This project presented unique opportunities that are not often found in residential landscaping. The homeowners were not only restoring their 1840's era farmhouse, a piece of their family’s history, but also enlarging and updating the home for modern living. The landscape designers continued this idea by creating a space that is a modern day interpretation of an 1840s era farm rather then a strict recreation. The resulting design combines elements of farm living from that time, as well as acknowledging the property’s history as a horse farm, with staples of 21st century landscapes such as space for outdoor living, lighting, and newer plant varieties. Guests approach from the main driveway which winds through the property and ends at the main barn. There is secondary gated driveway just for the homeowners. Connected to this main driveway is a narrower gravel lane which leads directly to the residence. The lane passes near fruit trees planted in broken rows to give the illusion that they are the remains of an orchard that once existed on the site. The lane widens at the entrance to the gardens where there is a hitching post built into the fence that surrounds the gardens and a watering trough. The widened section is intended as a place to park a golf cart or, in a nod to the home’s past, tie up horses before entering. The gravel lane passes between two stone pillars and then ends at a square gravel court edged in cobblestones. The gravel court transitions into a wide flagstone walk bordered with yew hedges and lavender leading to the front door. Directly to the right, upon entering the gravel court, is located a gravel and cobblestone edged walk leading to a secondary entrance into the residence. The walk is gated where it connects with the gravel court to close it off so as not to confuse visitors and guests to the main residence and to emphasize the primary entrance. An area for a bench is provided along this walk to encourage stopping to view and enjoy the gardens. On either side of the front door, gravel and cobblestone walks branch off into the garden spaces. The one on the right leads to a flagstone with cobblestone border patio space. Since the home has no designated backyard like most modern suburban homes the outdoor living space had to be placed in what would traditionally be thought of as the front of the house. The patio is separated from the entrance walk by the yew hedge and further enclosed by three Amelanchiers and a variety of plantings including modern cultivars of old fashioned plants such as Itea and Hydrangea. A third entrance, the original front door to the 1840’s era section, connects to the patio from the home’s kitchen, making the space ideal for outdoor dining. The gravel and cobblestone walk branching off to the left of the front door leads to the vegetable and perennial gardens. The idea for the vegetable garden was to recreate the tradition of a kitchen garden which would have been planted close to the residence for easy access. The vegetable garden is surrounded by mixed perennial beds along the inside of the wood picket fence which surrounds the entire garden space. Another area designated for a bench is provided here to encourage stopping and viewing. The home’s original smokehouse, completely restored and used as a garden shed, provides a strong architectural focal point to the vegetable garden. Behind the smokehouse is planted lilacs and other plants to give mass and balance to the corner and help screen the garden from the neighboring subdivision. At the rear corner of the garden a wood arbor was constructed to provide a structure on which to grow grapes or other vines should the homeowners choose to. The landscape and gardens for this restored farmhouse and property are a thoughtfully designed and planned recreation of a historic landscape reinterpreted for modern living. The idea was to give a sense of timelessness when walking through the gardens as if they had been there for years but had possibly been updated and rejuvenated as lifestyles changed. The attention to materials and craftsmanship blend seamlessly with the residence and insure the gardens and landscape remain an integral part of the property. The farm has been in the homeowner’s family for many years and they are thrilled at the results and happy to see respect given to the home’s history and to its meticulous restoration.

Completed in 2009, this dramatic residential garden and outdoor living space is set atop a hilltop overlooking the Calgary skyline. For this project we designed custom features such as craftsman inspired design material and elements including stone walkways, a custom fireplace with a water feature, built-in seating, fire pit, circular arbor, lawn, gardens, children's play area all with spectacular views. The owners were extremely pleased and enjoy the ability to entertain family and friends outdoors in multiple locations within the garden.

Jesse Cryns
Design ideas for a mid-sized craftsman partial sun backyard stone formal garden in San Diego for summer.

Acting as both a tunnel, and a complex series of gateways, each perspective on this grape arbor reveals a distinct path to different edible plantings. Once it is covered by grapes, it will conceal the paths, allowing those that enter to discover hidden groves of blueberry, elderberry, hazelnut, serviceberry, and of course, grape. Jeremy Brodeur

Deck - backyard deck idea in New York with a pergola

https://www.spacecrafting.com

We are a Baltimore, Maryland based pond and water feature company. Specializing in design, installation, maintenance, and repair of ponds, water features and fountains.

Lepere Studio
Inspiration for a mediterranean backyard stone and wood fence landscaping with a pergola.

Small backyard with lots of potential. We created the perfect space adding visual interest from inside the house to outside of it. We added a BBQ Island with Grill, sink, and plenty of counter space. BBQ Island was cover with stone veneer stone with a concrete counter top. Opposite side we match the veneer stone and concrete cap on a newly Outdoor fireplace. far side we added some post with bright colors and drought tolerant material and a special touch for the little girl in the family, since we did not wanted to forget about anyone. Photography by Zack Benson

Patio - modern backyard patio idea in San Francisco with a fire pit and a pergola

We are a Baltimore, Maryland based pond and water feature company. Specializing in design, installation, maintenance, and repair of ponds, water features and fountains.

We are a Baltimore, Maryland based pond and water feature company. Specializing in design, installation, maintenance, and repair of ponds, water features and fountains.

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design | L. Cramer Builders + Remodelers, Builder | Troy Thies, Photography | Shannon Gale, Photo Styling Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Landscape lighting creates an inviting entrance to this home. Enhanced with a paver walkway and colorful plantings, this homes' focal point adds curb appeal.

M J McCabe-Garden Design
This is an example of a mid-sized traditional landscaping in Bridgeport.

Howard Roberts
Photo of a traditional driveway in New York.

Wrought Iron Gate Front Entry
Home design - mid-sized mediterranean home design idea in Santa Barbara