In this Alexandria, VA row house back yard, outdoor living and gardening come together. Separate areas for dining and lounging are connected by stone paths and a burgeoning perennial garden. To give unity, definition, and a modern edge to this otherwise busy space , the homeowner requested a "black and white garden," in which all of the flowers bloom either black or white. Merrifield Garden Center designer, Mary Kirk Menefee, provided the bones of the garden, including flagstone patios, a fire pit, a winding fieldstone path, privacy screening, and many of the initial plantings. From there, the homeowner has made it her own.