Across the Pond
Tony Brophy reminisces on the important US business connections that shaped his career
Little Interviews
Quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry
WELCOME
CONTACT
Eljays44 Ltd, Village Workspaces, 11845 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90064
EDITORIAL
Deputy editor - Celia Cummiskey celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com (617) 935-2785
Senior subeditor - Katrina Roy katrina.roy@eljays44.com
Senior designer - Kirsty Turek kirsty.turek@eljays44.com
ADVERTISING
Sales manager - Lewis Everle lewis.everle@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 777588
Sales executive - Ollie Finch ollie.finch@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 777579
Event director - Tom Glasby tom.glasby@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 9595391
MANAGEMENT
Managing director - Jamie Wilkinson jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 777570
Content director - Nina Mason nina.mason@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 959393
Commercial director - Luke Chaplin luke.chaplin@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 777580
CIRCULATION
Subscription enquiries - Lewis Everle lewis.everle@eljays44.com
+44 (0) 1903 777588
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Published by Eljays44 Ltd – Connecting Horticulture. Pro Landscaper’s content is available for licensing overseas. Contact jamie.wilkinson@eljays44.com
Pro Landscaper USA is published 12 times per year by Eljays44 Ltd. The 2025 subscription price is $160. Sub scription records are maintained at Eljays44 Ltd, Village Workspaces, 11845 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90064. Articles and information contained in this publication are the copyright of Eljays44 Ltd and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publishers. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, uncommissioned photographs or manuscripts.
Whilst every effort has been made to maintain the integrity of our advertisers, we accept no responsibility for any problem, complaints, or subsequent litigation arising from readers’ responses to advertisements in the magazine. We also wish to emphasize that views expressed by editorial contributors are not necessarily those of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.
Welcome to the first issue of Pro Landscaper USA! I am beyond thrilled to share this issue with you all. In our March issue, you’ll find a host of beautiful projects in our Portfolio section, a feature interview with Michael Bernier Design, our pool special, and so much more. None of this would be possible if the industry hadn’t welcomed us with open arms, sharing knowledge and their time, and for that I am immensely grateful. I also owe a debt of gratitude to the amazing UK Pro Landscaper team who have lent their expertise and insight as we launched the magazine, and continue to be a guiding light to the small but mighty US team who have worked so incredibly hard to get this first issue out into the world.
While there is so much to celebrate, I would be remiss not to say that this has also been an incredibly difficult season in our home of Los Angeles. The fires that tore through southern California throughout January have radically changed the landscape of LA forever. Angelinos lost friends and family, their homes, schools, and historic landmarks. Many of the architects, designers, contractors, and other industry professionals I spoke to for this issue had projects that were destroyed by the fires or were otherwise personally impacted by the devastation.
It is a reminder of the importance of the landscaping industry, and that this work touches people’s lives deeply. Our homes and the places we gather shape our communities and offer solace in moments of hardship. It is my hope that Pro Landscaper USA can be another source of that community and bring together readers from many sides of this wide-ranging industry.
I am so excited to hand this first issue over to you all, but even more excited about what is to come next for Pro Landscaper USA. We’re just getting started.
Happy reading!
Meet the Team
Get to know the faces behind the brand, and their reasons for getting behind the Pro Landscaper USA launch
Meet Celia
What inspired you to become involved with Pro Landscaper USA, and what excites you the most about shaping the magazine’s future?
Meet Lewis
What role does advertising play in Pro Landscaper USA, and how does it help bring the right brands to the right audience?
Meet Nina
Deputy editor Sales manager Content director
Having worked with Pro Landscaper UK for years, what do you see as the biggest opportunity for Pro Landscaper USA?
I’m energized by blazing a new trail and building something great from the ground up, so stepping in as deputy editor of Pro Landscaper USA has been one of the most thrilling moments in my career so far. What excites me most is the chance to really listen to the industry on what they need from a publication and use that feedback to make Pro Landscaper USA the best it can be!
How do you plan to keep Pro Landscaper USA at the forefront of industry trends and innovations?
Again, I think more than anything, an editor needs to listen to their audience! What are the hot button topics they want to learn more about, what pressing issues are impacting their businesses, etc. Aside from that, the PL USA team will be attending conferences and industry events, like IBS in Las Vegas, to make sure we’re positioning ourselves at the forefront of the industry.
Can you share a sneak peek of what topics or features we can expect in the upcoming issues?
Our April issue is all about decking, and coming up a little farther down the line, we have paving and irrigation. For more, you’ll just have to keep reading!
How do you see Pro Landscaper USA contributing to the landscaping community on the West Coast? We’re in a moment where so much feels up in the air. It is my hope that our publication can be a uniting force within an industry that can at times feel so disparate, and the place readers turn to stay up to date on the issues that matter to them the most.
Advertising plays a big part in Pro Landscaper USA; it helps make the magazine possible but is also another way for our readers to keep up to date with new releases and product information for brands that they know but also maybe some that they haven’t yet come across.
How do you ensure that the brands featured in Pro Landscaper USA align with the values and interests of the landscaping community?
After a lot of market research, we know which products our readers want to learn more about. Our features list matches this and gives these companies even more of an opportunity to stand out by committing to the editorial content.
Can you share some tips for advertisers looking to maximize their visibility and impact in the sector? It sounds very sale-sy, but pushing yourself in front of the audience constantly and consistently is really the best way – making sure you’re at the forefront of their minds, so that even if they don’t need your product or service now, when they do, they think of you straight away. Also, making sure you have an eye-catching advert in a good placement is always great!
What makes Pro Landscaper stand out as a platform for advertisers?
Our ethos is to connect the whole industry – we break down the barriers that some publications create (when they only provide a platform for one side of the sector). We have something for everyone; whether you’re a contractor, designer, landscape architect or maintenance company.
The reason for launching Pro Landscaper was to bring together all sectors of the landscaping industry, to break down silos between them and create a community. That’s what we’re excited to see in the US. In the UK, creating that community has allowed the industry to collaborate and grow, through sharing ideas and initiatives and celebrating each other’s successes.
What kind of content do you think will resonate most with US readers? There are both similarities and differences between the UK and US market, and the landscape is vastly different on the sunny West Coast to the grey skies of England. There’ll be discussions around irrigation, turf and artificial grass that will challenge us to think differently – and hopefully those working in the US as well. We also want to be highlighting businesses in the landscaping industry that are raising the bar and standing out amongst their competitors, and showcasing their incredible projects.
As someone who’s built connections across the UK landscaping industry, what are your plans to expand those connections into the US?
Building connections is the backbone of Pro Landscaper. Our deputy editor Celia and sales manager Lewis, who are based in Los Angeles, will be on the ground, ensuring we’re seeing as many people in the industry as possible. We’ll be attending trade shows such as the NAHB International Builders’ Show this month to utilise these opportunities to catch the sectors of the industry in one place. We’ll also be running our own events to bring the community together, so watch this space!
NEW AT NADRA
Why NADRA?
Made up of deck builders, inspectors, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, lumberyards, wholesalers, retailers, and service providers to the deck and railing industry, NADRA is a trade association with an emphasis
on safe building practices and deck safety. Its mission is to provide a unified source for the professional development, promotion, growth, and sustenance of the deck and railing building industry in North America so that members can exceed the expectations of their customers.
Registration is now open for:
Two-part NADRA Decks Done Right Education® - Live Webinar on March 18 and March 25
Code often addresses individual components and not systems. Building codes are minimum requirements, and the resistance to various forces may not be necessary. This program has been developed for deck construction based on the entirety of the system.
NADRA Northeast Networking Event on March 11
Open to members and non-members. There is no better time than now to start growing the right relationships.
