About Fyffe Landscape Architecture
Susanne Fyffe (ASLA), principal and founder of Fyffe Landscape Architecture (FLA) and a native Arlingtonian, has over 25 years of experience in landscape design. FLA specializes in high end residential design, finding innovative solutions to everyday lifestyles. Using natural resources and sustainable concepts, we’ve transformed subdivision configurations, entrance features, commercial streetscapes, horse farms, and roof gardens.
At FLA, the client’s needs and desires drive the design process. This customized care and attention to detail provide a seamless integration of the natural environment, architecture, and site characteristics. We pride ourselves on our creative and unique landscape solutions and our customer-focused approach.
Primarily a referral based firm, FLA has developed long-standing relationships with many tradesmen needed for most landscape design projects. We also enjoy working in collaboration with architects, engineers, and developers to create a design that is beautiful, buildable, and tailored to meet the needs, desires, and lifestyles of our clients.
About Fyffe Landscape Architecture
Susanne Fyffe (ASLA), principal and founder of Fyffe Landscape Architecture (FLA) and a native Arlingtonian, has over 25 years of experience in landscape design. FLA specializes in high end residential design, finding innovative solutions to everyday lifestyles. Using natural resources and sustainable concepts, we’ve transformed subdivision configurations, entrance features, commercial streetscapes, horse farms, and roof gardens.
At FLA, the client’s needs and desires drive the design process. This customized care and attention to detail provide a seamless integration of the natural environment, architecture, and site characteristics. We pride ourselves on our creative and unique landscape solutions and our customer-focused approach.
Primarily a referral based firm, FLA has developed long-standing relationships with many tradesmen needed for most landscape design projects. We also enjoy working in collaboration with architects, engineers, and developers to create a design that is beautiful, buildable, and tailored to meet the needs, desires, and lifestyles of our clients.
Work
Testimonials
“Fyffe Landscape Architecture developed a multi-feature hardscape design that perfectly complimented our existing home, maximizing the available backyard space. Susanne’s ability to integrate multiple outdoor cooking and seating areas with fresh materials made our outdoor space the highlight of our home. Everyone that visits compliments the innovative and functional design – she is a master!”
Karl and Amy, Arlington, VA
“Great company! Susanne was extremely helpful in charting what would be possible for my yard and timely in delivering
Kateri G., Alexandria, VA
“Bill and I have worked with Susanne Fyffe on three homes over the past 20 years. We keep returning to FLA for landscape design because, as a small business we get personal service and close attention to detail from Susanne’s creative mind and unique vision. She is always able to customize outdoor spaces through hardscape and plantings for our various homes. “
Ann & Bill L., Arlington, VA
Follow Fyffe Landscape Architecture on Instagram @fyffela
This outdoor fireplace makes for a cozy sitting area and offers a great view to the other parts of the garden. Love to see the pops of purple and pink flowers in the second photo!
Landscape Design: @fyffela
Photographer: @georgeebrownphotography
#outdoorfireplace #wisteria #gardenatnight #gardensofvirginia #gardendesigns #landscapedesigner #gardenideas #plantingdesign #gardendesign #landscapearchitecture
Sep 22
Behind the scenes of our team laying out plants at one of our recent projects. So great to see it all come together… stay tuned to see how this garden progresses!
Landscape Design: @fyffela
#plantinstall #plantinginstall #echinacea #hydrangea #heuchera #gardendesigner #gardensofvirginia #gardendesigns #gardendesignideas #landscapedesigner #gardenideas #gardeninspo #gardenloversofinstagram #plantingdesign #plantingdesigner #gardendesign #gardendesigner #landscapingdesign
Aug 26
Purple Candle Astilbes in full bloom make an eye-catching addition to the hedged courtyard seating area we created for this Alexandria home!
Landscape Design: @fyffela
Interior Design: @lizmearns
Architecture: @craftedarchitecture
Builder: @mwconstruction
#astilbes #curbappeal #curbappealideas #frontgarden #plantingdesign #gardensofvirginia #gardeninspo #landscapedesign #gardenideas #astilbes #astilbegarden #boxwoodhedge #boxwood
Aug 10
Cozy fire pit sitting areas like this one, are not only perfect for roasting marshmallows in the summer months, but also a great way to extend your time outdoors as it starts to get chilly!
To take your eye off the diagonal property line, we designed a custom fence screen for the project, using it to square off the space and create the feeling of a designed room.
Check out our last post to see another part of this design!
