From Unorganized Woods to a Stunning, Usable Space
When we first arrived at the Westwood lakefront property, the yard was a tangled, woodsy mess. Invasive plants dominated the landscape, obscuring the beautiful pond. The lawn was weak and too sloped to be useful, and the outdated backyard patio lacked character and proper proportions. The space was in desperate need of a landscape architectural transformation to reflect its unique sense of place.
Vision for the Landscape Architectural Design
Our goal was to create a level, vibrant yard surrounded by colorful plantings of trees, shrubs, and flowers. We envisioned a new, well-proportioned patio to serve as an inviting “Outdoor Room” for the family. Additionally, we aimed to address environmental concerns by removing invasive plants like bittersweet, reducing erosion and fertilizer runoff into the pond, and using eco-friendly turf with low fertilizer requirements.
Enhancing the Outdoor Experience with Lighting
To extend the use of the garden and backyard patio into the evening, we installed landscape lighting. This not only creates a special ambiance at night but also allows the family to enjoy their outdoor spaces longer.
Embracing Eco-Friendly Plants and Grass
Approximately 70% of the plants used in the garden are native species, crucial for preserving the local environment. We selected “Improved Cultivars” of Eastern Massachusetts plants such as white fir, maple, sparkleberry, summersweet, dogwood, and hydrangea. Native plants support local wildlife by providing cover and food for birds and mammals and are hardy and deer-resistant, making them ideal for the area.
For the lawn, we chose an environmentally friendly, self-sustaining turf called Black Beauty tall fescue with microclover. Developed in Rhode Island, this turf requires minimal nitrogen fertilizer, thanks to the clover’s nitrogen-fixing properties. This reduces the risk of nitrogen runoff into streams, lakes, and ponds, which can cause harmful algae blooms. The tall fescue’s endophytic nature also provides natural resistance to insects and diseases, reducing the need for pesticides and herbicides.
Creating Spaces for Gathering, Relaxing, and Play
By leveling the sloped backyard, adding a border of trees, shrubs, and flowers, and building a modern patio with a sitting wall, we transformed the Westwood yard into a space where the family can gather, relax, and play. The new design reduces harmful fertilizer and pesticide runoff into the pond, eliminates invasive plant species, and creates a new native habitat for local wildlife.
The level yard is perfect for grandchildren to play games, and the stylish patio provides plenty of seating for family and friends. This transformation not only enhances the family’s enjoyment of their outdoor space but also increases the property value.
Now, the homeowners can relax on their new patio and enjoy an organized, well-planned yard filled with native plants, all while knowing they’ve made a positive impact on the local environment.