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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Swimming pool design and patio with fireplace

10 Swimming Pool Design Ideas That Shouldn't Be Extras in Northern Virginia

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, functionality, and value to your property and your lifestyle. Whether you're creating a space for relaxation, entertaining guests, or spending more time outdoors with family, the success of your project depends on thoughtful planning and the right pool contractor. Choosing an experienced professional is one of the most important decisions you'll make, as it can determine whether your finished swimming pool design meets your expectations for years to come.

3D Landscape Design Service: How Much Does It Cost in Northern Virginia?

Posted On: August 28,2020 By: Todd Thomasson

If you’re having a complete outdoor living landscape project designed and installed then you want to know exactly what it’s going to look like when it’s complete. After all, if you’re investing heavily into a project, you ought to be able to know what you’re getting.

While you may be aware of typical landscape design options, such as an overhead 2D rendering, you may be looking for something more than that. As a visual person, you may want something a lot more realistic so that you can ensure you and your landscape designer are truly on the same page.

Leesburg, VA Landscape Design Case Study: Family-Friendly Patio with 3 Outdoor Living Rooms

Posted On: August 05,2020 By: Todd Thomasson

With a corner lot and a narrow backyard, this Leesburg, VA family felt like their property wasn’t usable. It felt tight and awkward—and in all honesty, the family had a lot of reservations about what could be achieved, even with a landscape design.

But when the project was complete, the homeowners told us the space felt bigger than ever before. In fact, they said they could hardly believe how much room it felt like they had.

8 Hardscape Design Ideas for Your Backyard in Northern Virginia

Posted On: January 03,2020 By: Rock Water Farm

Hardscaped areas are a great way to add value and purpose to your backyard. Whereas softscaping involves using plant material such as turfgrasses, shrubs, and trees, hardscaping involves using stone, wood, and other materials to create solid surfaces and structures. By hardscaping areas of your property you increase functionality and create spaces where you can set up furniture, have an outdoor kitchen, or can even have a fire feature such as an outdoor fireplace.

Beautiful landscape design in Willowsford, VA

Willowsford Case Study: Backyard Patio, Pergola, Fire Pit, & Outdoor Kitchen in Loudoun County, VA

Posted On: December 16,2019 By: Todd Thomasson

Although it had a large and impressive yard, this Loudoun County, VA property in Willowsford, lacked functionality. Besides a few steps leading to the backyard, there was nothing there but lawn.

Starting from a blank slate always allows for the possibility of going in many different directions but the starting point is always the homeowners’ wants and needs.

Ashburn, VA Landscape Design Case Study: Adding 3 Outdoor Living Rooms

Posted On: October 30,2018 By: Todd Thomasson

When you’ve invested in a landscape project, you want to see the final result come together the way you envisioned. The last thing that you want is to be left with an outdoor living space that’s not only not what you wanted, but one that has a lot of mistakes.

Unfortunately, that was the case for this landscape design in Ashburn, VA. When we were brought in, the Czajkowski family expressed to us that they were incredibly unhappy with the screened-in porch and deck they had gotten built by another contractor. There were quite a few problems with its design and construction.

Deck, patio, outdoor kitchen aerial photo Haymarket, VA

Haymarket, VA Landscape Design Case Study: Outdoor Kitchen, Deck, Weather-Defying Patio & More

Posted On: August 20,2018 By: Todd Thomasson

Work hard, play hard is the mantra of this hard-working family who enjoys spending their weekends entertaining guests with some good food and drinks. It wouldn’t be uncommon to find 30 or 40 guests over on any given weekend—oftentimes friends from the close-knit neighborhood. On top of that, these homeowners love hosting their annual family reunion of 100+ guests each year.

A Step By Step Guide to Landscape Design for your Ashburn, Aldie or Leesburg, VA Home

Posted On: May 09,2017 By: Todd Thomasson

As you get started with your outdoor living project, there is a tremendous amount of value in having a professional landscape design completed. While many landscape companies build without a design, this can lead to problems such as faulty construction, bad material choices, or spatial problems (perhaps a patio that is too small or one that doesn’t take nearby tree growth into account).

You could also wind up with something completely different than what you envisioned. If you don’t work through a design with your landscape contractor, you won’t have had the opportunity to see things in advance and make decisions on what you like (and don’t like).