A dark overgrown garden felt disconnected from the house. Drawing inspiration from secret gardens and whimsical playspaces, we proposed a new plan that would make better use of the space while providing defined areas for play, sun-tanning, lounging, performing, gardening, and a hot tub and storage.
A raised hill was created around the base of a large tree, and a pathway of stepping stones and 2 large steel & wood platforms added to create the feeling of a secret woodland garden. The hot tub was partially recessed and a cedar deck built around it for lounging and towel storage. A custom steel planter behind the tub grounds the space and holds trees for privacy.
To draw people to the rear part of the garden we created a sunken corten firepit area ringed by a curved concrete wall with inset lighting. Along the back fence a raised deck can be used for seating or as a stage for plays and outdoor movies. A wood slat wall screens a storage shed / playhouse and creates a lantern effect when back-lit at night. Extensive plantings create a lush environment and a mix of direct & indirect lighting brings the garden alive at night.
Photo credit: AJ Barker
