B R E C K O N L A N D D E S I G N: Project Spotlight

This Somerset Ridge residence had a typical “builder special” landscape that did not match my client’s tastes. My clients we looking for a more attractive curb appeal, better circulation to the back yard, additional patio area, shade, more usable lawn area, an outdoor kitchen with dining area and a fire pit with views of downtown Boise. Our Client (which was referred to us by Everything Outdoors) did not want to see multiple options for their yard; they were more interested in seeing in what I thought would look best.

back yard - before

Front/side yard - before (no access to the back yard)

Landscape Master Plan (2012)

Concept #1 – Key Points

· Stone slab steps and path to provide access from the front door to the back yard.

· Disappearing waterfall with stone slab bridge to add sound and interest by the front door.

· New stairway from the existing deck to the new lower patio area.

· Cantilevered and curved Ipe and steel shade structure

· Outdoor Kitchen

· Larger patio area

· Larger usable lawn area with boulder walls

· Gas fire pit with views of Downtown Boise

· Irrigated meadow grass hillside to provide a firebreak from the existing native dryland grasses

Fly thru of our concept plan

The client loved the initial concept and we went on to our next step, construction documents.

· Erosion and Sediment Control Plan – For the City of Boise Foothills Application

· Grading and Drainage Plan – For the City of Boise Foothills Application

· Materials Plan – to illustrate, note and detail all hardscape items like, pavers, paths, walls…..

· Planting Plan – to illustrate all plant material proposed for the project

Now that all the drawings were done and approved by the City, it was time to start construction. Andy Peterson with Level Construction was the General for the project while Anthony Jobe with Everything Outdoor was the landscape contractor.

The first step of construction was to construct an access ramp to the back yard. Access was defiantly challenging for this project. The next step was to demo the existing landscape.

access ramp

The large Boulder walls (all under 4’ high) were then added to level the site and set our grades. The next step was then to add the new stairway, railing and cantilevered shade structure. The rest of the Hardscape items were then installed (outdoor Kitchen, raised planters, gas fire pit and pavers) with the plantings to follow.

Boulder wall with steps

New shade structure and deck stairs and railing

The frame work for the curved Ipe Shade Stucture

The very last step was to work out of the back yard and created the stone staircase, boulder steps with bridge and the disappearing waterfall by the front door.

waterfall

As with all new installations, I recommend patience, as the beds will look rather open at first, but with time the plants will mature and the yard will grow up! A special thanks to Level Construction and Everything Outdoors, for making this project looks so good!