Upcoming:
• NADRA Northeast Networking EventLehigh Valley Sporting Clays (May 7 2025)
• Two-part NADRA Decks Done Right Education®Live Webinar (October 2 2025 and October 9 2025)
• Deck Expo - Las Vegas Convention Center (October 22 2025 - October 23 2025)
• Deck Evaluation / Inspection CertificationLive Webinar (November 23 2025)
A Great Time to Join With tons of educational and networking events coming up, now is a great time to join NADRA. To view the full events calendar, or to register, visit NADRA.org.
Award-winning Decks
NADRA’S 15th annual National+ Deck Competition celebrates industry standouts
On January 3rd, NADRA, the North American Deck and Railing Association, held its 15th annual Awards Night during the 2025 NADRA Summit. The event took place at the Wyndham Grand in Clearwater Beach, FL., and recognized the exceptional and innovative work of NADRA’s members. The event celebrated the winners of the National+ Deck Competition. Builders had the opportunity to partner with other industry professionals, like manufacturers, who provided materials and support.
Spanning 21 categories, the National+ Deck Competition showcased the best of the best. Highlights included San Diego Decks & Patios’ stunning double leaf design deck. Stepping down to an above ground pool, the project utilized two different colors of TimberTech
by AZEK decking to depict the veins in the overlapping leaves. The nature inspired design took home first place for “Alternative Decks Under 35k.”
Hen-House Decks and its partner Moistureshield, who took home first place for the category of “Inlay On A Deck,” produced an intricate sunburst design rendered in deep red and ocean gray. Even though the team created the inlay in their workshop prior to installation, the process proved tricky as even minor misalignments wreaked havoc on the pattern. The solution? Trial and error with specialized tools to guarantee exact cuts.
CrossTek Construction brought the same problem-solving spirit to their award-winning entry for the category of “Closed Porch.” The company transformed the original underutilized
Michael Beaudry, NADRA executive director
Andy and Krissy Henley, Hen-House Decks
multi-level deck from a tripping hazard that was difficult to cool during the hot summer months into a brand-new enclosed porch space that could be used all year round. The enclosed porch featured painted wooden porch deck boards, a standing seam metal roof with tongue and groove-stained pine ceiling, and a wood-burning fireplace. A small grill deck was also added outside the roofed area to allow for grilling.
Perhaps the most exceptional projects appeared in the “Limitless Creation” category. Custom Vinyl Works took
home the win with their elegant outdoor retreat featuring a 27ft diving pool, integrated high-fidelity audio system, intricate tile work, and breathtaking fire features, all while vertical cable railings frame the picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains.
Michael Beaudry had this to say about the night’s proceedings
“Congratulations to every industry professional who entered the 2024 NADRA National+ Deck Competition. You are all winners.
Thanks for sharing and collaborating with your fellow designers and builders in raising the bar in the outdoor living industry we call home. We encourage industry professionals across North America and beyond to join NADRA.ORG and enter your projects in 2025.”
With stiff competition in all categories, NADRA members pushed themselves to new heights of exploration and creativity, and we’ll be waiting to see what they come up with at the next Awards Summit!
First place winners:
Commercial Outdoor Living Project
Q-ICE Builders
Partners: CAMO, Owens Corning Lumber
Best Product Display
Ravin Builders
Partners: CAMO, Deckorators, Eva-Last, IG Railing, in-lite, Owens Corning Lumber, Under the Sun
Refurbished/Refinished Deck
Top Gunn Decking and Home
Improvement LLC
Partner: Deckorators
Closed Porch
CrossTek Construction
Open Porch
ICOR Building and Remodeling
Hardscape
Holloway Company
Partners: TruScapes Deck Lighting
Pool Deck
Austin Deck Company
Partners: Deckorators, TimberTech by AZEK
Railing on a Deck
Fraser Decks and Patio Covers
Partners: FastenMaster, MOSO North America Inc.
Inlay on a Deck
Hen-House Decks
Partner: MoistureShield
Illumination
Northern Outdoor Living Partners: in-lite, Millboard Inc.
Unique Feature
Northern Outdoor Living Partners: In-lite, Millboard Inc.
Dock
Hickory Dickory Decks
Wood Deck Under $25k
TC Construction
Partner: Fortress Building Products
Wood Decks $26k-$50K
SG Construction
Wood Deck Over $50K
Deck Remodelers. Partner: in-lite
Alternative Decks Under $35K
San Diego Decks & Patios
Partner: TimberTech by AZEK
Alternative Decks $36K-$70K
Ravin Builders
Partners: CAMO, Eva-Last, Fortress Building Products, in-lite, Owens Corning Lumber
Alternative Decks $71K-$150K
Austin Deck Company
Partners: Deckorators, TimberTech by AZEK
Alternative Decks $151K-$250K
Majestic Outdoors
Partners: IG Railing, TimberTech by AZEK
Alternative Decks Over $250K
Deck Remodelers
Partner: TimberTech by AZEK
Limitless Creation
Custom Vinyl Works
Partner: Keylink
Dom Baisas, TimberTech
“GOOD DESIGN SOLVES MOST OF YOUR PROBLEMS”
My life’s mission is to connect people back to nature. The easiest way to do that, as a landscape designer, is to bring nature into people’s homes. – Michael Bernier
Michael Bernier is the founder and lead designer of Michael Bernier Design, a premier landscape and exterior design firm based in Los Angeles, California. After a prolific career as an advertising creative director, Bernier
studying Landscape Architecture at UCLA, marrying his design expertise with his love for the natural world.
You got your start working in advertising as a creative director, how did you make the shift to landscape design? I started my career eons ago as just a designer. I started in graphic design, and it morphed from there. I got my start in fashion, went into advertising and marketing eventually, and from there I became a creative director. While it was fun, interesting and creative, I found myself constantly questioning, why am I doing this? As a creative director for an advertising agency, you’re really telling people to buy more stuff. I have the heart of an environmentalist, and it went against everything that I believed in, if you think about it. This really came to a head when I was living in Atlanta, and I was working on a campaign for Coca
Cola. It hit me that I don’t even drink Coke. My desk was surrounded by piles of empty plastic bottles, and I just felt like I had to do something different. I knew I had to make a change, I had to be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
Now that was many years ago, and it took longer than I would have liked to make that transition—but I did.
“ONE OF THE REASONS I LEFT GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ADVERTISING WAS BECAUSE IT WAS SO TWO-DIMENSIONAL; IT WAS FLAT. I HAD BECOME BORED WITH IT. I NEEDED TO DO SOMETHING MORE.”
I then discovered landscape architecture, and went back to school at UCLA. There was still so much I needed to learn about plants and designing outdoor spaces, but I took what I understood about design and applied it to this whole new world.
One of the reasons I left graphic design and advertising was because it was so twodimensional; it was flat. I had become bored with it. I needed to do something more.
I love the idea of working in the threedimensional space and working with living creatures—the way I can reach out and positively impact the environment
in general, while also influencing the more intimate spaces people have in their homes. My life’s mission is to connect people back to nature. The easiest way to do that, as a landscape designer, is to bring nature into people’s homes
Do you feel like there are overlaps in your creative process between those two careers?
There are definitely a lot of differences. But, there are design principles that any good designer understands, and they follow them. So those were transferable, though obviously adjusted for the elements I was working with. When I went back to school and I was learning how to do landscape architecture, I think it was easier for me to do the work going from one type design to another than for those who didn’t have that background, as they didn’t have those basic skills and understanding. In the 15 years that I’ve been doing this career, it’s expanded my understanding of those principles exponentially, and especially bringing the human element into it, how people interact with the space. If you’re doing an advertisement, whether it’s print or mobile, you don’t
know how people are interacting with it. But, when people step into a living space, it can change everything about them— and that’s something that brings a lot of joy to the work that I do. Not just joy…the real word is fulfillment.
