GARDEN CLUB Handpicked stones provide the right amount of contrast in this outdoor fireplace. BUILDING BLOCKS “Not only do they come in a variety of colors and sizes, succulents also are very easy to maintain,” says Unlimited Earth Care’s Frederico Azevedo. Melting Pot UNLIMITED EARTH CARE’S FREDERICO AZEVEDO RECOGNIZES THE ON-TREND TURN TOWARD SUCCULENTS. “W hile I abide by certain color schemes, I love incorporating contrast in the way I play with colors and textures of flora,” says Unlimited Earth Care owner Frederico Azevedo of the philosophy behind his landscape designs. While other designers may leave part of their landscapes to spontaneity, Azevedo applies a detail-driven approach to his planning and execution. “I need for spaces to be well organized and the area to have a very good sense of space so that all aspects of the landscape are utilized.” This season, Azevedo is noticing a surging interest in succulents. “Not only do they come in a variety of colors and sizes (up to four or five feet), but succulents also are very easy to maintain and integrate well in areas where there is a lot of soil drainage, which is a common issue in the Hamptons,” explains Azevedo, who supports the trend as it is in line with his sustainable practices. His recent succulent designs were inspired by his travels to Paris: “A great example is the Quai Branly Museum [of primitive art] in Paris, which recently installed a roof and walls of succulent plants in elaborate designs.” 2249 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton, 725-7551; unlimitedearthcare.com Michael Derrig of Landscape Details creates outdoor living spaces with masonry and stonework. Since establishing Landscape Details in 2000, Michael Derrig has built a team of over 80 certified designers, craftsmen, horticulturalists, and arborists, who offer everything from design and installation to lighting and masonry. “It’s important to handpick the stones so that there is just the right amount of contrast,” explains Derrig. “You can use blue stone and concrete but finish it differently according to whether you are working with a traditional or modern home.” Although darker stones have been popular with traditional homes, “more and more people are requesting light-colored stones like white Madras limestone and an Indiana limestone,” says Derrig. “Of course, modern outdoor living spaces are on trend—they often include living areas, kitchens, and fireplaces that need to integrate stonework that is aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and stays cool.” 1796 Sag Harbor Tpk., Sag Harbor, 725-0018; landscapedetailsinc.com Seeking Shelter HARMONIA INC.’S ROXINE BROWN CRAFTS A VARIETY OF PERGOLAS TO FIT ANY TYPE OF EAST END LIFESTYLE. “A PERGOLA IS TYPICALLY USED as a place to gather with family and friends to enjoy the outdoors without bearing the heat,” says Roxine Brown, founder of Harmonia Inc., a Bridgehampton-based landscape firm. “For us, it is more about creating an authentic outdoor living space that accommodates its desired purpose, whether that be dining, lounging, or simply a place to pull the chaise out of the sun.” When designing the perfect pergola, Brown takes into consideration myriad factors, including the possibility of adding wisteria to open-roof pergolas to create a romantic ambience, or altering the density of the roof, which affects how sunlight disperses through the structure. 141 Maple Lane, Bridgehampton, 537-9672; harmoniainc.com H 122 HAMPTONS-MAGAZINE.COM A pergola provides shade and architectural interest.