Michael Prokopchak, PLA, founder of Walnut Hill Landscape Company (WHLC), discovered his passion for plants as a teenager while working at a local nursery. Over time, he honed his horticulture skills and developed a keen business sense in landscaping. In 2005, he purchased Walnut Hill Farm in Annapolis, Maryland, where he established WHLC, a firm renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, service, and attention to detail. The company of 40 thrives on its commitment to teamwork, professionalism, integrity, and quality, earning numerous national and local awards. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including landscape architecture, design, and construction delivered by a dedicated team of licensed Landscape Architects, designers, project managers, and certified crews. WHLC places a strong emphasis on building relationships with clients and ensuring clear communication from design through installation. Their goal is to create a final product that reflects personal style and exceeds expectations, bringing clients' dreams to life. Software Used: AutoCAD, Sketchup, Lumion

 
Rhode River Residence, Edgewater, Maryland

A: The clients of Rhode River Residence were interested in transforming their tired family home into a place where they could entertain. In less than nine months, the WHLC team designed and built a pool, large patio, fireplace, and plantings. A simple, elevated, rectangular pool with a negative edge takes advantage of the waterfront view. The raised pool and stone planters create pockets for colorful plantings. The fireplace built into the stone walls provide visual interest and a gathering place on cool evenings. The result is a property that anyone could enjoy any hour of the day or night.

Bennett Point Residence, Queenstown, Maryland

B: The client wanted a pool, an outdoor entertainment area, a cabana, overnight guest accommodation, and a suitable parking area. WHLC relocated the driveway to draw visitors towards the front door and into a clearly defined parking area. They also worked with the architect to create a cabana with an open seating area, a fireplace, a bathroom, and guest bedrooms above. The swimming pool, patio, and cabana were all positioned to maximize the view of the water. Large plantings of shrubs, perennials, and grasses provide year-round interest while accenting the space's natural beauty. The entire design was created to have the least impact on the waterway.

Chesapeake Bay Residence, Annapolis, Maryland

C: As the house sits 40 feet above the bay, the site lent itself perfectly for a negative edge pool, which was elevated 24 inches to create two levels in the yard. The same stone veneer on the house was used in the pool and walls. Two custom water bowls frame the end of the negative edge to create the sound of falling water. Crape Myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica) were planted behind a four-foot wall to act as screen. The site lacked shade, so a custom, arched, mahogany pergola complete with ceiling fans was constructed in front of the stone fireplace. Next to the diving board, a raised sun terrace was put in place. Pennsylvania flagstone with Indiana limestone accents were used for the patio and terrace, matching the existing porches of the house.

Southgate Residence, Annapolis, Maryland

D: WHLC was asked to take a thriving and successful landscape and reimagine the feel of the property. The client wanted to raise the elevation of the front of the property, and stone walls were installed to match existing stone. A custom mahogany gate was added to create a proper transition from the drive to the rear property. A swimming pool serves as the focal point alongside a custom, stone outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill, pizza oven, and smoker. Two custom, wood pergolas were painted to match the home's shutters and emphasize the extension of the home to the outdoor space. Modifications were made to the Ipe pool deck, and a flagstone patio was installed to allow for bar stool seating.