Landscape Design: @fyffela
#firepit #moretimeputdoors #fencescreen #outdoorliving #virginiagarden #landscapearchitecture #outdoorentertaining
#gardendesigner #gardendesigns #gardendesignideas #landscapedesigner #landscapedesigners #moderngarden #gardenideas #gardeninspo #gardenloversofinstagram #plantingdesign #plantingdesigner #gardendesign #gardendesigns #gardendesigner #landscapingdesign #beautifulgarden #backyardgarden #backyardgardens
Jul 28
This enchanting back garden combines lush planting with artful hardscaping to create a unique space perfect for entertaining and daily life. The elegant diamond paving pattern below the dining table is one of the stand out elements of this design. We were happy to sustainably reuse the paving that existed in the back yard, to create this intricate design. We loved the creative challenge of transforming this repurposed material and making it a unique feature of the garden. Its carpet-like appearance helps the dining space feel like a room, redefining what it means to join indoor and outdoor spaces.
Landscape Design: @fyffela
#outdoordining #outdoordiningtable #virginiagarden #repurposedmaterial #sustainabledesign #pavinginspiration #pavingdesign #landscapearchitecture #outdoorentertaining
#gardendesigner #gardendesigns #gardendesignideas #landscapedesigner #landscapedesigners #moderngarden #gardenideas #gardeninspo #gardenloversofinstagram #plantingdesign #plantingdesigner #gardendesign #gardendesigns #gardendesigner #landscapingdesign #beautifulgarden #backyardgarden #backyardgardens
Jul 12
Creating “rooms” within a backyard landscape is a great way to extend entertaining spaces to the outdoors and make a yard so much more usable.
This enchanting Alexandria backyard is a collection of cohesive yet distinct spaces, that together provide the ideal ambiance for outdoor entertaining. Embracing our vision, the evening begins by welcoming guests into the beautiful indoor/outdoor bar and lounge area. Created by adding a large opening to the house with bifold windows and a bar counter top with stools. It is the perfect place for enjoying a drink before dinner and relaxing in the privacy and shade of the side of the house. As dinner time arrives, transition to the back deck with a large dining table adjacent to the grilling area outside and the kitchen inside. The height of the deck offers a lovely elevated view of the diagonal paver with grass joints patio that we created to transition the upper deck to the garden below. The two spaces are now connected by a wide staircase. Finally, conclude the night in the outdoor sitting room, where you can relax and gaze at the stars above from comfortable outdoor sofas and chairs.
Landscape Design: @fyffela
#landscapes #outdoorkitchen #gardenlandscape #outdoorkitchens #landscapedesigner #garden #mygarden #gardening #gardenideas #gardendesign #landscape #landscapephotography #landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture #landscaping #gardens #gardenlife #gardener #gardenlove #gardening #gardensofinstagram #gardenideas #gardenersworld #backyard #backyardgarden #gardendesignideas #dcgardens #gardendesignmagazine
#indooroutdoorliving #outdoorentertaining #virginialandscape #alexandriahomes
Jul 7
It is amazing to see that our initial napkin sketch design of the pool house/ pool and outdoor kitchen has finally become a reality... this long-awaited waterfront gem is finally complete!Located on the Eastern shore in picturesque Oxford, Maryland, the project included a fully equipped outdoor kitchen with Kalamazoo appliances, a pool terrace adorned with elegant Travertine, connects the main house to the pool house and invites you to relax in the lap of luxury with excellent view of the Choptank River.
#WaterfrontWonderland #landscapearchitecture #landscapearchitect #luxuryliving #oxfordmaryland #outdoorkitchen #pooldesign #indooroutdoorliving #outdoorentertaining #poolside #waterfrontliving #poolhouse #coastallandscape
Jun 29
This beautiful blooming bi-color, pink Azalea was a baby gift from a friend for my daughter when she was born 26 years ago. It never fails to be a show piece this time every year.
Apr 21
This fringe tree is about to start budding as the focal point from the dining room window, and the entrance from the side garden. So much to look forward to!
Apr 8
This schematic master plan is on the drawing boards.... but when it’s done, it’s going to be gorgeous…
It takes careful planning to maximize every inch of this small yard. We need to include parking for three cars, a new entry from the street, courtyard to the new side entry, outdoor entertaining space that includes cooking and dining, a water feature, gardening and turf play area
It’s a lot to fit in but it is going to be fabulous.
Landscape Design @fyffela
#landscapedesign #landscapedesigner #gardenplanning #landscapemasterplan #outdoorkitchen #outdoorliving #architecturaldrawing #gardenlandscape #hardscape #patiodesign #dcgardens #workinprogress #gardenstyle #gardening #curbappeal
Feb 1
Even in a small, very steep, and shaded backyard we can create an enchanting garden using oversized boulder stepping stones edged with ferns hostas and dwarf Mondo grass and hakenoclura to create a varied and lush landscape.
I hope you enjoy this magical stroll through a calming and meditative private oasis.
