Landscaping in Phases
Landscaping in phases is often the most practical approach to renovating a garden for clients with limited budgets. Building in stages allows resources to be allocated for top quality materials and plants as one’s budget allows. In this way, the homeowner sees their ideal garden coming to life while knowing that over time their entire project will be built to perfection.
The Westen Project
Before our renovation, the homeowner felt like she was living in a fishbowl whenever she stepped into in her back garden. Towering apartment buildings on two sides of her property loomed over her yard. The lack of privacy meant she didn’t enjoy being in her backyard. What she longed for was a private outdoor living space for herself and her guests. She also wanted a verdant setting where her dogs could romp and play.
For this project, we sought to create a private park-like yard in a dense urban setting in a multi-phased garden renovation that accommodated the homeowner’s budget restrictions. Phase 1 is shown here, including the before and after photos of this undertaking which aimed to turn a neglected medium sized yard in a dense urban setting into a desirable outdoor living space.
We began Phase 1 by demolishing the all of the elements of the yard except for an outdoor fireplace and two concrete paths. (In Phase 2, one of those paths will lead to a storage shed.) After removing the demoed material, we amended the dry, nutrient-deficient soil in the yard. In addition, we added drainage, a new irrigation system, and the infrastructure for a water feature, which will be added in Phase 2.
To create the clients desired outdoor living room, we added a Three Rivers Flagstone patio built around the existing outdoor fireplace. Phase 2 will involve building an arbor around this patio to further enhance the effect of an ancillary room.
We then planted Mountain Moon Dogwoods around the edges of the yard. These tall screening trees will provide the desired privacy and will also offer big, beautiful white blooms in the springtime. Also, we added many drought tolerant California native plants to offset some of the water usage.
Once Phase 1 was complete, our customer said that she felt we had doubled the square footage of her home. By renovating her garden and creating a safe and secure outdoor living area, she could now take full advantage of a previously undesirable yard.
When the client is ready, we will begin Phase 2. That stage will include a garden water feature, a trellis over patio and around the outdoor fireplace, and a new storage shed.
When budget constraints are in issue, we can design and implement a multi-phased garden renovation.