Simple yet elegant

By Benjamin Dickerson

Simple Elegance / Design & Consulting

This 2000 square foot shallow, yet long backyard was over grown with vegetation and possessed an algal infested vinyl liner pond. The home owner loved to entertain and was in need of increasing the amount of usable and enjoyable living space.

 

Privacy was at its minimum as three neighbors had full-access views into the outdoor space. Additionally, the proportion of plants to concrete was not balanced, thus the yard lacked the necessary feel that was required in order for it to become a source of entertainment and tranquility.

 

To create a space that would be consistent with the homeowner’s lifestyle, essentially we created three main attractions. First, we custom designed a cascading four foot copper sheer descent fountain. We created a fixed seating space along side of the fountain that not only created a destination in the yard, but did away with the need to fuss over extra seating.

 

Next, we added a seven food Redwood trellis to the landscape. This directed the eye up, as to detract from the small yard and evoke a feeling openness.

 

Finally, we stocked the landscape with plants that made those in its presence use all of their senses. We added texture and depth by using Strawberry Trees, Lavender, variegated Flax, Thuja, Lirope, and Lilac Vine.

 

We wanted those that entered the yard to be enthralled by the beautiful and harmonious fragrances. This was achieved by strategically placing Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary, and Citrus throughout the landscape.

 

Two main features of existing landscape were preserved. First, the homeowner was sentimentally attached to a cherished Fig tree. In order to honor her feelings, we decided to present this fig tree as a form of garden art by planting it into an eighteen inch high raised planter.

 

 

Lastly, we preserved the existing concrete patio by resurfacing it with a sixteen by sixteen inch porcelain tile.