We decided to create a small flat terrace outside the front of the house. This area, unlike any other on the property, gets some nice sun and provides a beautiful spot to enjoy the sunset. A large stone landing and curving stairway lead form the house down to a walk/terrace. Smoothly graded lawns extend this area to the top of the bank – providing a place for our clients’ two young children to hang out and play. A foundation planting of broadleaf evergreens, andromeda, small leaf rhododendron, and euonymus will eventually obscure the exposed concrete foundation.
The bank supporting this area was retained at the bottom by a new stone wall, and steepened to provide more flat space at the top. The bank was planted with a tapestry of Sargent junipers, deutzia and a dwarf red spreading weigela, with a bloodgood Japanese maple and a redbud strategically placed to screen a neighbor’s carport and punctuate the bank planting.
On the driveway side, a large and inviting curving set of stone stairs invite the visitor to the front of the house. Low voltage path lighting was installed along the stairs and path, small copper sconces light portions of the walls, and subtle floods simulating moonlight were installed over the new bluestone landing. Perennials and groundcovers border the patio, stairs and driveway below. A new shade planting was added beneath the lower stone wall, featuring groundcovers, ferns, and Solomon’s seal. A stone chosen from the site was embellished with their street number.