Our clients enjoyed everything about their new home– except the back yard, which was exposed to the street, had only grass, a dull, poured concrete patio installed by the home’s contractor, consistently wet soil, and a large, unsightly catchbasin in the lawn. The wide, poured concrete driveway also looked too plain next to the intricately crafted Nantucket Shingle Style house. Our clients wished for a garden oasis, with room to entertain outdoors, space for their children to play, an outdoor grill and a charming entrance to the space from the driveway.

 

To harmonize both home and garden, our designer created a dynamic design which integrated the existing red brick on the house into every facet of the new hardscaping: the built-in grill, the curved seatwall, the walls flanking a new cedar gate and arbor, and the existing poured concrete driveway. Warm, natural bluestone replaced the dull concrete patio, and bluestone coping on the walls also lend a substantial air to the space.

A colorful, moisture-loving plant palette, which includes Swamp White Oak, Pinky Winky Hydrangea, Goatsbeard and Astilbe, thrives in the garden’s moist soil. Low-voltage landscape lighting, including an Arts & Crafts light fixture over the arbor, were also added, creating a delightful space that is enjoyed day or night.