Our clients have a beautiful home with a dock on Geist reservoir. They often host large family gatherings, and they needed a bigger, more functional space to accommodate everyone and their activities on the lake. We were brought on to give this beautiful property a proper backyard makeover.
The site itself was challenging. Our clients wanted to expand their patio space, but their backyard consisted of one steep slope. We had to come up with a design that would turn the incline into useable space. They also wanted to expand an existing wood deck. After several drafts, the final landscape design called for constructing 3 new patios with retaining walls and connecting steps, installing a full landscaping plants package, and outdoor lighting.
To remodel our clients’ existing deck, we removed the spa and expanded the deck outward, visually balancing the unlevel sides that had surrounded the spa. The deck is now larger, looks great, and functions well.
We then dug out a large area directly below the deck to construct a main patio where furniture and tables could sit. We surrounded this patio with seating walls, which created a cozy sense of enclosure. Below this patio we dug out another area for a second, smaller patio, which acts as a transitional space between the yard and the lake dock. It also serves as a place for the people participating in dock activities. A third patio was constructed on the far side of the yard, away from the other patios and deck. This small area serves as a more private place for sunning and lake viewing.
The new patios were constructed using oxford concrete pavers, laid in a muster-k pattern. The seating walls of the main patio were made of tumbled, man-made block called Bedford stone. Finally, the plant beds included large boulders to support and accent plants on the slope.
The steep nature of the site lent itself to a low maintenance, simple landscape design. To provide beautiful summer colors, we used butterfly bush, which flowers all summer, barberry bush, shrub roses, and quite a few kinds of perennials. We also planted evergreen Boxwood trees and junipers to keep color in the landscape all year round.
Lastly, we installed landscape lighting to highlight the seating walls and certain plants, and to provide low lighting for nighttime use. From the lake, the lighting shows off the backyard landscape nicely.
Through our custom design, we were able to turn a very challenging steep slope into a very useable living space for the family. They said we exceeded their expectations on the project and now they thoroughly enjoy using it. Questions about this backyard makeover? Send us an email or give us a call at (317) 997-4803.
