Renovation to Rejuvenation

Lovely paperbark maples (Acer griseum) line the parking strips of this corner lot. Underplanted with a variety of short grasses, these trees create a surprising amount of privacy along a busy arterial street.

This four-year old garden renovation is sleek and functional for both dogs and their owners. An intimate living and entertaining space in the backyard features a vegetable garden for an avid cook, a fire pit for evening relaxation and space for dogs to run the fence line without creating havoc.

Enter through the front gate and pass under a large Norway maple. The garden flows seamlessly from front to back along a path of square pavers and black landscape pebbles, along a fence of warm and solid Alaska cedar. Paving materials of varying size and built-in-place planters break up distinct plant zones to create visual impact.  A variety of perennials intermix with roses, peonies, vegetable and herb gardens. A vibrant scarlet trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) rambles in the back corner.

Teresa says, “The garden at night is magical when the fire in the pit is blazing, lights illuminating the plants. My vegetable garden is such a pleasure; the herbs, much to the dismay of the landscaper, have crept all over the garden! The gentle flow of water from the pond in front. Oh yes – the pond has been so great for venturing into the world of the pond plants! It has been fun to grow irises and water lilies in the pond. I derive happiness from my garden, and it is from there that the well of enthusiasm  to work in the garden and maintain it, springs. It has form which enhances the overall look of the house, and last but most importantly, it is a place to regenerate the soul.”