GARDEN & LANDSCAPE MAKEOVERS

These weekenders have enjoyed their lake-front ‘Camp’ for many years and recently completed an addition to transition their get-away to a full time home. Nancy is an avid gardener who wished for a perennial garden and cutting garden.

Before: Deer run rapid and soil compaction due to years of guest traffic and the construction impact on the soil are issues to deal with. The use of deer resistant plants and conscientious soil preparation would be of key importance. In addition, these gracious hosts have a big need for guest parking and lawn space for their grown up kids to play.

After - Joel thought a rectangular paver driveway was needed in the front area to accommodate guests but we wanted to steer clear from the parking lot look. A circular driveway with a substantial planting island was designed along with an auxiliary parking space away from the house to accommodate guests.
We pride ourselves on Unique Plant Combinations and knowledge of Deer Resistant Plants as seen here; in a color theme that compliments the home.
Not only is the space functional, the island featuring stately birches, boulders, grasses and perennials gives a depth perspective and creates an element of surprise when you travel to the home.

These homeowners beautifully restored their historic home and did a marvelous job developing the areas around the home themselves; but needed help in integrating the side of the home that faces the street into the other areas of their outside rooms.

Before: This area was previously a weedy, shady area on a steep slope that offered drainage challenges.

After: A woodland garden was designed with meandering informal pathways traversing across the steep slope. A bluestone patio & walkway bordered in brick blended into the front brick patio offering additional space for entertaining and easy access to the rear of the property. The clients installed the project themselves and did a beautiful job executing the design – saving plenty of money with a professionally designed result. The suggested bluestone bordered in brick complimented what already existed in the landscape and was fitting in terms of the era of the home.

This property had an existing deck with pergola and the backyard was dotted with a play set, playhouse and small pond before the homeowners decided to add a pool.

Before: The design challenge was to incorporate the relevant elements to limit “do-over” yet assure a cohesive and functional end result.

After: We recommended that the pool become the third level of the homeowner’s current two-tier outdoor entertaining space. A natural stone retaining wall was designed to transition to grade and the existing playhouse remained and now serves as a dressing room and a screen for the pool equipment. A second pergola complimenting the original one on the deck was designed and positioned at the end of the pool offering a cozy, shady spot to relax while enjoying views of the waterfall and pool.