Carter van Dyke Associates

Carter van Dyke Associates CVDA provides elegant and sustainable designs for our clients while incorporating the latest research.

American Society of Landscape Architects Profile:
https://my.asla.org/my-asla/directories/firm_search.aspx?FirmID=765926&websitekey=3913f65d-c03f-46b1-a3af-5ed5159ea085

For this client, we created an inviting outdoor retreat with natural stone hardscaping, thoughtfully crafted retaining w...
09/02/2026

For this client, we created an inviting outdoor retreat with natural stone hardscaping, thoughtfully crafted retaining walls, and layers of colorful perennials. The result is a beautiful transition from indoors to out—and a garden that feels both polished and relaxed.

Ready to transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary? Contact our designers to begin creating your ideal landscape.

Small details. Big impact. Seasonal planters are an easy way to elevate your outdoor spaces with color, texture, and yea...
09/02/2026

Small details. Big impact.

Seasonal planters are an easy way to elevate your outdoor spaces with color, texture, and year-round interest. As seen at this client’s home, thoughtfully designed containers can complement the surrounding landscape while adding a welcoming touch to entryways, patios, and terraces.

Whether you have a spacious garden or a small outdoor space, the right planters can make all the difference.

Gargoyles have long been used in gardens as symbols of protection, warding off evil spirits and malicious forces. But be...
08/31/2026

Gargoyles have long been used in gardens as symbols of protection, warding off evil spirits and malicious forces. But beyond their folklore, they bring something else to the landscape: a sense of history, mystery, and old-world charm.

This watchful guardian keeps an eye on the lily pond in the van D**e-Reynolds garden—proving that even the most serene garden can use a little drama.

When our client downsized from her historic Maryland farmland estate to a corner of the large property, we developed the...
08/28/2026

When our client downsized from her historic Maryland farmland estate to a corner of the large property, we developed the placement and approach to the new residence so that it fit timelessly within the historic property.

The house was sited to maximize shared views of the total estate and farmland. The drive was orchestrated to create a journey through the woods that then opened up into a field of light.

Garden elements were developed around the house that complimented the character of the interior architecture of the house and furnishings so that the interior and exterior spaces worked seamlessly together.

Architect: Peter Zimmerman Architects
Builder: Tom Reed Builders, Inc.
Photographer: Tom Crane

See less

This CVDA-designed garden creates a peaceful retreat where water, stone and planting work together in harmony.A naturali...
08/28/2026

This CVDA-designed garden creates a peaceful retreat where water, stone and planting work together in harmony.

A naturalistic pond and cascading waterfall anchor the landscape, with carefully placed boulders creating a sense of movement and permanence. Flagstone paths and a comfortable Adirondack chair invite the homeowner to slow down, relax and enjoy the sounds of moving water.

Surrounded by lush plantings and a wooded backdrop, this garden demonstrates how thoughtful landscape design can turn a backyard into a destination for everyday enjoyment.

This client’s garden combines mature trees, lush perennial plantings and a sweeping lawn to create a peaceful transition...
08/26/2026

This client’s garden combines mature trees, lush perennial plantings and a sweeping lawn to create a peaceful transition toward the distinctive brick and wood garden gate. Layered plantings and soft pink blooms add seasonal color, while stepping stones subtly guide the way through the garden.

The result is a landscape that feels both established and intentional—where architecture, planting and the natural setting come together to create a welcoming sense of arrival.

This New Jersey garden brings the spirit of Hawaii home through a landscape inspired by the islands, ocean and tropical ...
08/26/2026

This New Jersey garden brings the spirit of Hawaii home through a landscape inspired by the islands, ocean and tropical waterfalls.

The outer rock formations abstract the shape of the Hawaiian island chain, while the central fountain and sweeping garden beds evoke the movement of a jungle waterfall. Even the terrace pavers were thoughtfully arranged to suggest the waves and currents of the Pacific Ocean.

Every boulder was hand-selected at the quarry by Peter to achieve the precise shapes, scale and character envisioned for the design.

The result? A one-of-a-kind tropical staycation where every element tells part of the story.

Rooted in 50 years of garden exploration and a remarkable collection of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, this Japanese...
08/24/2026

Rooted in 50 years of garden exploration and a remarkable collection of rare and unusual trees and shrubs, this Japanese-inspired garden makes the most of a less-than-one-third-acre property.

Designed by our firm in collaboration with the owners and Classic Gardens, the rear garden balances privacy, low maintenance and four-season interest through contrasting foliage, conifers, Japanese maples, redbuds and flowering dogwoods.

At its heart are four defining features: a 15' × 45' koi pond with stone bridge and waterfall, a moss-covered boulder garden, three flowering cherries, and an exact one-quarter-scale Japanese boathouse repurposed as a shed. Tree peonies and deciduous azaleas add seasonal color from spring through frost.

A thoughtful collection of plants, architecture and water transforms a compact property into a serene garden retreat.

This town garden presented a unique set of challenges: a compact site, steep grades, mature trees, and the need to meet ...
08/22/2026

This town garden presented a unique set of challenges: a compact site, steep grades, mature trees, and the need to meet sustainable design goals, including limiting stormwater runoff.

CVDA approached the landscape as a series of connected spaces, creating graceful transitions between terraces and gardens without compromising the natural character of the site. Turf steps link the upper garden to a rear terrace, while a centrally positioned pavilion with an outdoor kitchen and fireplace serves as a focal point for gathering and entertaining.

A thoughtful fencing plan provides privacy, while a diverse palette of plantings brings seasonal color, texture, fragrance, and continuous interest from early spring through winter.

The result is a garden that feels intimate and natural—proving that thoughtful design can transform even a challenging urban landscape into a beautiful and functional retreat.

Transforming a riverfront into a connected community destination.Whitemarsh Township and Conshohocken Borough share two ...
08/21/2026

Transforming a riverfront into a connected community destination.

Whitemarsh Township and Conshohocken Borough share two miles of Schuylkill River waterfront—an area once defined by heavy industry and now evolving into a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and recreational uses.

CVDA was selected to lead the planning and design of a linear riverfront park that would reconnect the communities to the river, link regional trail systems, expand recreational opportunities, and create a destination that supports both community life and economic development.

Our work established a vision, phasing, and implementation strategy for a sustainable riverfront park featuring major event spaces and distinctive elements, including the iconic Cyclone Bridge.

The result is a framework for transforming an underutilized waterfront into a connected, accessible, and memorable public landscape—bringing people to the river and strengthening the relationship between the two communities.

Address

P. O. Box 165
Doylestown, PA
18901

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(215) 345-5053

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Carter van Dyke Associates posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share