Meandering magic

Designed by Plant Architect

From the landscape designer:

A young family had recently completed a major home renovation that opened up expansive views to their rear garden. 

They asked us to redesign this landscape as a series of zones that would optimise views and support multiple uses.

The home’s renovation added a large sliding door as well as a swinging door off the back. 

To accommodate these doors, the designers proposed a raised deck directly off the house.

This multi-level dining/​entertaining zone features an ipe wood deck with planter-integrated bench seating and steps down to a flagstone patio.

A pathway that combines existing irregular flagstones with new rectilinear pavers extends to the back of the yard, passing through a permeable screen of birch trees and ferns as it steps down to the childrens’ play area at the rear.

Small, simple lights illuminate the paved path, and lights integrated into the decking illuminate the steps in between the decks. 

Portable lanterns allow the family to enjoy the lower patio at night.

The previous owner of the home, Leonhard Oesterle, was a sculptor, and works by him that were already in the garden were retained and repositioned during the redesign.

A cherry tree and a grouping of six large white cedars were also retained.

In combination with lush woodland plantings on one side and a perennial ‘meadow’ on the other, these older elements lend a well-established look to a largely new landscape.

Subtle colour variation in the play area’s artificial turf creates a natural look while providing low-maintenance durability.

A hybrid shed/​play structure will be constructed at a later date on a concrete pad already installed in the play area.

Story by: Trendsideas