13th Street Washington DC
Urban Native Landscape

13th Street, NW
Washington, DC
Medium
In the Ground

Following a full home renovation, the site was left as a blank slate by the developer—an expanse of lawn in need of transformation. The clients envisioned a lush, native landscape that would support local ecology, offer edible harvests, and invite play wherever possible.  We replaced the entire front lawn with a richly textured palette of 90% native plants, eliminating the need for mowing while adding year-round interest and habitat value. In the narrow urban side yards, carefully selected narrow trees create an overhead canopy that softens the space, enhances privacy, and visually extends the garden upward without overwhelming the footprint.  The existing deck was reimagined as an active landscape element. Horizontal skirting adds a refined architectural finish, while integrated climbing handholds encourage outdoor play and exploration. The result is a lively landscape that balances beauty, function, and fun.

Design Tools: AutoCAD, Adobe Suite

Collaborators: Kelsey Moody

Installation:  Best Landscape and Construction

Photographer: Magdalena Aravena | www.studio-siembra.com
Native front yard landscape with lawn replacement, ornamental grasses, and ecological planting design
Native perennial garden surrounding front entry walkway and porch
Residential front yard featuring native plants, groundcovers, and low-maintenance landscape design
Wooden garden gate opening into a lush native side yard landscape
Narrow residential garden pathway bordered by native plants and flowering shrubs
Native ornamental grasses providing texture and seasonal interest in residential landscape
Tree-lined side yard garden creating shade, privacy, and habitat value
Custom deck skirting with integrated climbing holds for outdoor play and exploration
Wooden garden gate opening into a lush native side yard landscape
Green groundcover lawn alternative replacing traditional turf grass in native garden
Narrow residential garden pathway bordered by native plants and flowering shrubs
Bee visiting flowering native plant in pollinator-friendly residential landscape

Inspired by This Landscape Transformation?

Let's create an outdoor space that supports people, play, and local ecology.

Schedule a Consultation