The Challenge: Dry It Out and Define a Path

Our first order of business was to install a drainage system. This was  tricky because there was not a lot of drop to the grade. We used stakes and line levels to make sure our drain tile was going down hill all the way to the outflow box. We like to be neat, even when doing a muddy job.  A sod cutter and tarp keep our sod and soil under control while we work.

Sod Removed from Drain Trench Area

Though you can hardly tell it, a drainage system was installed parallel to the sidewalk. We think our clients will appreciate our neatness and clean-up work.

Neatness Counts

The drain crosses at the gap in the flagstone.

Next, we began to shape the pathway. Some soil was removed to make room for the Grani-Path. Flowing lines look natural. (Not a particularly good photo….dirt does not know how to pose very well.)

The Path Takes Shape

Grani-Path is made of small pieces of granite. It behaves like coarse sand and packs down nicely. The ajuga groundcover in this area will grow over the edges of this material, adding a naturalized effect.

Grani-Path

 When the flagstones are laid back in place the path starts to look very interesting. You can clearly see your way to walk through this garden.

Finished Pathway

Our Client is Happy with the Results

The Grani-Path added definition and contrast to the edges of the path. We are happy with the way this project turned out, and our client is, too. Clear input from our client and a detailed plan of action combined for a functional result that looks great.

Heavy Shade and Struggling Grass

Our clients had this situation along the side of their house. A row of hedge trees cast heavy shade along the property line. Grass was dying back into sparse clumps and rain splashed mud on the windows, retaining wall, and siding.

Decorative rock is a great choice to cover such areas. It  lessens erosion and prevents mud from splashing on the house. No grass means no mowing or trimming.

There are two downspout drains on this side of the house. We put both into underground systems. Good bye ugly splash blocks! Installed properly, these systems catch water and outflow it away from the foundation.

Downspout Drain System Ready to be Covered-Up

We take a few extra steps with our downspout drains to make them most effective. After a proper downhill grade is trenched, all underground fittings are joined with a special waterproof tape (not duct tape!) designed especially for this purpose. At the outflow end, we install a gravel pit to allow draining of the can itself. Holes in the bottom of the can let water pass into the gravel. This leaves less water for mosquitos to hatch.

Fittings Joined with Waterproof Tape

Outflow Basin with Gravel Pit

When rocks are involved it is recommended to keep them contained with edging. For this project heavy-duty steel edging was selected for its durability and longevity.

Steel Edging

Since we will be covering a large portion of the side-yard, a diagram of sprinkler locations is useful to avoid covering heads. The heads can be capped in this area since no plants will be growing here. Save some water!

Sprinkler Diagram

 A permeable weedmat below the rock allows air to reach the soil and let excess moisture escape. The weedmat supports the rock to prevent it from sinking into the ground. Six-inch steel ‘U’ staples hold the weedmat in place (as if five tons of gravel wasn’t enough!).

Heavy-duty Weedmat Installed Below Rock

 Our clients chose a decorative rock that would match their existing rock in other landscaped areas. Consistency of materials always makes us designers smile : ) Everything  looks like it belongs together. Rock makes a decent ‘mulch’ for plants, too.

Decorative Rock

The finished project fits with the rest of the landscaping. Maintenance is minimal. Fall leaves are cleaned-up with a portable blower. In the future our client plans to add step stones for increased accessibility and decoration. (By the way, last year we built the retaining wall!)

The Finished Project

Kitty Approves!

Landscaping projects can be decorative as well as functional. These are the two goals we seek to achieve in all of our projects. We feel confident we achieved these results in this project.

Before: A Clean Slate

It is not uncommon for there to be areas around the foundation where additional soil is needed. Before anything else is done these areas are re-graded to slope away from the foundation.

Low Area Near Foundation

Low Area Near Steps

 You can see we needed quite a bit of soil to get the grading right.

The Grading Begins

Finished Grade

Some deteriorating plastic weedmat needed to be removed. This will alow the soil to ‘breathe’ and excess moisture to evaporate.

Removing Old Plastic Weedmat

 As plants are brought in to the site and installation begins it can look very messy…..well, it is messy! We selected plants especially to fit this small area with low-light conditions. They need a minimum of pruning each year. 

Chaos Before Creation

Order to the design appears as the final plants are installed. Using a measuring tape takes the guess work out of finding the proper spacing between plants. Knowing a plants characteristics and growth habits is essential to a design that will look balanced for years to come.

Right Plant, Right Place

Dyed brown mulch is a popular choice to topdress a garden. Two to three inches of mulch helps prevent evaporation of moisture, slows weed growth, and looks natural. (The perennial hosta we planted in the open space in the middle of the garden will reappear in the spring; they are dormant in the late fall and drop their leaves.)

The Finished Look

Clean-up is the final step in the process. We want our new garden to look its best and keep our client’s house clean.

Clean-Up is a Part of Every Job

Many gardens are over-planted or there is little thought to the eventual size of certain plants. This will create future headaches and become a maintenance nightmare. Landscape designers need to listen carefully to their client’s requests and make appropriate plant selections for the space available.