This Stunning Landscape Redo Features Drought-Tolerant Plants, Dog-Friendly Features
Landscape designer Chad Norris blends luxury with sustainability in an outdoor oasis.
By Erika Thomas | Photography by Michael Woodall
When Dean and Stacy Norcutt wanted to revamp the landscape of their Paradise Valley home, they had two important factors in mind. The first was to provide a space for their flat-coated retrievers to roam. The second, and perhaps most important, was to utilize drought-tolerant vegetation, while maintaining the traditional design elements the area is known for.
To accomplish their goal, they engaged landscape designer Chad Norris, who used existing ornamental plants, succulents and large-scale garden decor while incorporating new plants and natural rock, as well as design strategies to complete the project. “When I met the Norcutts, their vision was to maintain that classic Paradise Valley look, which is typically a lot of grass and large palm trees,” he says. “At the same time, we needed to infuse some sustainable elements that would be a nod to the Southwest.”
To blend these distinct qualities, he scaled back much of the lawn in the front of the home. Crane-set boulders were strategically placed at the corner of the yard, along with a variety of cacti and durable, drought-friendly perennials. “The presence of annual flowers is virtually non-existent in this climate, because their high-water usage works against the landscaping,” Norris explains, “and there was a lot more grass when we started.”
Minimizing the front lawn would allow for a desert-style landscape and water conservation at the same time. Norris brought in varying sizes and shapes of cacti, including golden barrel and organ pipe, as well as the unique bluish-hued yucca rostrata.
The ground was elevated at the corner of the yard, which is in the direct line of sight for those turning off the main road to the residence.
“This section is the first thing people see when they arrive at the house,” Norcutt notes. “Previously, there had been nothing except for a lot of overgrown brush. I wanted to design a special focal point. I used soil to raise the ground, which evokes a sense of formality and lets you know you’ve arrived.”
In the backyard, a substantial section of grass was left for the couple’s four pups to lounge. “Our dogs love to play,” Stacy says. “In the redesign, Chad left just the right amount of grass and created a track so they could run around together.”
When it came to maximizing the poolscape, clearing away overgrowth and increasing the aesthetic was the goal. Norris’ team raised the paved seating area above the spa to add height and incorporated flower beds.
Mexican cardons on both sides of the fireplace provide balance and verticality, framing the rustic mountain view just beyond. Norris went for a layering effect, working with the existing bubbler and spitting-jet water features.
The one aspect Stacy finds most beautiful is the vantage point upon entering the house. “When you walk through the front door, you can look straight through to the pool,” she says. “All of the plants strategically placed by Chad make a natural frame for the entire outdoor space.”
Removing unnecessary shrubs and making way for the natural rustic beauty to shine were among the key purposes of the design. “So much of the landscape is experienced when you first walk into the home,” Norris recalls. “Opening up the line of sight outside completely changes what you see when you’re inside. From every window, they can experience the living art.”