Landscape Design: @fyffela Susanne Fyffe
Photo: @georgeebrownphotography
Video: @mollysmithwatson
#landscapes #shadegarden #gardenlandscape #gardenpath #curbappeal #landscapedesigner #garden #mygarden #gardening #gardenideas #gardendesign #landscape #landscapephotography #landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture
#landscaping #garden #gardens #gardenlife #gardener #gardenlove #gardening #gardensofinstagram #gardenideas #greenhouse #gardenersworld #lovemygarden #backyard #backyardgarden #gardendesignideas #dcgardens #gardendesignmagazine #fieldstone
Jan 17
Always remember to provide easy access — build it and they shall come…
This home is on a lot with a steep grade that made the backyard difficult to access and therefore it was rarely used. By terracing the garden and adding a mid level deck we created outdoor “rooms” for dining and entertaining.
The centerpiece of the design is the middle fieldstone terrace which functions as a quaint shaded dining room.
Solid cedar posts and beams support the custom iron arch pergola trellis with industrial steel brackets. We trained an `Amethyst Falls` pale purple dwarf wisteria vine to shade the space and hung lights from the ironwork. It is a truly magical setting for a dinner party.
To provide direct easy access from the kitchen we introduced a custom steel spiral staircase with an industrial flair to compliment the old world wood and steel pergola. Swipe to see the space and the detail of the large cedar beams.
Landscape Design: @fyffela Fyffe Landscape Architects
Photos: @georgeebrownphotography (1,3,4)
@mollysmithwatson (2)
#landscapearchitecture #landscapedesign #gardendesign #gardenarchitecture #landscapearchitect #gardens #gardeninspiration #gardenstyle #inspiringgardens #gardenlove #gardenlife #instagardeners #instagardens #landscapesofinstagram #instalandscapes #instagardenlovers #gardensofinstagram #houseandgarden #outdoordining #outdoorentertaining #outdoorfurniture #pavingpattern #thisislandscapearchitecture
#garden_styles #climbingplants #cottagegarden #patiogarden #backyardgarden #gardenersofig
Jan 11
When helping revitalize an older home with a new landscape design, we will always look to the existing elements for creative inspiration.
This home had a distinctive portico over the front door, the columns and forest green color became repeated elements in the garden when we designed and built the new outdoor kitchen with a similar arched pergola.
The existing gazebo was showing it’s age. By painting it the same color, adding fans, a chandelier and new invisible screens it’s appearance fit well in the garden.
The new dining/entertaining terrace blended into the surrounding mature landscape and - most importantly by repurposing existing architectural features we were able to seamlessly connect the front garden to the backyard landscape.
Landscape Design: @fyffela
Photography: @georgeebrownphotography
#landscapes #outdoorkitchen #gardenlandscape #outdoorkitchens #gazebos #curbappeal #landscapedesigner #garden #mygarden #gardening #gardenideas #gardendesign #landscape #landscapephotography #landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture
#landscaping #garden #gardens #gardenlife #gardener #gardenlove #gardening #gardensofinstagram #gardenideas #greenhouse #gardenersworld #lovemygarden #backyard #backyardgarden
#gardendesignideas #dcgardens #gardendesignmagazine
Dec 19
When clients have drainage problems on their property, creative solutions can be the key to curating a beautiful and functional garden space. Water runoff can be collected by a hillside rain garden, planted with vegetation that loves water, and placed with stones to stabilize the soil.
Stepping stones, loosely inspired by Frederick Law Olmsted`s design at the Biltmore Estate, were used to draw visitors towards a modern seating area. Concrete seats surrounding a concrete table form a social space overlooking the beautiful streambed.
These design elements all come together to form a garden space that not only helps with drainage but can be an oasis that draws you into the landscape.
#designinspiration #landscapes #gardensofinstagram #residentialdesign #gardenlandscape #landscapedesigner #landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture #archidaily #raingarden #creativegarden #designingwithplants #outdoorliving #naturallandscape #exteriordesign
Dec 9
The best way to make a drainage ditch look great is to plant it like a rain garden. Fill it with your basic shrubs like Fothergilla, Inkberry, Clethra and Siberian dogwood. Then add some Amsonia, Astillbe `Purple Candles`, Asters and Carex. Iris `Ceaser`s Brother is good for spring color. Joe Pye weed for height and grasses for fall fluffiness. Most all these plants love wet feet and are pollinators. Add a couple boulders to provide added interest. Alexandria, Va #boulders. #landscape architecture #GardenDesign #Boulders #Flowers #GreenGardens #raingarden
Dec 3
Thank you for all the bird baths in the world. Thank you especially for this one in my rear garden we were fortunate enough to have some Thanksgiving livelihood. #waterfeature #NatureLover #LandscapeArchitecture
Nov 26
These shots are from the photo shoot from late last week. Note the creation of outdoor rooms denoted with paving patterns and pergola structures. Even the turf / lawn area has its own statement. With a space for grilling, gathering round the fire and even gardening, this DC garden flows with joy and activity!
