The project here entailed a complete update, front and back.  There was some existing landscaping that the client wanted updated, with particular elements added - an outdoor fireplace and bar;  linking of the different areas and patios;  sprucing up planting.   In the front, a more contemporary look, and scale balancing was in order. 

Overall, the desire was for a unique outdoor living room where they could have more garden planting area, an entertaining are complete with outdoor fireplace, and to make better use of a large slope and the area underneath an upper deck. 

We undertook a thorough review of what stays and what goes in the plant material, and a complete rethinking of the existing landscape elements. 

The end result was a beautiful
flowing together of the
many features.

Here's a few photos of the
backyard poolside portion
of the finished project.

Poolside shed detail and
elegant iron rail circular stair
coming down from an upper deck.

Overall, a gorgeous new outdoor
living room.

A finished plan for a formal
swimming pool and surrounding
stonework and planting beds.
 

A small "bridge" inspires the feeling of flowing water, and links the shed into the design rather than allowing it to stand as a distant island.

These two small ponds take up virtually no space. They were designed as just one of many decorative elements built into a large patio.

An upward sloping yard is a gorgeous setting for a garden as the backdrop for this raised platform swimming pool. 

A Gazebo and  Cabana (out of sight to the far right, see the "Structures" page) were also part of the plan for this full backyard landscape treatment.

A water feature doesn't have to be large, or even have an open pond!  Here, a small fountain was integrated into patio and garden bed, highlighted by a change to natural stone, and given a distinctive border within the paving pattern.