Rear Landscape Renovation

This flagstone entryway provides an practical alternative to the deteriorating wooden deck that it replaced. Our client wanted to replace the high maintenance deck with a long-lasting material suitable for entertaining guests.

As Stone Ridge Landscaping Inc. began planning the project with our client we created a list of important must-have features as well as some wishes. After taking inventory of the site, our designer began drafting a plan for creating a patio with distinct areas.

The largest area of the patio is used for dining and late-night entertaining. A large table for six allows ample room for family dinners on the patio. A secondary area complete with a firering is used for toasting marshmallows and casual conversations. A third area was created against the house for lounging and sunbathing.

After the rooms of the patio were created it was time to decide on the 'floor' of the patio. Natural flagstone was selected because of its durability and character. The warm brown tones of the patio stone blend well with the existing brown-themed exterior. The stone blends perfectly with the different spaces creating a well ballanced atmosphere. 

A third item included in this design is lighting. The Miller family knew late nights on the patio would be common and wanted a safe way to navigate through the patio. Our lighting technicians installed several low-voltage fixtures to illuminate keys areas of the patio. A secondary benefit to this addition, is the winter interest created by the shadows cast against a white snowy backdrop. Long winter nights are no longer dark and boring with the exciting element of light.

Several waterfalls and a stream wrap around most of the patio. The sounds of moving water encourage relaxation. This water feature is designed to capture over 75% of the rain water off the rear roof. When the underground cistern is full, excess water is diverted into a rain garden. Using rain water saves energy and valuable natural resources. Further enhancing the energy savings is an energy efficient magnetic drive pump. On cool summer days, windows around the patio are opened to take advantage of the waterfall sounds.

This project exeeded the expectations of the Miller family. "We think you guys did such a wonderful job!" gushed Mrs. Miller. Contact Stone Ridge Landscaping Inc. to start enjoying outdoor living!