Gallery
Project #1: A Child-friendly Space for Family Exploration
Before: Looking down the slope from the entry path.
This long, sloping yard was roomy, but didn’t encourage the family outdoors.
Afterwards, it’s transformed with long, winding trails, a Creativity Space for child-friendly multi-tasking(!) and unique spaces to invite the kiddos outside to explore.
Before: Looking up the slope from the bottom of the yard.
After: Looking down the slope at the children’s Creativity Zone and a dry stream that meanders alongside the path.
After: A side path off the main gravel trail leads to a mini-excursion over 2 bridges. One is a recycled wood pallet and the other a natural stone slab.
After: Looking up the slope reveals the extent of the new spaces.
Project #2: An Outdoor Staircase Transformed~
Before: A long, winding staircase that has different riser heights and changing slopes on each stair tread. Shady conditions and moss made this a pretty precarious route to and from the main entrance.
After: The new staircase was constructed using Pennsylvania Bluestone dimensional steps with poured concrete landings mortared with stone to complement.
Project#3: A Backyard Transformed~
This family’s small backyard was mostly driveway with a relatively narrow usable space. They wanted a new patio with room to comfortably relax with their family and friends while keeping enough planting area to soften the surroundings and create a welcoming environment.
Before: The original space has room for a path and raised beds.
Before: The same space showing the awkward sloping path down to the also-sloping driveway.
After: The new space now transformed into a comfortable gathering spot for friends and family.
After: A view from the upper deck down into the space (hint: views from above are important too!).
After: Wide stone stairs make the transition to/from the driveway much more manageable and add to the grace of the space.
Misc. Landscape Elements~
The simple horizontal lines of this clear cedar panel complement the modern style of the home and hide the debris bins from view.
These panels, constructed using live-edge wavy siding boards, give graceful privacy to the nook seating area between the street and house. With the natural curves of the mature witch hazel tree left in place, the effect gives a unique touch to the new space.
Raised planters take advantage of sun exposure throughout the entire day. A gravel path around the planters retains heat to help provide optimum growing conditions.
A pallet used for moving stone was creatively repurposed in this children’s garden to become a sturdy bridge over a dry-stream.