About The Author

Todd Thomasson

Todd Thomasson, founder of Rock Water Farm Landscapes & Hardscapes, grew up on his family’s working beef cattle farm in Danville, where he learned the value of hard work from his parents. In 2005, he combined that work ethic with his Landscape & Turf Management degree from Virginia Tech to establish the company, serving as the lead stone mason and landscape designer, creating exceptional outdoor spaces with craftsmanship and attention to detail.

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Outdoor kitchen and patio in Northern Virginia backyard

How to Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Builder in Northern Virginia

Posted On: August 24,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

An outdoor kitchen can be an exciting addition to your backyard. It helps to make your yard a destination, making it a place to cook, dine, entertain, and even just relax.

Of course, when it comes to getting the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, you need to hire the right outdoor kitchen builder. There are plenty of landscaping companies that install outdoor kitchens in Northern Virginia, but they won’t all be able to offer what you’re looking for.

3 Tips For Planning Your Patio Size and Layout

Posted On: August 16,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

When you think about your dream outdoor living space, you know that the patio is at the heart of it all. Whether the finished product is going to also include a pool, a pavilion, an outdoor kitchen, or other amenities, you want to be sure that your patio can accommodate it all. That’s why it’s important to consider patio size ahead of having it built. It’s a key element of planning a patio layout.

5 Most Common Questions About Outdoor Fireplaces

Posted On: July 26,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

An outdoor fireplace can be a welcomed addition to your outdoor living space. It can add elegance and appeal while also throwing off heat and light. It also easily becomes a focal point of the space. After all, there’s a reason why people have been gathering around fires for years—they are mesmerizing and comforting.

5 Landscaping Tips for New Homeowners in Northern Virginia

Posted On: July 08,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

If you’re a new homeowner, then you might have questions about your landscaping. Whether it’s your first time ever owning a home or you’ve moved to a new home and have a lawn or landscaping you’re unfamiliar with, you just want to make sure that you’re making the best decisions.

Problems with Pavers: Sand, Longevity, & More Challenges for Great Falls, Leesburg, & Ashburn, VA

Posted On: March 22,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

When it comes to something as important as your patio or other hardscaping space (like a walkway or retaining wall), you want to know that you’re going to get the most value out of your investment.

We’ve talked in previous articles about how strongly we feel about using natural stone for these types of projects. Natural stone, which has been quarried and trucked in, direct from nature, is simply something that cannot be replicated. Although they make pavers that look like natural stone, the truth is, nature can’t ever be fully replicated.

Aerial landscape with pool, pizza oven, fire features and outdoor kitchen

Leesburg, VA Landscape & Pool Design Case Study: Pizza Oven, Fire Features, Outdoor Kitchen, & More

Posted On: March 09,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

When you envision your dream outdoor living space, there’s a good chance you’re not just picturing the elements that make it up, but also how you’ll be spending time there. You imagine watching your kids swim or cooking in your outdoor kitchen so that your family can enjoy a meal outside.

10 Fire Pit and Outdoor Fireplace Ideas for Your Home in Northern Virginia

Posted On: March 01,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

If you’re thinking about adding some sort of fire feature to your property then you may be wondering what your options are. You may know that you want something unique (not a boring, typical feature) but you’re not sure exactly what that means for you.

You may have been searching for outdoor fireplace ideas and fire pit ideas in order to come up with something that will work as part of a complete outdoor living space. After all, you likely want your outdoor fire feature to be the “icing on the cake,” that really helps you love (and use) your space to the fullest.

What is a Seat Wall & How to Add Them to Your Patio: Landscape Design Ideas for Great Falls, Ashburn, & Leesburg, VA

Posted On: January 20,2021 By: Todd Thomasson

As you plan the landscape design for your outdoor living area, you’ll find that the so-called “little details” are not so little after all. In fact, every single detail of your project truly matters if you want to have a space that you can use and enjoy to the fullest.

Of those details, seat walls are an important consideration.

A seat wall is a short wall that is purposefully designed so that it can also be used for seating. It can be a great way to double the value of a retaining wall that you already need for erosion purposes. But seat walls can also solely be built for aesthetics and for seating (even if a retaining wall isn’t functionally needed).

Although it might appear like one of those seemingly small details, a seat wall can be an incredibly welcomed addition to your outdoor living area, helping you to use and to enjoy your space more fully.

Here are some important landscape design ideas to keep in mind if you’re considering a seat wall for your Great Falls, Ashburn, Or Leesburg, VA home.

10 of the Best Patio Trees to Plant at Your Home in Great Falls, VA

Posted On: December 29,2020 By: Todd Thomasson

Adding a tree to a patio area can enhance your space in many ways. It can add beauty, create shade, screen wind, and even serve as a privacy screen. However, if you don’t make the right tree choices, they can also cause problems such as dropping debris and creating a mess or encroaching on the patio space.

Swimming pool design and patio with fireplace

Beyond Swimming Pool Design: 10 Ideas that Shouldn't Be Extras

Posted On: November 21,2020 By: Todd Thomasson

You’ve probably been dreaming about a swimming pool for a long time. A pool is a valuable investment that will provide your family and friends with many years of enjoyment. It’s a place to cool off on hot days, a place to dine al fresco and enjoy your meals poolside, and a place to give your kids their best summer ever.

There are many reasons why a pool will add enjoyment and value to your property and your lifestyle but you want to ensure you actually wind up with the pool you’ve been dreaming about. The end result hinges on the pool contractor that you hire to complete the job. It’s a big decision and you want to make sure you choose wisely so that you aren’t haunted by regrets for years to come.