Summer Oasis
This landscape was in major need of renovation! The existing deck and swimming pool were tired and the planting beds were out of control. Our customers wanted to provide their awesome children with a backyard designed for summer fun! Using a combination of natural and artificial materials, we were able to accomplish their goal.
First, we cleaned the slate; the deck, plantings and pool patio were all removed leaving us with a hillside and a swimming pool. We then began the installation of our cost-effective design; involving an upper patio for cooking and dining, fire feature and lower water park. These two areas were connected with a set of steps sweeping through hillside planting beds. The lower pool patio was reconstructed using interlocking pavers and pool coping.
The highlight of the project was the creation of a false rock outcropping, diving rock and slide all in one. I should mention that this feature was an afterthought! Running our equipment along the edge of the swimming pool while constructing this last minute idea certainly provided a challenge! Once the hardscape was complete we softened it with plantings and enhanced it with night lighting. The smiles on the kids’ faces, as they christened the slide, made it all worth it!
Backyard Retreat
This newly constructed residence provided us with a clean slate for design. Our customers wanted a swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, outdoor kitchen and dining area. Using a combination of natural and artificial materials we were able to exceed their expectations.
We started with the upper patio and outdoor kitchen. The kitchen was unique in that our customers wanted it installed on their existing porch. I hadn’t seen this before but using cultured stone matching other portions of their house along with natural bluestone countertops we were able to make it happen. Likewise, we created a dining area beneath a shaded pergola on pillars. A custom fire pit was created along with sitting walls surrounding the perimeter of the patio.
The swimming pool was installed late in the fall. Our customers took our advice and had us install the patio base and let it sit through the winter. Pools are notorious for settlement issues so we highly recommend installing bases and giving them time to settle. We returned in the spring and installed the lower patio complete with an indigenous limestone diving rock. We then brought in several loads of topsoil to blend the patio to the surrounding grades.
Once the hardscape was complete, we softened it with low maintenance planting beds. This landscape pops both during the day and especially at night. The use of low voltage lighting within the walls, steps and planting beds gives a resort-like feel to this local residence!
Cliffside Retreat
This was a very unique and challenging project for us! Shortly after our customers purchased their home, the retaining wall behind it failed. There was an elevation change of eighteen feet from the upper driveway down to the lower yard. The existing deck had piers within the retaining wall that were also beginning to fail so we certainly had our work cut out for us.
Ornamental limestone boulders were used to create the lower wall. Although very dangerous to work with, large walls can be constructed very quickly with boulders. Once constructed, the failing deck piers were replaced with helical pilings and a set of natural stone steps was constructed leading from the lower lawn up to the middle level. A segmental block wall with steps was then constructed leading from the middle level up to the driveway.
The hillside beneath the deck was reinforced with geotextile fabric, covered with canal stone and planting beds were created. Stepping stones were installed leading from the stone steps to the wall and the area was mulched with natural cedar shavings. A small fire pit area was created using pea gravel and the lower lawn was graded and seeded. This entire project was constructed in two weeks! It is amazing how much work can be accomplished in a short time when you have the right skillsets and equipment!
Join Our Team!
We take extreme pride in our work and truly love what we do. If you love working with your hands and want to be part of our strong company culture, then our team may be perfect for you!