Backyard Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary in Croton-on-Hudson When we first visited this Croton-on-Hudson property, we noticed the unique existing architectural features, including a wooden bridge from the deck to back lawn and a beautifully curving, stacked stonewall that enclosed the rear perimeter. The rest of the backyard, though, left much to be desired. One narrow garden bed in front of the deck cut off the rest of the yard visually, and a lack of garden paths further inhibited access. The lawn in the rear yard was sparse, bordered by patchy pachysandra and few other plants aside from towering Norway maples. \ Working with the existing frame, GJL created a faux riverbed with mixed river rock and boulders beneath the existing wood bridge. A stepping stone path through the riverbed connects you to the far side of the yard, with steps up to the rear. We reorganized the shrubs and perennials in the existing bed off the deck and expanded it to accommodate more plant diversity. A circular gravel path was created around a central dogwood and clethra bed, drawing inspiration from native scrub-shrub habitats that support our local bird and butterfly populations. Three large fieldstone steppers on the east side of the backyard improves the transition and access from front to rear yard. The clients love strolling through their new backyard, resting in the shaded seating nook, and observing the bustle of an organic, ecological landscape at work. #WhereDesignMeetsEcology
