Landscape Design and Development Project – Brewster NY In residential design and build projects no two projects are exactly alike. The uniqueness of the topography, disposition of the sun, north/south orientative style of architecture, taste and culture of homeowners, all impart a particular flavor to the place. The opportunities for creative design compositions are truly wonderful. We will examine a couple of projects as models of the design and development process. Season of Joy and Color – Part I This project in Brewster, NY, is a landscape renovation, which involved a complete makeover. After implanting a new front entrance foundation, we moved into the backyard. This wide open backyard, which is full sun surrounded on each side by woodland, offers endless possibilities. The beautiful pool and cool decking patio was crying out for a stunningly wild and free poolscape. Ornamental grasses, native perennials and shrubs bring a rich depth of texture and color to the previously brash and harsh pool decking. The benefit of flowering native perennials is that it attracts bird, butterflies and also bees, wasps and other beneficial insects necessary to maintaining a organically, pest free environment. Later, a pool house was added with our help. Siting the house in relation to the pool and home’s new addition was critical. This also required adding bluestone treads, steps and a small patio. The hydrangea and ground cover planting surrounding the pool house completed the new pool house addition and gave the impression that it was part of the original design. The large one piece bluestone treads were moved and placed with care by hand to insure no scratches, cracks or imperfections were visible. As part of this phase, a new foundation and patio/landing was installed around the new home addition. To further enhance and complete the effect, new native flowering and fruiting shrubs were included for beauty, food (blueberries, sparkle berry, chokecherry) and wildlife interest. The final touch was to add fresh perennials to all parts of the rear landscape. We can’t wait to see the various colors of bulbs in succession from early to late spring, which in turn will be replaced by summer bloom perennials and wild grasses. Stay tuned for what’s next….. Going Wild in Your Backyard – Part 2 Jay Archer, President 914-560-6570 jay@greenjaylandscapedesign.com
