Backyard Oasis

Once an open field of grass that bled into the neighbor's yard, this monotonous backyard of lawn was transformed to create an oasis for the homeowner. Plants were used to delineate boundaries and create edges to spaces and paths. A large, swooping perennial bed defines an egg-shaped lawn play area on the inside, and creates an edge to a walking path behind it. The winding paths invite exploration and offer visitors the opportunity to pay closer attention to the natural environment, including the borrowed view of the wetland beyond. Existing mature trees were incorporated into the design and offer an instant canopy as well as some welcome shade.