I teach an online landscape design course at Emory University where I teach those basic design principles to the students, to give them a solid foundation to work from. In my experience, whether
you’re creating a book, a TV show, an advertisement, or a landscape design, I’ve discovered that you’re telling a story. I tell my students to think of a theme that your design plan is going to be based on. What is the theme—the story you are telling—that drives every decision you make around this process? In that sense, yes, it is similar.
At the end of the day, I believe you are telling a story, and it is all about how
you can make that story intriguing to the viewer or the person who is going to be living in the space.
Would you say your company is known for a particular design style or ethos?
I think about this a lot, as there’s this big thing in marketing about niching down. And I started to think, what if I had to niche down? What would that be? And I still don’t have an answer, but I love Mid-Century Modern; it’s an amazing design narrative that is still beautiful to this day.
But, as a baseline, I work the garden style around the home’s architectural style. For example, with a Mid-Century Modern home, we will do a modern, clean, and minimal design, often utilizing a Mediterranean or desert style plant palette, because that’s where a lot of those homes are found. It’s amazing how you see so many beautiful Mid-Century homes and
the landscaping is horrible, because they pay so much attention to the house that they don’t even realize the landscape can be directed to fit that even better.
I’m always working with what’s going to be the best solution for that particular property. For example, I just worked on a project in the Pacific Palisades—which unfortunately burned down in the recent fires. It was a very traditional looking home. The clients were from New York, so I wanted to do a more traditional landscape that gave them the feeling that when they stepped out of their door into their yard, they were in their backyard in New York. There were a lot more trees, especially deciduous trees that lose their leaves, so there was a sense of change of seasons.
The natural environment plays a huge part in what I do with the garden too. I like to make the house feel like it was always part of the existing landscape.
You have a YouTube channel called “Think Outside TV.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind that? I had the ideas for it even before the pandemic, but when we went through the lockdowns and all of that, nobody
knew what the heck was going on. I still wanted to connect to people, and I thought, you know, everybody’s getting online, so let’s get online and connect with people. I wanted to be educational and entertaining, because being too educational can get boring, even though there are a lot of people out there seeking information. So, I thought, what can I do that would do both?
I decided I would highlight really, really bad landscape design with a series I call “What The F*ck Were They Thinking?” and then during the course of the video, I’d show them what they should have done. It ended up being relatively popular.
What’s next for Think Outside TV?
Think Outside is a brand that I created as a vehicle to promote and distribute anything that isn’t specific to my design services. I also created the Think Outside Landscape Design Academy to educate people on the importance of good design,
Previous page: Clean lines & open spaces echo the aesthetic of this Mid-Century Modern home. Left to right: Inspired by client’s Tulum vacation; Subtle lighting adds perfect moody ambiance; Sophisticated outdoor design – Scottsdale, AZ.
and when implemented properly, can change everything.
The first course is for landscape professionals who are maybe just ‘mow, blow, and go’ guys who want to up their game and learn more about design and the people side of this business—how to work better with clients.
One of the main things I talk about is how to improve the relationship between
“I REALLY PROMOTE LESS MAINTENANCE, AND I WAVE THE FLAG OF THE BETTER THE DESIGN IS, THE BETTER THE INSTALLATION, THE LESS MAINTENANCE WILL BE NEEDED”
the contractor and the client, and how critical that is to grow their business.
This year, I’m developing the “Do It Yourself” version of the Think Outside online course. This course will be simple enough for the typical homeowner who doesn’t want to spend $50k on a landscape project, or hire an expensive designer; they can learn the steps to do it themselves. I guarantee by taking this course, they’ll be light years ahead of their prior understanding of landscaping and have great success completing their own project.
What do you wish more people in the industry were talking about?
As a designer, I’m very passionate about not just the aesthetics, but the overall functionality of outdoor spaces, whereas the industry seems to be very focused on maintenance and maintenance contracts. They’re all about how do we get the big maintenance contracts and mow grass and trim hedges, and stuff like that. That couldn’t be more opposite of my perspective. So much so, that I may have even annoyed a few people in the industry, because I really promote less maintenance, and I wave the flag of the better the design is, the better the installation, the less maintenance will be needed.
I think sustainability is a big topic already, and that’s a good thing. It’s very much in the front of people’s minds. This ties into how important design is to the whole process, because most of the problems in this industry, and on each project, can be solved at the design stage.
Most of the projects I design require almost no maintenance, and that’s why a lot of people don’t want to talk about this, because they want the maintenance. But it’s something we must talk about! Where I live, there are people out there at 7:30 in the morning. Some guy was out there with a hedge trimmer, leaf blower. And it’s like, you know, if you planted the right plants in the first place you wouldn’t even have to be here, and you wouldn’t be waking me up in the morning. You wouldn’t be burning gas, and you wouldn’t be making all the noise and blowing all the dust in the
air. We need to look at maintenance as a result of good design, rather than a goal.
When you’re not working, what do you do to relax?
With the work that I do, I’m outside quite a bit and I love that! I enjoy nature as much as possible—both in the mountains and the ocean—good thing I live in California! I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, and paddle boarding is probably my number one fun activity. When I am not out in nature, I love to cook a good meal and drink great wine!
Top & bottom images: Nothing is more inviting to get outside and relax than the warm allure of an open fire pit.
to hope A TESTAMENT
GARDEN ARTS & DESIGN
ASPEN HOPE RANCH
After the original property had been destroyed by wildfire leaving behind nothing but the pool and jacuzzi basin, a rebuild was permitted by the Woolsey Fire Rebuild Plan. The clients, a young British couple with four small children, wanted the ultimate modern entertaining space with enough yard for the kids to play. Garden Arts & Design had worked with the couple
previously on another residence, and their mutual trust and shared understanding of the client’s style and taste meant that the project was able to move quickly and efficiently from design to execution.
Working from the base of the mountain downward, it was important to honor the environment and beauty of the mountains. One consideration was the custom Ipe fence, constructed of 50ft individual planks, two inches deep and 14 inches wide, each mounted separately with the coderequired four-inch gap. The planks, with no connecting hardware, allow viewers to experience the hillside down to the grade and preserve the view. Complying with fire-prone area codes without sacrificing aesthetics made material selection paramount. Ipe wood, used in the deck and fence, is fire-resistant, and defensible space was added around all structures.
The clients wanted a flat lawn for the kids to play on, but this gave the impression that the pool was sloping upwards. The rebuild permit came with its own limitations, one being that the pool basin could not be modified. The 1970’s shape was kept, while the finish and surroundings brought it into the new millennium. Dropping the front edge of the pool brought it into parallel with the house and gave the pool an instant modernity, with the seat edge at 18 inches. Because of the rebuild permit, the new home was built on the same footprint as the previous one. As a final transition between the level flat yard and pool deck, a planting bed was crafted with a stone retaining wall that matched the home both in interior and exterior finishes. A glass fence was used around the pool, both as a safety precaution and to ensure the view was not obstructed.
The front of the property was developed as a nonprofit organization, designed for the hospitality and entertainment of children living with life-altering health conditions. Aspen Hope Ranch is named in honor of the client’s daughter Aspen, who tragically passed away at 13 months old.
The ranch hosts animals to comfort children in need, from horses, cows, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, lambs, goats,
Previous page: Sleek garden design, seamlessly blending into the natural hillside
Current page left to right: Serene landscape with lush greenery and shaded seating; Poolside view with cozy seating and vibrant foliage; Natural beauty meets modern comfort; Lush succulents and greenery by the glass fence
and even a zebra. Given the presence of horses and other animals, the execution of the drafting and critical expertise in equestrian elements were supported by Hilary Watts Harris of HWH Outdoor Design, whose knowledge was invaluable to the project’s success.
