Our homeowner had just built a new home in the bustling, thriving heart of the city, and was in need of a fresh new backyard that was more than just sod and grass: They wanted a space-efficient retreat that would provide peace and privacy, to be used for outdoor entertaining, personal rejuvenation, and a beautiful daily view.
This small-space maximizing design included two zones: a natural stone patio on one side for entertaining, and a native rain garden on the other. To add a sense of secured elegance we created dry storage space under the deck and added wood screens to hide the AC unit and the neighbor’s garage, allowing our clients to revel in uncluttered privacy.
Only two summers after planting, the lush rain garden at the center creates height, interest, and life in this compact space, so easily maintained and enjoyed.
You think a space this small doesn’t have more to talk about, think again and let’s learn more.
The rain garden absorbs the site’s excess rainwater and two-thirds of back roof run-off, while simultaneously supporting eighteen native species and native cultivars planted there. During construction, there were also some expected drainage issues and delays due to rainfall. These further highlighted issues we recognized from the start and reaffirmed the fittingness of our plans with the rain garden. Red rock moss boulders hide the drainage emitters, and a stepping stone footpath encircles the rain garden so no element of it can go unappreciated. Only two summers after planting, the lush rain garden at the center creates height, interest, and life in this compact space. The fence corners are softened with plantings of magnolia, dogwood, and tall native grasses. A yard that was void of life is now filled with bees, hummingbirds, birdsong, and butterflies.
Another thing to add into the mix was a seemingly constantly shifting subgrade following lots of earth disturbance from the recent property development when constructing the patio. We solved this too, utilizing compaction, back filling, more compaction, and a final re-leveling of the subgrade. This patio is a cut bluestone flagstone, bordered by crisp black slate (selections made with the assistance of the geologist homeowner). We created a dry storage space under the deck to store their outdoor furniture that could be protected from the elements. Wood screens conceal the AC unit and the neighbor’s garage so the space could feel intimate without any disruptive items.
To be able to enjoy these two contrasting spaces into the evening hours, string lights were hung across the patio to add ambient lighting and small solar lamps enhance the footpath by night.
Fun fact: we discovered that black slate tile, when applied to a bed of mortar and then left exposed to the sun on a very hot day, may curl up at the corner! This intense natural process delighted our geologist homeowner so much that he declined replacement.
