This
Bown Crossing residence had a typical “builder special” landscape that did not
match my client’s tastes. My clients were
looking for a more attractive curb appeal, a more naturalistic waterfall, more shade,
an outdoor kitchen with dining area and an area for their hot tub. Our Client
(which was referred to us by Sterling Landscape) wanted to see multiple options
for their yard, so they could see the true potential.
Landscape
Master Plan (2012)
Concept #1 – Key Points
·
New paver entry walk
·
The existing back yard patio would remain
as-is
·
curved outdoor Kitchen with a bar area
·
The waterfall would stay in the same
location as the existing waterfall, but larger boulder would be added
·
Flagstone patio and path
·
Sunken hot tub
·
Floating boulder slab steps
·
Rock lights
·
Hammock area
·
Evergreen forest for a woodsy feeling
Concept #2 – Key Points
·
New paver entry walk, landing and landscape
·
New flagstone path along side yard to act
as the entry to the garden
·
“L” shaped outdoor kitchen
·
Larger waterfall and stream along the NE
side
·
Sunken dining area
·
Outdoor living room (deck -flush with
threshold) with wood, stone and metal shade structure
·
Custom privacy screen for the sunken hot
tub
Concept #2
Concept #3 – Key Points
·
Rectangular concrete stepping stone entry
walk
·
Stone and Ipe accent fences
·
Multilevel deck-patio (concrete and
decking)
·
Cantilevered shade structure
·
Small outdoor kitchen (no bar area)
·
Rill water feature
·
Artificial turf lawn area
·
Bocce ball court
·
Sunken hot tub
Concept #3
The client loved the initial concepts and the, construction y
combined elements mostly from Concept #1 – Although they were really
attracted to concept #3 they liked the
relaxed feeling of the more naturalistic
concepts. After we revised the concept
we went on to construction documents, and we prepared the following drawings:
·
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
·
Conceptual Landscape Lighting Plan – to
illustrate the overall landscape lighting effects
Now that all the drawings were done,
it was time to get 3 bids. We decided to
get bids from Thad with Sterling Landscape, Tom with LCG landscape and Gary
with Green lawn care. The Home owner reviewed the bids and decided to go with
Sterling Landscape as the general with the main subs being Boon LLC (outdoor
Kitchen and Shade Structure) and Afterdark Lighting (landscape Lighting).
The first step of construction was to demo the back patio and the majority of the existing landscape. The footings for the Alumawood shade structure were poured while the back yard was prepped for the multilevel Belgard Paver patio.
The first step of construction was to demo the back patio and the majority of the existing landscape. The footings for the Alumawood shade structure were poured while the back yard was prepped for the multilevel Belgard Paver patio.
The grades were also set for the flagstone patio, paths and the floating stone slab steps. After the patios were installed (Belgard pavers and Flagstone) the frame for the outdoor kitchen was installed.
The disappearing waterfall was one
of the last elements to go into the back yard before the plantings were
installed. The disappearing waterfall was design to be seen from the multiple
sitting areas. While the waterfall was being installed the curved outdoor
kitchen was getting tricked out with DCS Grill, refrigeraotor, beverage center,
side burning, storage and more -- Truly
a chef's play area!!
To soften all the hardscape areas,
plants were then added to bring year round color and texture into the yard. The
finishing touch was the adjustment of the landscape lighting that included LED
strip lights under the paver steps, accent lights on the waterfall, selected
trees, shade structure and the residence.
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 Sterling Landscape, Boon, LLC, AfterDark Lighting, and all the team members….for making this project looks so good!
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 Sterling Landscape, Boon, LLC, AfterDark Lighting, and all the team members….for making this project looks so good!
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