On January 31, 2023, the following project was recognized with a Silver Excellence In Landscape Award in Residential Landscape Construction by the Illinois Landscape Contractor Association. We are grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to create beautiful outdoor spaces that offer something for everyone.
After: A birds’ eye view of the new backyard.
Before: The existing hardscape looked worn and lacked functionality.
It was evident from the start that the backyard patio and landscaping of this Wilmette Craftsman home needed an update. The existing hardscaping had limited functionality and no longer fit the needs of our clients, who have three teenagers. The landscaping had a lot of potential, but our clients hoped for a more elegant and contemporary look.
Whenever possible, Nature’s Perspective reuses materials, which saves the client money and reduces waste. We created a design that reused most of our client’s pavers and plants, and fulfilled the needs of their active family.
The design increased the patio size to accommodate a larger dining set and patio chairs, perfect for entertaining. Similar to their old patio, the new patio is elevated, which permitted the reuse of most of the existing gravel and sand base. Near the center of the backyard, the patio steps down to a new circular fire pit gathering area, constructed of bluestone slabs and the owner’s reused clay pavers.
The raised patio steps down to a circular fire pit located close to the center of the backyard.
Our clients enjoy container gardening and grilling, so we designed two built-in planters and a grill surround using mortared limestone with bluestone coping. Conveniently located just steps from the back door, these elements flow well together and satisfy our client’s needs.
The new stoop and steps off the back doors, flanked with wing wall planters.
The new grill niche is located only steps away from the back doors.
East of the patio, centered off a bay window is a large, ornate urn on a pedestal, enclosed by a circular clay paver and bluestone path which repeats the shape of the fire pit. Additional walks and stepstones connect the urn circle, patio/fire pit/grill area and an existing clay paver path running from the front yard to the garage.
Centered off the bay window is a large urn on a pedestal which can be viewed from inside the house and from the patio.
Many of the existing plants were transplanted throughout the backyard to create a cohesive and complete look. Landscape lighting adds the final touch of elegance and a special touch for nighttime gatherings.
This project exemplifies how collaboration with clients creates the perfect end result. Whether tending the garden, grilling dinner or relaxing by the fire, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this updated backyard.
