Landscaping Project Story: A Cozy Retreat
BEFORE
AFTER
GOALS
Our clients wanted to expand and update their existing brick patio with access to the area from their master bedroom. They wanted privacy in the back yard and from the driveway. They also requested a low maintenance landscape with some herbs and kitchen ready plants.
- Design a patio consisting of garden rooms and multiple access points.
- Create a more functional space including an area for cooking, dining, and an open-air fireplace.
- Create privacy from the driveway and rear property.
Budget: $70,000+
Services
- Masonry patio & steps
- Custom carpentry
- Privacy & ornamental planting
- Bed preparation, organic amendments & mulching
- Grading & tree removal
- Drainage
- Sod repair
APPROACH
A new arbor and 2×3 rectangular bluestone walkway provide a charming entrance from the driveway. The existing brick patio was lifted, re-set and expanded to create additional spaces.
To create interest and provide contrast in materials, bluestone was introduced. It serves both as a border to complement the brick, and as a stand-alone material within the newly designed spaces that include a private walk to the couple’s bedroom.
A private seating area includes a custom clear cedar pergola and access from both the main dining area and private walkway. Ornamental trees were located for privacy and to provide a sense of intimacy. Additionally, stone slab steps were implemented for access to and from the great lawn.
PLANTING COMPONENTS
The original patio was set in the lawn with no foundation or ornamental plants. Green Velvet Boxwood hedges were introduced to create an evergreen foundation connecting the garden rooms and to provide directionality.
Crape Myrtles provide scale and a sense of privacy plus vibrant color and summer interest.
The low charming border plantings include white Hydrangeas, long blooming Carpet Roses, and colorful perennials.
A specimen Stewartia tree and a private garden was designed just outside the bedroom doors to create the sense of a private walk and add height and interest to the interior of the patio space.
A modern privacy hedge, which also serves as a noise barrier, was planted along the rear border of the property consisting of more the 50 Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ hollies.
RESULT
A cozy retreat with ample space for the couple to enjoy and entertain. The soothing and seasonally varied landscape palette will provide year-round interest and privacy.
WHAT THE CLIENT SAID
“Craig’s design exceeded all our expectations. The Hicks Landscapes team and all their contractors executed seamlessly. Thank you for making our backyard a beautiful place to relax and enjoy!”
– Elyse H.
Let's Start a Conversation
Here's How:
1. Fill out the inquiry form on this page and we will contact you within 48 hours.
2. You can also call 516-334-0068 to speak with a member of our staff.
3. If you're planning on a visit to Hicks Nurseries, you can stop by the Nursery Services Help Center in the tree & shrub yard and get the process started there. Open during regular store hours.
Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you!