Our clients reside in a charming Dutch colonial on a fifty by sixty-six foot city lot in Evanston. The only location for a living space was in a small, narrow fenced area (35’ x 16’) on the south side. Our clients wanted to make this space usable and increase its privacy from the street and adjacent neighbors. They replaced a window in the dining room with a sliding patio door for ease of access.
Nature’s Perspective designed the stoop, steps and patio to sit at a 45-degree angle to make optimal use of the small yard. To lend permanence and prominence to the new stoop and steps, classic natural stone was used— mortared limestone sides and risers, thermal bluestone treads and a bluestone top. A retaining wall was also needed and constructed of dry-laid natural limestone. The wall does double duty, retaining soil and adding extra seating. The patio shape allowed for maximum use and planting. Brussels Block concrete pavers were chosen for their durability and value.
Lattice panels were set up to add height without volume and screen out selected views for a sense of privacy. The President Clematis vines will climb up these panels and bring beautiful, vertical seasonal color. A Little Gem Norway Spruce accentuates the blue color of the house, as well as the bluestone treads on the new stoop. Allium, Daylily, Coneflower and Russian Sage are some of the long-blooming perennials planted in the garden. Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass and Northwind Switchgrass also bring an element of graceful movement, and complete the transformation of the yard from underused small space to garden oasis.
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