For Dean Turchi, owner and creative director of Garden Arts & Design, the project is a reminder of the power of hope after tragedy. “After the wildfires of Malibu, the Palisades, and Eaton, this is a testament to resilience, renewal, and hope. While the property changed hands several times after the fire and before the client’s finished building in 2024, the full build was less than 18 months. For those looking for hope and facing rebuilding, it absolutely can be done.”
Images top to bottom: Views from the dining area; After driving up the 1500 ft driveway, the supplemental parking had to land on a statement
REFERENCES
Decks LA Decks la-decks.com
Irrigation
Ewing Outdoor Supply ewingoutdoorsupply.com
Plants
Monrovia Nursery monrovia.com
Blvd Nursery blvdnursery.com
Devil Mountain Wholesale Nursery
devilmountainnursery.com
C&S Nursery csnursery.com
Lighting FX Luminaire fxl.com
Pool
Gomez Hardscape & Pools
ABOUT
Founded in 2013, my landscape company combines 25 years of experience in architectural interior design and construction management, with a lifelong passion for gardens. My gardens lean modern and architectural, while I collaborate with clients across all genres of garden and home. gardenartsdesign.com Instagram: @gardenartsdesign
INTRODUCING THE SKIMMER SAVER
Doug Fischer discusses why he believes the Skimmer Saver is a game changer for pool maintenance
The Skimmer Saver by Fischer was designed out of necessity. It provides a simple and effective way to keep an overabundance of leaves out of your skimmer basket and avoid burning up your pool pump. This device keeps snakes, bugs, frogs and even grass clippings out of your skimmer basket. It is perfect for those who are working all day, frequent travelers, the elderly, and pool service providers.
One night when it was 15 degrees outside, wind blowing 25 mph, hail, sleet, and snow coming down, my wife heard the pool pump sucking air. At 1:30 am, I ventured outside to shut the pool pump off and took out all the leaves from the skimmer basket and pool. I woke up the next morning at 5:30 am and had to do it again. At that point, I looked online and didn’t see anything that could help me without having to bend down and affix directly on the skimmer intake. With bad knees, I knew that was not an option. Instead, I decided to make one that rested on the pool deck and over the skimmer intake. I inquired further and after doing my own research, I contacted a patent attorney and obtained a patent for my device.
In November 2022, we sold our first 10 Skimmer Savers to a local pool company. A month later, this company bought 40 more. To date, Hughes Pool has bought over 200 Skimmer Savers, and the reviews and testimonials are all superior. Now, the Skimmer Saver is fitted for the standard 12-inch openings of an in-ground pool. There are two flaps on the side to ensure leaves and debris cannot get in.
“IN NOVEMBER 2022, WE SOLD OUR FIRST 10 SKIMMER SAVERS TO A LOCAL POOL COMPANY. A MONTH LATER, THIS COMPANY BOUGHT 40 MORE”
Some people have asked, what about water flow? The Skimmer Saver is specifically designed to ensure even if there are leaves pressing against the screen, that water flows up to the water level you have and from below. If you have a bad storm or a microburst from high winds while you’re away, there is a chance your pool pump could burn up. The Skimmer Saver provides you the peace of mind that your pool pump won’t burn up. This device also works well with built-in hot tubs.
You may have seen my wife, Shawn Fischer, and me at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Dallas this past November. We not only featured our existing Skimmer Saver but also unveiled a video showing off the “Next Generation” Skimmer Saver, which will be available midFebruary 2025.
If you are a pool service provider, you do not have to worry about rushing over to someone’s home you service to take the leaves out of their skimmer basket, because their pool pump will not burn up with the Skimmer Saver in front of it. You will be able to tend to it when you can, not because you have to. While at the Expo, we spoke to several pool service provider companies who were interested, and some have bought them online.
The Skimmer Saver is manufactured in the US and is veteran owned. Our company promises quick responses to our customers, and once ordered the Skimmer Saver is mailed by the next business day.
skimmersaver.com
PROJECT
Value $1.2m approx. Build time Two years Size
2.5 acres (includes the footprint of the building) Awards
2024 AZ ASLA Honor Award in General Design
2024 Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Award of Distinction
Originally opened in 1966, Arizona State University’s Hayden Library and its corresponding exterior spaces were no longer meeting modern students’ needs, and thanks to an unfortunate 1989 below-grade addition, it lacked a sense of cohesion with the campus’ pedestrian mall system.
The university tasked Trueform Landscape Architecture studio with a comprehensive reimagining of Hayden Library, one that would take the library from underutilized and uninviting to a
vibrant oasis on campus. The direction from University Librarian James O’Donnell?
“Transform the library from a place for books to a place for people.” Trueform’s priorities included “universal accessibility, greater connectivity, plentiful shade, outdoor study and social gathering spaces, desert gardens, circular resource systems, and low-impact permeable paving.”
The original layout posed a challenge. It featured a deep-set plaza with bridges that had been intended to conjure up images of the island of knowledge but in
practicality felt inaccessible and cold, while the basement level’s own plaza seemed disconnected from the rest of the nearby bustling pedestrian malls, a key thoroughfare on campus that saw up to 15,000 students a day. In response, Trueform created a new library plaza at the main level and added 25,000 square feet of over-structure open space. Another concern was brightening the library. Architecturally, ASU and
the design team decided on a building envelope overhaul to significantly increase interior daylighting. This revision required the removal of numerous 4ft by 12ft granite slab panels. Instead of heading for the landfill, these original granite slabs were repurposed throughout the project—fulfilling another one of the client’s desires: sustainability. Framing the desert gardens and holding the elevated plinth
in the new library plaza, these wouldbe cast-off granite slabs became an important signature of the new open space, linking the new reimagining of Hayden Library to its aesthetic roots. Lush and colorful greenery offers shaded alcoves to study, meet with friends, or simply enjoy the campus, replacing the sterile walkways of the previous build. The use of drought-friendly and native plants, permeable paving to
address storm water challenges, and the repurposing of that storm water within the landscaping has helped to reduce potable water usage and made the project especially resilient to the Arizona climate.
The reinvention of Hayden’s Library and the importance Trueform placed
on the interconnectivity of the outside spaces mirrors the college experience, in which the pursuit of knowledge is not isolated and sequestered to just the classroom, but takes place wherever students come together to learn from each other. The final result is a project that has clearly come from the careful
Architecture
Ayers Saint Gross ayerssaintgross.com
Furniture
Maglin Site Furniture maglin.com
General contractor
Holder Construction holderconstruction.com
Irrigation design
Aqua Engineering, Inc
aquaengineeringinc.com
Landscape contractor
BrightView brightview.com
Planters
Kornegay Design kornegaydesign.com
Stone Ackerstone ackerstone.com
study of the client’s concerns, and a deep understanding of the benefits of outdoor access for emotional and physical well-being. The reinvention feels inviting and fresh, gives students vital access to outdoor space and a refuge from the demands of a rigorous course load.
TRUEFORM landscape architecture studio focuses on creating meaningful and memorable places that connect people to nature. Its work exhibits a strong commitment to authenticity, utilizing regionally appropriate and enduring materials. The studio brings decades of experience, working on numerous sitespecific campus projects including student life, student services, and various academic specific programs. trueformlas.com
©Caitlin Atkinson
BOWLES & WYER
CAMBRIDGESHIRE GARDEN, UK
If the fact a third of the site’s land mass is given over to a lake was not enough, the site of this single house plot also resides atop a former quarry—making for a challenging project, but with an end result that’s equal parts contemporary and rustic.
