Birch Pond is a wooded lot with a variety of unique natural features. The topography and tree coverage inspired a strategy to design conditions in order to create a natural pond/reflecting pool within the forested area. After close study of the site, soil conditions, and existing vegetation, the portion behind the house was determined to have both dry and wet areas with different native woodland plants. In the front, an infiltration basin and lawn area separate the site of the future house from the street. The basin will be planted with dogwoods, white pines, and a short prairie mix buffer to provides beauty and privacy.

The client is interested in creating a fenced-in area, integrated with a wooden patio and a fountain, as part of the site’s hydrological circulation. The water features will be decorative but also perform as drainage solutions. A boardwalk around the periphery can be used as a dog run, provide circulation throughout the site, and will tie the various landscape components together visually.