Thank you to George Brown photography. #DCGarden #GardenDesign #FyffeLandscapeArchitecture #GreatSpaces #Pergola #BluestonePaving #landscape #designinpiration #gardensofinstagram #residentialdesign #gardenlandscape #landscapearchitecture
Oct 26
Sneak peek from an early morning photo shoot. This compact action filled garden in DC makes the house double in size. thanks to George Brown for capturing the space.perfectly!#DCGardens #LandscapeArchitecture #GardenDesign #Pergola #OutdoorLiving #GreatGardens
Oct 21
Swipe for a quick tour through one of our most recent projects in Alexandria.
From lush plants in rain gardens to pavement lined with turf, this multi-use garden space is the perfect place to entertain guests or play in the yard with your kids. One of the highlights of this project was its ability to showcase how to seamlessly incorporate plantings with lawn turf for an adaptable garden space.
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#landscapedesign #landscapearchitecture #gardendesign #outdoorspace #landscapeinspiration #homegarden #landscape #garden #raingarden #homedesign
Oct 12
This project has been around a long time and has evolved from a long driveway to a two car garage into a terrific entertaining space for bonfires and football watching parties from the hot tub, shown on the garage door. The bluestone treads and fieldstone wall and risers are a simple step solution to a very awkward transition from the side yard to the new lower terrace. Enjoy you Saturday football games ! #footballparties #hottubs #landscapearchitecture #photos #gardendedign
Sep 17
When you`re looking to create an outdoor space sometimes it is helpful to have a decorative lattice screen make it feel more like a room. Climbing hydrangea petiolaris will soften the expanse of the lovely Cedar craftsmanship #outdoorliving #gardenspaces #landscapearchitecture
Aug 2
Work weekend. Great little Grand Master Plan for this gem of a property. Scotland, Maryland. With lots of acres its important to have a guideline so you can develop in phases.
Jul 25
we have posted this garden before. with the formal outdoor entertaining area and an at-grade water feature with jets and the safety grate. When their house was sold and the new owners moved in we balanced out the garden with a fireplace at one end and turf corn hole game area at the other end. We also constructed the staircase with 14 inch thermal bluestone treads with 6 inch Carderock fieldstone risers to the covered porch to provide easier access to the driveway. Enjoy these game days !
#stonewalls #fireplaces. #cornhole #outdoor entertaining #garden
May 27
Stepping into summer with blooming iris and peonies. A welcoming entrance to the beginning of warm weather and porch season.
#iris #peonies #flowers #garden #fyffela
May 13
A dear thoughtful friend gave me this lovely pink and white ex bury azalea a as gift when my baby girl was born. Twenty five years later is thrives in front border planting so perfectly. We have only moved one time, it came with us. The custom Spanish cedar gate makes an inviting backdrop and gateway to the rear garden. Enjoy spring and share plants! #fyffela. #azaleas. #gates. #landscape architecture #gardens
Apr 29
With a big thanks to our dear friend Zach, who made it possible for us to create a living garden in memory of our ever so sweet Ethan Williams, who passed on this day in 2020, at the young age of 22. Ethan was an avid tennis player and captain of the SSSAS Team. This garden was designed to welcome friends together in a casual school setting as Ethan was very social and would have wanted a place like this to “hang out with friends”. The large boulders offer group seating or jumping off of, and the “tennis ball" growing up out of the land will continue to mature and bloom. The “Chardonnay Pearls” Spriea japonica provide the fluffy green texture of the tennis ball and two curved steel lines of the ball are accentuated with white daffodils in spring, amsonia in the summer and anemone in the fall.
Apr 20
Wait for this.....we designed this Old Town Garden pre pandemic. As the April rains feed the budding plant material, we await the bursting May flowers and a peek into this cool, but quaint outdoor space with grill, entertaining amenities, climbing vines, arched wrought iron light fixtures and the best lawn we have ever seen. Stay tuned!
Apr 7
We`re not only dining outdoors this season, we`re cooking al fresco too! This outdoor entertaining kitchen creates a beautiful and functional space to enjoy with your guests. To join the outdoor area with the home, we`ve carried over the same color scheme and blended the architectural details for the pergola. Why not fire up the grill and invite the neighbors over tonight!
#fyffela #alfresco #grilling
Apr 4
The tulips remind us that it`s time to get out into the garden! Take in the spring air at a cozy seating area around this custom Maryland Carderock fieldstone fireplace constructed by our Portuguese stonemason, Jopal Construction, Inc. The elegant light fixtures that frame the fire are by Olson Weaver Lighting. Our client may even surprise you with fresh pizza from the Forno Bravo pizza oven. #tulips #stonefireplace #spring #fyffela
Mar 28
