GENEVA BACKYARD SETTING
New homeowners in Geneva recently asked us to create an outdoor living area to replace an undersized deck installed by the builder. The site was a long narrow side yard dropping 8 feet from one end to the other. Our solution included a natural stone terrace and retaining wall, a cedar pergola, and a 40 foot long recirculating stream taking advantage of the sloping yard.
Stepping stone walkways through the beds, with larger pieces used as bridges, allow a closer view of the running water and aquatic plants. Several small waterfalls are highlighted with LED lighting, and accent lighting in the trees help bring the entire setting to life after dark.
The planting scheme emphasizes long blooming perennials for easy color troughout the growing season. We installed inexpensive trickle irrigation lines in the beds to help with the watering chores and subtle fencing sections to help keep the family's small dogs out of the flowers.
This before photo shows the small deck and slopping yard
Existing site conditions looking west toward the entrance from the alley.
After the deck was removed, cedar posts are set to support the pergola.
The pergola posts bear on a mortared stone wall, which will also retain the raised terrace.
The curved sitting wall and pillars will have full range Bluestone coping to match the patio.
The completed hardscape with 18' x 19' pergola overhead adding shade and intimacy.
Work begins on a pondless stream featuring 3 small waterfalls built of weathered boulders.
The finished project beckons from the new entrance off the alley.
The sight and sound of the moving water adds a soothing background to dinner on the terrace
With the finishing touches in place, the family looks forward to a relaxing summer of backyard living.
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