the entertainers

A residential front yard still needs to feel welcoming and homey to those who catch that first glimpse of it.  We wanted whatever we designed to have a wow factor that wasn't too obvious. It also needed the capability of being appreciated from far away as well as up close, with a bit of mystery so that guests could find something new each time they visit. This massive pond was the perfect solution, as it would not be uncommon to find a pond on an expansive farm property like this one. It also acted as a retaining wall so that the upper area could become more level and usable - the perfect space for entertaining large groups. The larger trees along the back become a backdrop for the pond, stopping your eye at a certain distance to create that picturesque front view of the pond, without completely blocking the beautiful home. They also close that area in a bit to make it more cozy and less open to the surrounding driveway - keeping that residential feel.

Our philosophy is always to try and make the home and outdoor structures look as if they were designed and built around the landscape, instead of the other way around. This creates a natural feeling of order when you are sitting in or using the spaces - that the installers worked with the natural landscape features instead of against them. Although it will take a few years for the gardens to mature, we implemented a few design strategies to make the new landscape feel natural. One is to break up crisp clean lines between materials. A strategically placed boulder or slightly overhanging plantings onto a pathway are simple ways to create intentional "imperfections". Using old logs and mossy boulders immediately add age to a space, and create their own little ecosystems that would thrive in nature. Planting in and along the pond and gravel pathway edges also mimics nature, and fits perfect with the rustic farmhouse feel of the home.