After purchasing this six acre site in the UK, and demolishing its original dwelling, the client—a young family—commissioned a new therma-house to be built atop the previous building’s foundations. Modern garden design company Colm Joseph Gardens was then brought in to design the site’s surrounding landscapes, maximising the view of the adjacent lake. 2024 BALI National Landscape Awards Grand Winner, Bowles & Wyer, then set about tendering for the installation of the hard and soft landscaping designed by Colm Joseph Gardens.
Two of the site’s boundaries—the River Great Ouse and a former railway line and associated meadow—form part of the flood defences of the local area and are deemed to be an asset of the local Environmental Agency. As building
PLANTING
• Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea
• Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Heidezwerg’
• Sesleria autumnalis
• Phlomis russeliana
• Iris ‘Perry’s Blue’ (Sib)
• Phlomis russeliana
• Betonica officinalis ‘Hummelo’
• Thuja Occidentalis ‘Smaragd’
• Carpinus betulus specimen hedging
work commenced, the project’s scope expanded to include areas such as the lake, which proved challenging due to its dredged materials and fluctuating water levels. With a high silt content the lake is adorned with mixed ornamental islands and dredged materials, the latter proved too high an expenditure to remove, and thus Bowles and Wyer needed to find another way to achieve the client’s desired effect. The lake’s bank edges were cleared and redefined with native plant coir rolls. A floating digger was then used to remove the silt from the lake to behind the coir rolls, reshaping the lake. Work was also done to improve the lake’s water quality, ensuring the habitats within and around it were on a net positive end quality result post-build.
As the project progressed, issues arose with the house build, resulting in delays and the main contractor withdrawing from the site.
Bowles & Wyer, working closely with Colm Joseph on the design, stepped in to carry out direct works for the client, which included an office cantilevered over the lake, a modern detachment from the main garden, accessible through a winding path, and a riverside building beneath this. The clients say seeing the landscaping work coming to fruition gave them the strength to complete the building works.
The site’s former life as a quarry meant the area was all unstable madeup ground, requiring a strategy to be put in place for all hard landscape elements, which included extensive use of 9m deep piles interlinked, as well as
designed reinforced concrete, steel beams and structural timber to create stable subbases for the pool, jetty, gate, spa terraces and outdoor kitchen area—all of which were added to and enhanced as building works progressed. The pool- installed by Letts Pools is the focal point of the garden, adding a sense of calm and
balance to the rural surroundings. At the clients request ‘seamless’ minimal jointed finishes were added to the main terraces and outdoor kitchen area, they also wished to use micro cement as the finished surface—which were supplied by Concrete Polishing UK.
The sleek decking and bespoke joinery design—supplied by Alan Hayward Joinery— mimics the aesthetic of the house, all three of which pop out against the greenery, with the encompassing planting creating a smooth transition to the surrounding area.
Inspired by the historic meadows of the surrounding countryside, the naturalistic planting scheme—designed by Colm Joseph and supplied by Palmstead Nurseries—creates a sympathetic blend to the bordering landscape. Multi-stem trees—supplied by Deepdale Trees— stand tall amongst the array of perennials, drawing the eye upon arrival. The varying heights of the planting create a multi-level flow throughout the garden, working in tandem with the mixed-level paving, bringing cohesion to the design.
Despite the project’s challenges and the site’s pre-existing obstacles, the clients now have a space that is both visually aesthetic and functional, offering a pocket of tranquility nestled amongst the meadowscape.
REFERENCES
Garden designer Colm Joseph Gardens colmjoseph.co.uk
Decking and joinery
Alan Hayward Joinery alan-hayward.co.uk
Trees and hedging Deepdale Trees deepdale-trees.co.uk
Swimming pool and spa Letts Pools lettspools.co.uk
Planting
Van den Berk Nurseries vdberk.co.uk
Palmstead Nurseries Ltd palmstead.co.uk
Cement finishes
Concrete Polishing UK concretepolishing.co.uk
Water feature Studio Ewing andrewewing.co.uk
ABOUT
Bowles & Wyer design, build and tend landscapes for private individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK and beyond, including public spaces that lift your spirits and gardens that make your heart sing. bowleswyer.co.uk
GoingNatural
The BioNova® North America story begins in the early 2000s when James and Hae-Sun Robyn, pool company owners in New Jersey, began hearing from clients that they were looking for a natural-looking swimming pool that did not use chemicals. Though they might not have known it at the time, these clients were asking for an NSP. While traditional swimming pools use chemicals in an attempt to rid the water of unwanted microorganisms and require daily water balance testing, Natural Swimming Pools, or NSPs, rely instead on biological filtration systems that allow the water to reach its own healthy balance and create an overwhelming population of beneficial microbes to naturally filter out those
same unwanted microorganisms from the water.
In Europe, NSPs had been growing in popularity since the late 1980s, and the Robyns soon embarked on a trip to Germany to discover what made them so popular abroad. At a trade show in Cologne later that year, they met Rainer Grafinger and quickly became friends. Grafinger and his mentor Gerhard Brandlmeier had been using the BioNova® name for their business building residential NSPs in Germany, and the Robyns purchased the name BioNova® Natural Swimming Pools for use in North America. Since then, the BioNova® team has made dozens of trips throughout Europe to analyze leading NSP technology, and back in
Allen Schnaak from BioNova® shares why everyone is asking for a Natural Swimming Pool
the US they have continued to refine these technologies to offer the most advanced NSP systems available. Now, BioNova® works closely with a large network of trained and licensed Dealers across North America. They also advise landscape architects and designers on the planning and implementation of NSPs.
BioNova® was the first company to build an NSP in the USA and Canada, and in 2015 the first public NSP in the US was opened by the City of Minneapolis at Webber Park. This milestone project was designed and constructed with BioNova® providing oversight to the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board and Landform Professional Services of Minneapolis.
Vice president of business development at BioNova®, Allen Schnaak’s first job was cleaning his neighborhood swimming pool at the age of 12. In college, he studied marine biology and limnology, and since then, his career has revolved around the swimming pool industry. When the Robyns asked him to join the BioNova® team, Schnaak was eager to dive in. NSPs aligned with his interest in
environmentally sustainable practices, and he’d found himself frustrated by the pitfalls of constantly treating and testing chlorinated water.
Schnaak tells me the first thing BioNova® does is ascertain what about a NSP is captivating the client’s attention. For many clients it is the plants; they specifically want the ecosystem created with plants, and enjoy the aesthetic look
of lilies, lotuses, and cattails. If that’s the case, BioNova® designs a biological filter that includes aquatic plants. Sometimes, however, the client is motivated simply by a desire not to swim in a chemically treated environment, but they don’t necessarily want their pool to appear ‘natural.’
Schnaak says that BioNova® has designed plenty of NSPs that appear almost exactly like a traditional pool: rectilinear in shape, blue stone or marble, no plants to be seen. In this case, Schnaak says they’ll often hide the filter underneath a wooden deck. Regardless of where a client falls on that spectrum, there’s an NSP to fit their needs. “They really have quite a personality,” Schnaak adds, “I don’t know that there are any two
pools that we’ve built that are the same, which makes this job fun. It’s not a cookie cutter process.”
Why might someone new to NSPs choose one over a traditional pool?
“A natural, chemical free pool is more soothing,” says Schnaak. “It is smoother on the skin, less drying, not irritating to eyes, skin, nose, mucus membranes. In terms of water quality and clarity, it would be the same in a natural pool as it would be in a chemical pool. Many people have the perception that a natural pool is just a green pond and that it is cloudy on the bottom, when in fact it is clear beautiful, sparkling, calming, clean water.”
Clients enjoy not having to chase a water balance. NSPs don’t require the constant testing of pH, alkalinity, or
hardness. “The only maintenance in a natural pool really is cleaning it,” says Schnaak. NSPs do require a slightly larger layout for the filter, and on average are 15 to 20% more expensive—though NSPs save on energy. Schnaak notes that the ROI on investing in an NSP is about 8 to 10 years.
