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The sinuous boulder slab walkway meanders to the front entryway. Mature Boxwoods frame the entryway along with layers of shrubs and perennials to make for an inviting entry.
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This in progress picture shows where a storm drain is located by the pallet pictured. The entire area shown including the walkway is sloped to the drain within a range of 2-4% to avoid plant material standing in water.
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Before the approach to the property from the street was unsightly. The client envisioned a woodland path providing access to the rear of the property along with the signature sod/locust staircase.
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During installation a boulder retaining wall was installed to retain the steep slope. Mature Hemlocks were installed to screen part of the wall. The sod/locust staircase was graded and positioned to not compromise the one hundred year old Hemlocks originally on the property.
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Now when approaching the property the signature sod/locust staircase is visible and the clients can enjoy walking along the lush woodland path which boarders their property. This photograph was taken weeks after installation.
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This shows during construction above the woodland pathway an alternative to paved guest parking we installed a sod boulder slab area. The backside is supported by a boulder retaining wall. The boulder slabs were laid on a compacted sub-base. These half-ton boulder slabs were strapped and placed using a Volvo EC35 excavator.
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A locust post guardrail was added above the boulder retaining wall as a visual barrier for guests parking. The boulder slabs were softened by a boarder of pachysandra and the installation of sod. This photograph was taken weeks after installation.
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This vantage point is from the front entry of the residence. In the background the berm is visible to screen the street and prevent off-site storm-water from entering the property. The staircase shown in the far right transitions guests from the upper level to the lower level of the property.
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On and off-site storm water was causing soil erosion on the north side of the property before grading took place.
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A storm drain was installed just to the left above the top stair. This drain captures storm water runoff before it flows down around the side of the residence. The layers of evergreen plant material such as Rhododendron, Taxus densiformis and pachysandra make the new construction look right at home in its surrounding natural environment. The flowers in the foreground give a hint of what lies ahead at the bottom of the staircase.
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In order to provide the clients with a level lawn, we installed three storm water drains at the edge of the perennial bed. These drains relieve any pressure on the existing retaining wall.
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This vantage point is from the edge of the retaining wall. Large mature shrubs and trees were used as a backdrop for a wide array of perennials. The large boulders seen in the background leveled the planting against the residence and allowed us to plant trees and shrubs with substantial size root balls.
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The front of the property appears to be a humble cottage in an intimate woodland setting. As you further explore the property by walking down the properties signature sod/locust staircase you discover that the east side of the property opens up into a manicured lawn surrounded by an expansive and colorful perennial garden.