Formal yet fun

With dense scrub cleared and fountain, firepit and small lawn added – plus pool revamped – this landscaping project aligns with the home it connects to

Removing a hedge and overgrown vegetation allowed for

The project perfectly balances formality and relaxation.

Mature palms stand to attention poolside. - Formal

Conversation melds with the pleasing sound of the

Conversation area complete with firepit. - Formal yet

From the landscape architect:

Reimagined for year-round enjoyment

The rear landscape of this Sea Island, Georgia residence provides a structured yet relaxing outdoor environment for the home’s owners.

Designed by landscape architect David Wentworth of Harrison Design (while employed by Sea Island Acquisition), it was reimagined for entertaining and year-round enjoyment.

Work involved the redesign of the pool deck, back yard, side yard and front yard.

Removing a hedge and overgrown vegetation allowed for a new, spacious lounge area opposite the existing small pool deck, with a low line of small shrubs and three large planters for Pineapple Guava (feijoa) multi-trunk trees.

Using the pool as axis, a conversation area with a firepit, soothing fountain and small lawn create a T formation – all areas with new paving.

Echoing the residence’s simple lines, views align with the living room and primary bedroom with a multi-trunk live oak up lit in the evening as a focal point.

(As part of the wider project, Harrison Design designed a major master bedroom suite to the east of the existing house.)

The pool

The main pool was existing – in order to make the materials consistent, the coping and stone pavers between the pool and existing house were removed.

The entire turf/palm seating area, as well as all of the hardscape towards the master bedroom (reflecting fountain, sunken fire pit, turf garden) are all new.

The challenge was to make the design feel as if it had all been done at the same time, as well as ensuring the design complemented the house architecture.

Three large Pindo Palms were chosen to stand along the side of the pool.

No plant material was existing in this project – 100% of the vegetation in the back yard, side yard and a large portion of the front yard is new.

Prior to landscaping

Before the landscaping rethink, from the pool to the property line was unkempt scrub material – it was so thick that the owner literally had no idea how much property she had.

Both the backyard and the east side yard were difficult to walk through – the contractors had only cleared enough to construct the new master bedroom wing.