“THEY REALLY HAVE QUITE A PERSONALITY,” SCHNAAK ADDS, “I DON’T KNOW THAT THERE ARE ANY TWO POOLS THAT WE’VE BUILT THAT ARE THE SAME, WHICH MAKES THIS JOB FUN. IT’S NOT A COOKIE CUTTER PROCESS.”
The US market is still significantly behind that of Europe’s. Schnaak shares that BioNova® has very little competition in the US, a fact which he laments. Still, word is spreading about NSPs, and more and more consumers are seeking out environmentally friendly, chemical free options. Even if NSPs are not as popular in the US as abroad, business is booming for BioNova®, and they expect it will only increase over the next few months.
This year, Schnaak is setting his sights even higher. He and
BioNova® are working on a set of guidelines for the implementation of public NSPs in the US. “A farm pond that has been scraped out of the land and then draped with a liner, does not necessarily mean that it has been engineered for the purpose of swimming. A major theme of what we’re doing is ensuring the safety of that vessel,” says Schnaak. Similar to the guidelines already in place in Europe, Schnaak is hoping that appropriate guidelines can spread the word on the safety of biologic filtration, and that they may be used by health department officials to standardize the requirements for public NSPs.
Even with all the exciting progress being made, Schnaak is taking it one project at a time, because he knows the results will come. “When I started with BioNova®, I recognized that my role was just to be a voice in the wilderness. I just had to put one more pool in the ground. That pool was going to be viral, then that client will have friends, and sooner or later it will reach a critical mass.”
ABOUT
BioNova® is wholly American owned and operated. It supports a growing network of trained and licensed dealers across North America, and works with design professionals on planning and implementing NSPs. It works closely with clients and provides detailed drawings, renderings, and hydraulics plans. Its licensed BioNova® dealers are the artisans who perform the installation of its proprietary biological filtration systems that achieve the “BioNova® Certified NSP” standards. bionovanaturalpools.com
Master Pools Guild & Breeez: A Revitalization Story
Breeez has been making waves in the pool industry since 2018 when we partnered with Master Pools Guild –the association that sets the standard for pool-building excellence.
Branding
It all begins with the brand. Consistent and recognizable branding is essential to make your company stand out and build loyalty with your customers.
Meanwhile, poor or outdated branding can often have the opposite effect.
When Master Pools Guild came to us, its brand identity had started to feel a little dated. Breeez undertook a full rebranding initiative, from custom-designed logos, icons, and badges to brand guidelines, print materials, and even event stands and awards.
Website
With MPG’s new and improved brand identity established, we turned our attention to the website.
Our goal was to create a performance-driven site that connected potential customers to MPG-affiliated pool builders and encouraged potential members to reach out to the guild.
With an emphasis on streamlined navigation, engaging content, and lightning-fast load times, this new and improved website was fine-tuned for conversion. The design aligns seamlessly with the new brand while the intuitive layout is inviting and easy to navigate.
The result was a brand that reflects the guild’s official status while evoking the warm and refreshing atmosphere often associated with pools.
MPG was so thrilled with the site, that they asked us to build another one, which launched in 2024! 1. 2.
“The Breeez team is awesome to work with – their guidance invaluable and their patience unending. We truly have a creative team in our corner that we can depend on to deliver on time and exceed expectations.”
Teri Wiltshire, Executive Director of Master Pools Guild
Digital Marketing 3. A Lasting Success
Of course, a modern brand and sleek website can only go so far. To capitalize on MPG’s revamped online presence, we needed to get the guild’s name out there.
We achieved this in three ways:
Social media marketing - To increase brand visibility, credibility, and audience engagement.
SEO - To rank higher in search engine results and increase discoverability.
Content marketing - Including new webpages and blog posts to increase web presence and help establish MPG as a trusted resource.
With Breeez’s help, MPG has seen an unprecedented increase in web traffic and memberships. And its members are thriving as well.
We now work with pool builders across MPG’s extensive network, delivering the same lead-driven results that have earned us a reputation as an industry leader in digital marketing.
Now, we’re proud to be MPG’s preferred marketing partner and vendor. We even sponsor the guild’s bi-annual meetings, where we’ve hosted a number of digital marketing masterclasses.
Since it began in 2018, our partnership with Master Pools Guild has only grown stronger, and we look forward to continuing for years to come.
REMARKABLE
Relaxation
From innovative solutions for pool and hot tub maintenance to modern saunas, check out these products that make relaxing at home even easier
Aqua Comb
Aqua Comb is the ultimate solution for pool, spa, and hot tub cartridge filters. The Aqua Comb comes in two styles: pool and spa. It attaches easily to any garden hose, blasting away debris while opening filter pleats for a deep, thorough clean. Aqua Combs are great for getting dog hair and leaves out of the filter. The trusted name for fast and effective filter maintenance, Aqua Comb is made 100% in the US. aquacomb.com
Diamond Brite Pool Finish
There is more to a great pool finish than meets the eye. A great pool finish is durable, comfortable, easily maintained and enhances your poolscape environment. Diamond Brite from SGM is all that and more. Diamond Brite combines natural quartz aggregate, polymer-modified cement, and non-fading Diamond Quartz in a stunning variety of 17 colors. The result is a unique finish that stands up to the harshest pool environments while providing years of enjoyment. sgm.cc
The Spa Dragon
The Spa Dragon is a backup heating system that monitors the water temperature in your hot tub, and is activated if anything should fail that would cause the water temperature to drop below the alert point set by the user. When the Spa Dragon is activated, an LED light starts flashing red and sends a text or email to the user to notify them to get their hot tub serviced before sustaining any freeze damage. thespadragon.com
BlackWater Cube Sauna by Almost Heaven Saunas
Introducing the BlackWater Cube Sauna by Almost Heaven Saunas. Crafted in West Virginia, this sleek, modern sauna features bold, black-framed windows that allow sunlight to flow in and connect you to nature. The complete kit includes everything you need for easy assembly, seating four comfortably. Made from premium cedar with full-length wood staves, the sauna is durable and built for relaxation. It also comes with a complete roofing kit and a tempered glass door for safety and outdoor views. Create your personal oasis with the BlackWater Cube Sauna. almostheaven.com
ThermaSol’s Nordic Misty (electric or wood-burning)
ThermaSol’s Nordic Misty Large Outdoor Sauna features pre-treated heattreated spruce and aspen panels, creating a warm and inviting interior. Its sleek design seamlessly integrates into any garden, with expansive double-glazed windows that enhance energy efficiency and provide a spacious feel. The dark-tinted panoramic window offers a beautiful view while maintaining a gentle ambiance. Inside, the sauna’s calming atmosphere promotes relaxation. This “plug and play” sauna comes fully equipped with electrical connections for quick setup. LED lights positioned under the lower bench and along the backrest add a cozy touch to the experience. thermasol.com
One-Step Spray Deck
One-Step Spray Deck by SGM, Inc. is a pre-blended decking system that incorporates dry resin technology, eliminating the need for liquid additives. Simply add water and spray or trowel apply over new/existing concrete surfaces. Available in 10 colors, white and clear seal, this product is slip resistant and comfortable under the foot. A perfect choice for pool and spa decks, walkways, entrances, and driveways in both residential and commercial applications. sgm.cc
DRY-LAID DETAILS
Graham Melville, founder of Melville Stoneworks, shares why he’s fascinated by dry-laid stonework
What is dry-laid stonework?
