Relaxing Woodland Space
The homeowners wanted to transform a hard-edged backyard into a welcoming, relaxing space. The existing landscape was primarily a very large concrete patio and lawn. A garage and shed extended into the space.
Design goals included:
- Provide a gathering space for family and friends
- Make the space more usable
- Screen and soften views of the detached garage and tall house
- Create privacy from the neighbors
- Bring water into the landscape
- Attract birds and butterflies
- Provide some lawn area for the children
The new outdoor living space makes full use of the property. Two circular flagstone patios provide space for large groups as well as separate intimate dining areas. A stone seat wall extends the patio into the slope and provides places for lounging. A trellis on the lawn perimeter will support plants to screen the view of the garage.
A cedar chip pathway meanders up the sloping backyard to a woodland walk and stream. Tall multi-trunk birch trees were planted in a small grove. They provide a connection to the existing greenway beyond the property. An additional birch near the house creates unity in the design and helps soften the height of the house.
Sustainable garden features include:
- Native perennials and flowering shrubs provide food for butterflies and other pollinators
- Birds enjoy water from the stream and berries from native plants
- All planting beds have organic soil amendments and mulch
- Recycled and crushed concrete make up the subgrades under hardscapes
- The cedar chip path allows natural drainage and infiltration
The homeowners wanted to transform a hard-edged backyard into a welcoming, relaxing space. The existing landscape was primarily a very large concrete patio and lawn. A garage and shed extended into the space.
Design goals included:
- Provide a gathering space for family and friends
- Make the space more usable
- Screen and soften views of the detached garage and tall house
- Create privacy from the neighbors
- Bring water into the landscape
- Attract birds and butterflies
- Provide some lawn area for the children
The new outdoor living space makes full use of the property. Two circular flagstone patios provide space for large groups as well as separate intimate dining areas. A stone seat wall extends the patio into the slope and provides places for lounging. A trellis on the lawn perimeter will support plants to screen the view of the garage.
A cedar chip pathway meanders up the sloping backyard to a woodland walk and stream. Tall multi-trunk birch trees were planted in a small grove. They provide a connection to the existing greenway beyond the property. An additional birch near the house creates unity in the design and helps soften the height of the house.
Sustainable garden features include:
- Native perennials and flowering shrubs provide food for butterflies and other pollinators
- Birds enjoy water from the stream and berries from native plants
- All planting beds have organic soil amendments and mulch
- Recycled and crushed concrete make up the subgrades under hardscapes
- The cedar chip path allows natural drainage and infiltration
