Organic Modernism
Organic Modernism
The client’s goal for this small city back yard was to create a lush garden to welcome guests. The previous landscape was harsh and uninviting with concrete pavers covering the entire back yard between the home and garage. The new landscape plan called for the addition of planting beds to balance the amount of hardscape and landscape and soften the whole space.
The concrete pavers were removed along with 12-14” of compacted gravel and sand to clear the way for garden soil. The small space and limited access meant the 15 tons of debris had to be dug by hand and carted out in wheel barrows through the small access door to the garage.
Once the backyard was cleared, the new patio spaces were defined and the crew began to install custom cut bluestone. A bluestone patio was centered on the space and allows the homeowners to access the grill and entertain small groups. Connection to the garage, service area, side yard walk, and stairs leading to the garage roof deck are all created with bluestone stepper pathways. Between the stone steppers, low spreading plants such as thyme and creeping jenny fill the gaps. The garden beds are filled with a mix of flowering allium, catmint, salvia, and ornamental grasses.
The finished garden space provides an intimate gathering space with colorful plantings the homeowners can enjoy for years to come