Dry-laid stonework is an ancient construction technique involving the intricate placement of natural stone without the use of mortar. The stones are kept in place by gravity and frictional resistance. These structures can last hundreds or even thousands of years. The most common dry laid structures are old farm walls, but modern landscapers are using this technique to create patios, staircases, and other outdoor features. The pyramids are a classic example of dry-laid stonework, but others include the neolithic stone village of Skara Brae in Orkney and the Dolmen megalithic tombs around the world.
Where should someone look to learn more about this art form?
The two top organizations are the Dry-Stone Walling Association in the UK and the Stone Trust in the US.
What first sparked your interest in drystone techniques?
I first learned about dry-stone walling through work done at my family’s home in Vermont. My parents purchased the house in 2009 and hired a contracted named Darren McCullough to fix two giant stone walls that had been built around 1802, as well as construct a large patio and retaining wall behind the house. At the time, I didn’t think much of a bunch of stones piled together, but as I grew older, I began to give more thought to all the work he had done. I thought about the skill required to painstakingly stack and orient thousands of stones to create huge structures. I also was fascinated with the history behind the walls scattered
across Vermont, some of which have stood untouched for almost 300 years. The summer after the pandemic began, I started to have a larger appreciation for building, art, and history. I grew frustrated with my work as an analyst in the city, so I decided to transition into becoming a landscaping contractor.
Why might a client choose dry-laid stone over wet?
With the introduction of mass-produced Portland cement in the 1800s, dry-laid stonework became rarer. However, cases still arise where it is preferred for construction. In climates with long freeze and thaw cycles, dry-laid walls are more durable than mortared ones. Dry-laid is made up of individual stacked stones, so when this cycle occurs the whole structure can slightly move and compensate for the ground movement. A cemented wall would build up pressure over time and eventually crack. Additionally, dry-laid stone walls are recyclable, longer lasting, and easily allow water drainage through the entire structure. However, they are often more labor intensive, and it is harder to create taller, thin walls. Cost is usually higher, but they typically cost less in maintenance and have a beautiful, natural rustic appearance.
Dream project?
I’ve seen a couple different wallers build what’s called a moon gate. This is where within a wall, stone is stacked in an arch-shaped structure that you can walk through. The engineering and skill required to shape the stone to fit well enough to defy gravity is amazing to me.
One of your projects went viral on Reddit, has that impacted your business?
It has definitely helped my drive to build more dry laid stonework. Interacting with the hundreds of people who reached out to me with their own stories of wall building was really empowering.
ABOUT
Graham Melville is an independent landscape contractor based out of Richmond, Virginia. His work includes installing natural and paver hardscapes, refurbishment, and plantings. He is a certified Virginia Horticulturalist with his level I dry stone walling certification, with hopes to pass his level II in the summer. melvillestoneworks.com
THE IN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES FUTURE OF WELLNESS
Michelle Hendricks discusses why wellness decks are one of 2025’s trends to watch
In the fast-paced and chaotic world we live in, consumers are embracing wellness experiences. In 2025, these holistic trends are on the rise—and many consumers are choosing to create them in their own backyards. When it comes to decks, homeowners are increasingly transforming them into wellness spaces. Today’s market allows consumers to choose from features that support their body and mind. With saunas, spas, outdoor showers, and cold plunges soaring in popularity, wellness is becoming a defining element of the modern backyard.
Why the shift to wellness decks?
Today’s homeowners crave fully functional wellness ecosystems that help them achieve their individual lifestyle and fitness goals. In the past, this required traveling to a resort or at the very least, leaving the house. Now, an environment that promotes relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being can be achieved from home.
Saunas, spas, outdoor showers, and cold plunges are the most popular trends in wellness decking, and they all have two things in common—water and their ability to support overall well-being. But it’s not just about adding a hot tub to your deck and calling it a day. What was once seen as a simple addition like a hot tub can now be customized to fit homeowner needs, with
flush installation for a seamless aesthetic or elevated for a dynamic feel.
Premier Outdoor Living designed a hot tub experience that embodied the homeowner’s desire for convenience, comfort, and a seamless hot tub experience. Why climb up into a hot tub when you can step down into it with ease? To make it an even better and safer experience, they installed Voyage decking featuring Surestone® technology, which takes performance and value to the next level. Voyage decking features enhanced traction for slip resistance and its mineral-based composite technology makes it virtually moisture-proof. This hot tub project offers luxury, safety, and the ultimate relaxation space.
In addition to safety and durability, homeowners and contractors should consider factors such as proper drainage, durable and weatherresistant materials, and strategic lighting to elevate the ambiance and safety of the space. Privacy features such as screens and landscaping can add to the spa-like environment.
homeowners achieve all of this, while allowing them to feel connected with their homes in ways like never before.
“HOMEOWNERS ARE SAYING GOODBYE TO THE TRADITIONAL COCKTAIL HOUR EVENTS IN FAVOR OF EVENTS THAT CENTER ON HEALTH, RELAXATION, AND COMMUNITY”
Strategically placed landscaping is a form of biophilic design that leans on a deck’s natural ability to connect the homeowner with the natural environment around their home. The science is clear that connecting with nature has proven health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving mood, and lowering blood pressure. Biophilic design such as lush plant life, ample natural light, and elegant, curved shapes helps
Previous page: Sleek outdoor spa design. Courtesy of Deckorators. Current page: Wellness deck. Courtesy of Premier Outdoor Living.
What other ways is this trend coming to life?
One of the most exciting aspects of this trend is its ability to shape social gatherings. The past year has also seen an increasing number of wellness parties. Homeowners are saying goodbye to the traditional cocktail hour events in favor of events that center on health, relaxation, and community. Imagine inviting friends over for an evening of sauna sessions, hydrotherapy, and rejuvenating cold plunges. Wellness is an investment, but the ability to offer your guests an experience that refreshes them rather than depletes them is priceless.
The movement toward wellness decks reflects a broader cultural shift of prioritizing well-being in every aspect of life. Homeowners are no longer just interested in standard decking aesthetic;
they want to use their own outdoor areas to create environments that actively contribute to their overall health. Between hot tubs for hydrotherapy, cold plunges for muscle recovery, and outdoor saunas for deep relaxation, wellness sanctuaries are now more popular than ever.
As this trend continues to evolve, we expect to see even more innovation as we integrate wellness into outdoor living spaces. These efforts have made these experiences more widely available, making wellness luxury spaces within closer reach for more homeowners. In 2025, wellness isn’t just a luxury; it is a lifestyle.
ABOUT
Michelle Hendricks is category marketing manager for Deckorators®, a leading brand of UFP Industries, Inc., and offers insights from the brand’s innovative products in composite decking, railing, and accessories. Deckorators helps homeowners maximize their outdoor spaces—and make them their own. Visit our website to learn more, start a project, locate a contractor, or find where to buy Deckorators products. deckorators.com
CROSS-POLLINATION OF IDEAS ACROSS THE POND
Tony Brophy, CEO of Green Social Engineering, attributes much of his understanding of the landscape market’s potential to his business friends in the USA
When I was 10, my Irish father, who probably planted more trees in his life than anybody on Earth, took me and my friends down to the East End of London and to the top of a new 14-story block of social housing which afforded a panoramic view of London. Our jaws dropped at the scale of London’s urban sprawl, and I was horrified to discover that the only play area was a fenced off plot of asphalt with a few six-foot concrete sewer pipes embedded upright. The asphalt was peppered with broken glass and dog-mess; I was deeply shocked, and that childhood experience cast the die for the rest of my life, working with nature and enhancing the environment.
In 1970, much to the astonishment of my lecturers at Westminster Business School, I prepared my thesis on ‘The Asphalt Kids – the sociological importance of landscaping’ narrowing it down to the
importance of greenspace and play areas in deprived urban areas. Little did I realise that I was forming the blueprint for the rest of my life!
