The Hard Rock Cafe
When we first visited the property, the big problem was how to access the backyard! The builder had installed block retaining walls, but had not installed a staircase down to the level backyard. Once we jumped down into the yard, we saw that it was pretty empty except for a lonely rock outcropping.
As we thought about the wishlist for this fabulous family, this rock became the inspiration and the focal point for the design. We set to work to build a beautiful mahogany staircase and an at grade wood path to connect the new stairway to a beautiful wood deck jutting out into the garden. Our carpenter turned a dank under deck storage space into a cool slider to hide away bikes and tools. Meanwhile we added a five foot deep drywell to capture all the overflow from the drainpipes and the street. Once that was finished we prettied it up as the entry to the new space.
Next up, demo the yard and bring in composted loam and lots of stone. We used the big rock as a jumping off point for a dry riverbed that meanders around the yard connecting all the spaces and taking you out to the rest area.
We built a step up rest area encircled by a beautiful stone sitting wall with a bluestone cap. Now all that is needed is the firepit, some cool colorful chairs and marshmallows.
We added big birch trees, arbs to screen the neighbors and many native plantings. The yard is a joy to view from above or to enjoy at ground level. Songbirds, butterflies, chipmunks and creatures of all kinds are making this sanctuary their new home.
Have a coffee in the morning or a cocktail in the evening. Click below to take a stroll through the Hard Rock Cafe!
Thank you as always to my incredible landscape crew and Francis and his masonry team. Thank you to the neighbors who allowed us to access the backyard. Thanks to my lighting and irrigation crew at Suburban Lawn and of course, thank you to my clients for entrusting us to bring their dream to life! It rocks at the Hard Rock Cafe!
From our client…
The before and after really tells a moving story. We knew this space had potential and you and your team far exceeded our expectations with your imagination, creativity and lots of really, really hard work! It has been so fun to watch and was nice to have such beautiful people here with us for the last few months. Thank you to you and your team for bringing the vision to abundant life. Thank you so much for agreeing to partner with us on this project!