Visionscapes NW Landscape Design

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Visionscapes NW Landscape Design

14 Reviews

Empty Nesters' Backyard Update

Now that this couple's children have flown the nest, they decided it was time to turn their attention to updating their home, inside and out. After lovingly remodeling the interior, they asked for my help with enhancing the back yard environment in this suburban setting.

The old lawn was too big, and they wanted more patio space for entertaining, barbecuing, and also a fire pit area. An existing traditional metal fence around their hobby dahlia garden was a nice feature that remained, but needed softening. A new patio and landing off the back door updates the look, and a satellite patio provides an additional space for a new fire pit. Plantings atop the new stone wall will grow in and soften the border and also provide privacy.

Country: United States

BEFORE: tired lawn, small patio and no winter structure

BEFORE: Tired and soggy lawn

AFTER: The old lawn was removed, and drainage was installed throughout the back yard. New RTF sod was laid, and a perimeter stone wall adds structure and interest.

AFTER: Smaller lawn, new patio & plantings

Backyard BEFORE

BEFORE: Wet lawn and unused space

AFTER: new satellite patio showing opportunity to capture previously unused space for entertaining. Left foreground: 'Edith Bogue' magnolia will provide year-round privacy and screening from house behind in this suburban setting.

AFTER: Satellite patio and curved rock wall

New "satellite" patio holds additional seating and a seasonal fire pit. Behind this area are three 'Vanessa' Parrotias which stay narrow over time, but have lovely fall color.

AFTER: Satellite patio

BEFORE: The vegetation in the side yard made it impassable. We had it removed, along with the smaller of the Ilex hedges to open up the area.

BEFORE: Side yard

AFTER: The new side yard now has a gravel floor for a utility zone and storage area. There is also room for a new shade garden, and improved access to the faucet.

AFTER: Side yard path detail

AFTER: 2' x 2' architectural slab pavers laid on the diagonal add a traditional touch, along with new brick steps and landing from the back door.

AFTER: main patio features diagonal pavers with holland border

AFTER: Original dahlia beds and their metal fencing are softened with perimeter plantings, and new paths.

Empty Nesters' Backyard Update

AFTER: The new patio is anchored by a small semi-circular flower bed that includes a 'Butterfly' Japanese maple with a lovely variegated leaf. The landing and steps from the back door are new and echo the patio border.

AFTER: Main patio and dahlia beds

BEFORE: This side yard was used for utility bins and the lawn mower, but the pea gravel in the path made it hard to walk on.

BEFORE: Garage side yard with pea gravel

AFTER: The old pea gravel was removed from the pathway, and replaced with 1/4" minus crushed gravel for ease of walking. Four 2' x 2' architectural slab pavers were laid on the diagonal and inset into the path to enhance the look. Pretty containers with shade plants add color and beauty.

AFTER: Side yard path

AFTER: Side yard astilbes in bloom

AFTER: Back door with homeowner's pretty flowers and furnishings

AFTER: sun catches red tips of Japanese blood grass on left