Glowing water, dancing flames, and twinkling landscape lights transform this extremely playful daytime space into a magical destination where guests can enjoy the wonderful atmosphere and amenities well into the evening.

They say it’s not about the destination, but the journey. In this garden, floating islands connected by natural boulder slabs create a one-of-a-kind experience as well as a practical way to navigate between the main patio and a floating gazebo.

Some designers might look at a site with a lot of grade change and call it “difficult.” At our company, we thrive on the challenge and opportunity that topography can provide. Here, it allowed for a variety of distinct spaces, spacious terraces with built-in seating, and brought the main event, an 850 square foot Koi Pond, within easy reach.

Every landscape (and client) is different, and luckily for us, this one had a love of plantings that allowed for a unique expression of colors, textures, and specimen species that will bring wonder and wildlife to the project year-round.

This stream and series of waterfalls not only serve as a beautiful backdrop for the landscape but also help contribute to the health and wellness of the pond below by circulating water and providing airflow.

A series of waterfalls spill from the upper stream into the pond below, with boulder retaining walls to compliment the more rustic aesthetic of this wooded property.

Surrounded by water and topped off by lush plantings and ample lighting, the floating gazebo becomes the perfect place for meditation and relaxing away from the hustle and bustle of it all, while the pavilion on the water’s edge is great for entertaining and enjoying the ambience of the pond.

Buildstone Walls and rustic boulder steps blend seamlessly with this paver pool deck, creating a timeless and classic look while providing ample space for a variety of activities.

Inspired by old-world gardens, a beautiful copper fountain watches over the lily pond against a backdrop of wisteria.

Inspired by old-world gardens, a beautiful copper fountain watches over the lily pond against a backdrop of wisteria.

Inspired by old-world gardens, a beautiful copper fountain watches over the lily pond against a backdrop of wisteria.

A beautiful home calls for a beautiful entrance. Here, we said “Welcome Home” with a custom fountain centered on a new autocourt. The circular drive, which combines asphalt, pavers, and curbstone into an elegant arrival space, also allows for better parking for the homeowner and their guests. And a new accessory structure to the left completes the space, providing much-needed storage and room for the client’s rescue parrots.

Located at the shallow end of the new pool, this pavilion is the ideal spot for sporting events and outdoor movie nights. In summer, the standing seam metal roof protects you from the heat of the sun, while both the large wood-burning fireplace and heaters keep the pavilion feeling cozy year-round.

A large rectangular pool becomes the centerpiece of the yard. Complete with a sun shelf for lounging, a diving board for more exuberant swimmers, and a hot tub for relaxing, this area is meant to appeal to the whole family.

This grand landscape manages to combine a complex site with a large Wishlist into a cozy backyard with fun for the whole family.