Inspired by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe’s (1900-1996) true passion for landscape and garden design, which he described as ‘the mother of all arts’, I wanted to be a landscape architect like Jellicoe, who became my friend late in his life. We shared the same visions of how urban places could be designed to enable healthy living and encourage everyone to appreciate nature.
“THAT CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE CAST THE DIE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE WORKING WITH NATURE AND ENHANCING THE ENVIRONMENT”
Jellicoe’s final and most ambitious project was the Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas. He imagined a design where visitors could be transported by waterways through the history of the landscape, from the Garden of Eden and the gardens of ancient Egypt to a design inspired by Thomas Mann’s novel The Magic Mountain.
Jellicoe designed the Water Gardens in Hemel Hempstead New Town. As a child, I remember playing in the canal water as my father and his gang of Irishmen were seeding the surrounding grasslands.
After my father’s premature death in 1991, I made an offer to Jellicoe to be the custodian and overseer of his brilliant ideas for the Moody Gardens after his passing, which happened on my birthday in 1996.
I originally joined my father in our family business in 1971 and became a landscape contractor, proudly promoting the slogan ‘enhancing the environment since 1949’.
Gaia Earth Sculpture Ebbe Vale Garden Festival
‘Night Swimmer’ Brophy Sculpture Garden, Chelsea Flower Show
Horseman Sculpture in Hyde Park
In 1972, I was involved from the outset with the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) determined to create a fair and level competitive playing field and promote best practice.
Then, in the 1979 UK General Election, Margaret Thatcher—nicknamed ‘The Iron Lady’—became the first female Prime Minister. This marked the beginning of a ‘special relationship’ with U.S. President Ronald Reagan, ushering in an era of neoliberalism, ‘Reaganomics,’ and privatisation. Crucially for Brophy, this included the monopoly-controlled UK Water Industry. As hungry entrepreneurs, this was like American’s Central Plains Settler Rush during the 19th century.
In 1979, I took my first trip to the US, visiting Houston, where I was struck by the sheer scale of everything in Texas. The visit was to receive the first of several ALCA International Distinction Awards for our refurbishments works on the historic 1.5
acres ‘Garden in the Sky’ Derry & Toms roof garden build by Ralph Hancock in London in 1936. Prior to this, Hancock had designed the famous Rockefeller Gardens in New York City.
Key connections
I became friendly with the unforgettable Burton S Sperber, founder of Valley Crest in California, who generously invited me into his home in Malibu. Sperber shared all his passions and visions with me for the US landscape industry.
build/maintain’ landscaping, which I have promoted all my career.
“AS HUNGRY ENTREPRENEURS, THIS WAS LIKE AMERICAN’S CENTRAL PLAINS SETTLER RUSH DURING THE 19 TH CENTURY”
I also became friendly with landscape architect Dick Brickman, who famously contracted with Ray Kroc as the landscaper for McDonald’s Corporation. Brickman was on the forefront of environmentally friendly landscaping practices and he opened my eyes to the concept of ‘design/
The historically fragmented parochial US ‘Ma & Pa’ landscape market became corporate when in 2013 the landscape giants from the west, Valley Crest merged their business with the landscape giants from the east, Brickman Group, creating a colossus BrightView Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: BV)—the leading commercial landscaping services company in the United States, with current revenues of $2.77bn and 19,100 employees.
The British landscape industry market is following that consolidation and growth trend with Nurture Group announcing their 50th acquisition of Tivoli just before last Christmas, furthering their quest to be the clear market-leader with all the competitive advantage that brings.
In the spirit of innovation, in 1986, I brokered the first commercial joint venture with a Statutory Authority, Thames Water, with a business plan to recycle the human waste from the 17 million people in their catchment area into organic growing mediums. With this sustainable competitive advantage, we supplied the growing medium for Stockley Park near London Heathrow Airport, the UK’s first business park. This advantage enabled us to carry out major works on the redevelopment of London Docklands in the 1990s.
By 1994, I organically grew the business to be the clear UK market-leader, with 2,900 employees as well as 88 offices and depots. I owe much of my understanding of the potential in the landscape market to my business friends in the USA—thank you!
ABOUT
Master organic gardener certified by Gaia College Canada, event organiser and landscape consultant focused on naturebased solutions to mitigate climate change. Enhancing the environment since 1970 with experience running companies around the world.
“Working with nature.”
greensocialengineering.org
Brophy Sculpture Garden Chelsea Flower Show
Sir Anthony Gormley ‘The Listener’ Camden Peace Park
Jakobsen Sculpture Fence
What’s up next for
DESIGN • BUILD • MAINTAIN
Get involved in our April 2025 issue
Our April issue will spotlight all things decking, and there are lots of ways to get involved!
There’s a “Top Tips” feature on best practices for deck installation.
A products page that will showcase the best and most exciting offerings in the decking space. Our “Meet the Supplier” special. An update from leading association NADRA.
For editorial inquiries:
Celia Cummiskey Deputy editor celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com
For sales inquiries:
Lewis Everle Sales manager lewis.everle@eljays44.com
Little The
Interviews
Pro Landscaper USA asks quick-fire questions to gain a small insight into the people who make up our industry. To take part email celia.cummiskey@eljays44.com
Alex J. Franco
AJ Horticulture and Plumeria Papa Instagram @plumeria.papa
Leif Wirtanen
Cascade Fence and Deck cascadefenceanddeck.com
Pool or hot tub?
Both depending on the situation.
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? Japan.
One thing that you think would make the industry better?
A specific pricing gauge based on experience.
Childhood role model?
My father, he was hard working.
Best piece of advice?
Take your time, don’t rush a project and don’t be cheap.
Dream project?
Dream project would be a large-scale naturalization pond style project with unlimited budgets.
Couldn’t get through the week without… A coffee.
Who would play you in a movie? Jack Black.
What would you blow your budget on?
Worldwide travel.
Pool or hot tub?
Pool! Or before both of these... Sauna.
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? Norway is stunning.
One thing that you think would make the industry better?
Raising the standard pay for employees and making it more of a career job.
Who would play you in a movie?
Paul Walker.
What would you blow your budget on?
Employee trips with their families.
Childhood role model?
Definitely my dad.
Best piece of advice?
While at work, never be caught standing still with your hands in your pockets. If there is NOTHING to do, pick up a broom.
Dream project?
A large Deckorators deck with cool water features and lots of Inlite landscape lighting.
Couldn’t get through the week without… Evening saunas with my boys.
Jonathan Moeller
Pool or hot tub? Hot tub.
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? Sweden.
One thing that you think would make the industry better?
Having informed customers who want the best and don’t fall for the low price of the fly-by contractors.
Who would play you in a movie?
Josh Brolin.
Pool or hot tub? Hot tub!
Other than the US, which country’s landscape inspires you the most? The Caribbean islands.
What would you blow your budget on?
Lake house and a boat.
Childhood role model?
Jim Carrey.
Best piece of advice?
Don’t put off for tomorrow what can get done today.
Dream project?
Massive deck with gable roof and all the outdoor luxury upgrades.
Couldn’t get through the week without… family time.
Childhood role model?
I always looked up to my father.
Best piece of advice?
Your first $1K will come from hard work. Your first $100K will come from working smart. Your first $1M will come from building a team who work harder and smarter than you.
One thing that you think would make the industry better? Younger people getting into the trade and knowing the success that can come from it.
Who would play you in a movie? Tough one, but I really resonate with Billy Bob Thornton in Landman.
What would you blow your budget on?
A huge yacht.
Dream project?
I just finished my dream project that was my own backyard. But now I have realized that I dream of my next one. You always can do it better on your next one!
Couldn’t get through the week without…
A good sweet tea, a fresh cup of coffee, and friends and family to share life with.
©ErikaCristina Mann o/Shutterstock.com
