This garden completed in 2021.
In this photo gallery, we will explore the entire process. In other words, the before, the during, and the after construction and every step along the way. This will give you a great idea about what is involved in a successful garden construction project. Return often to watch the step-by-step progress and enjoy the attention to detail.
Montrose Project Journal
Day one. The pool gets new plaster which is slightly darker blue. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The Before Photo
Montrose Construction Journal
The stone retaining wall and the new front garden and streetscape. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Just the punch-out remains. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Mid October and in the capable hands of the garden care group. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
End of demolition. Next, we start preparing the beds. Work in progress. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
My first visit to the site today. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The first site visit. David Morello
Montrose Traditional
Day one. Demolition of the existing garden. David Morello
Montrose Traditional
Day one. Demolition of the existing garden. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
It's never easy removing trees except when they are diseased, unhappy, and begging for mercy. In this case, 4 Italian Cypress trees were removed. Btw, IC, do NOT like it in Houston which is why 9 out of 10 that you see are brown. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
What we have here is a fresh, clean canvass. The magnolia is going to remain. The pool has been replastered. Come back to watch the progress. The garden walls (fencing), are next. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Dedicated to perfectionism. Here we are transferring the lines from the drawing to the job site with great precision.
Montrose Construction Journal
The lines have been transferred from the drawing to the site and painted with red spray paint. Very precise and accurate.
Montrose Construction Journal
After the red paint, the steel edging is laid. Note the precision.
Montrose Construction Journal
Much fine-tuning of the elevation of the steel edging but you can begin to see the specialness of the bed lines. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The steel edging has been assembled but we still have tons of refining to do until it meets our standards. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The Mark of Excellence. Nearing the end of week two and everything is going to plan. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
During Construction. Up next. Lots of grading and fine grading until we get the elevation of the terra firma just exactly the way we want it. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
During construction. It's all about the details. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Step by step construction journal and today is attention to important details. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Day 13, during construction and going perfectly to plan. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The secret to any healthy garden is good, rich organic soil. Today we distributed just that throughout the new garden beds. The slate walkway to the front door looks especially pretty after a downpour. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Toward the end of week three. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Board and batten-style cedar fence. This one is double-sided as you will see in the following frame. Has to be my favorite style of cedar fence. 100% private.
Montrose Construction Journal
Board and batten-style cedar fence. This one is double-sided as you saw in the preceeding frame. Has to be my favorite style of cedar fence. 100% private. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
During construction. A pedestrian gate that leads to a service area will have a black star gravel floor. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Grading and fine grading the lawn beds. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Grading and fine grading the lawn beds. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The arrival of the trees is always a favorite day for us as well as the client. These magnificent specimens are Slender Silhouette Sweetgum which grows to 60 feet by 6 feet. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
One of the client's favorite trees is the Slender Silhouette Sweet Gum seen here. They will grow 60 feet by 6 feet. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Preparation for the gravel service area.
Montrose Construction Journal
Sometimes you discover beautiful views in places you never would expect.
Montrose Construction Journal
Moving along to plan. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
French drains in the lawn area. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Montrose Construction Journal
Something for the chef to look at between flipping. This custom trellis design will be covered in jasmine eventually. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Even though the outdoor plumbing is messy, it's a favorite time of ours because it means that planting is right around the corner and that is the part we all love. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Irrigation detail.
Montrose Construction Journal
New irrigation system check.
Montrose Construction Journal
Planting is next.
Montrose Construction Journal
One day after Hurricane Nicholas passes over central Houston, knocking out power to half a million, the show goes on. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Everything going exactly to plan despite a two-day shutdown caused by a hurricane which shall remain nameless. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Everything going exactly to plan despite a two-day shutdown caused by a hurricane which shall remain nameless. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Progress report. Irrigation nozzles and the hand railing is removed at long last. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Progress report. Almost a wrap. Everything going exactly to plan and we are on schedule despite Hurricane Nicholas.
Montrose Construction Journal
90% complete is the front garden just a few details remain such as the lawn and the sidewalk leveling. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Nearing completion then on to the next project. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
A never-before-seen look of the back garden. The cable you see on the fence is the fiber optic cable which was raised for safekeeping. It will be buried when we are finished. All details tended. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Beautiful Palisades Zoysia grass to be installed today as we inch closer to completion. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Raising the sunken concrete slabs for a smoother surface for all walkers in the neighborhood. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Just the punch-out remains. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Service area with gas meter and irrigation vacuum breaker.
Montrose Construction Journal
Custom trellis focal point and double-sided pedestrian gate.
Montrose Construction Journal
The back garden After David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The back garden After David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The back garden After David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Montrose Construction Journal
The stone retaining wall and the new front garden. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The stone retaining wall and the new front garden. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The stone retaining wall and the new front garden and streetscape. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The stone retaining wall and the new front garden and streetscape. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
The mending of the slate tiles remains but it is an addendum. Otherwise, a very happy client, and that makes me very happy. The garden care crew will now take over and handle everything so the homeowner can enjoy it. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Mid October and in the capable hands of the garden care group. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Two weeks after completion. David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Seasons Greetings 2021 David Morello
Montrose Construction Journal
Late February 2022
Montrose Construction Journal
April 2022
Montrose Construction Journal
April 2022
Montrose Construction Journal
Early May 2022
Montrose Construction Journal
Early May 2022