A closer look at the plantings and the fountain.

This generously sized patio is framed with large planters constructed with concrete masonry units and capped with rock edged Pennsylvania bluestone. These planters are a perfect spot for the owner to grow herbs, vegetables and flowers. The planters make for an easy to grow, maintain and harvest kitchen herb garden. The plants love the abundant sunshine found near the patio.

The planter height was designed to allow them to also be used as seating during outdoor gatherings.

The patio space has been separated into different areas, one for the dining, entertaining and herb growing and another, more private space, for quite relaxation in a hot tub.

Viewing this patio from a side angle.

This view shows the walk connecting the two entrances to this outdoor space from the home. A planting area containing a large crepe myrtle and some upright boxwoods adds some shade, flowering interest and privacy for the two outdoor spaces – one for dining and entertaining and the other for relaxing in an outdoor hot tub.

A perfect spot to enjoy the waterside views. Plantings of Vardar Valley Boxwood, Autumn Bride Coral Bell, Dwarf Summer sweet, Inkberry and Ornamental Grasses are used around the patio. These selections bring evergreen foliage, fragrance and movement to the setting.

Native plantings of Bottlebrush Buckeye, Christmas Fern, Sedges are mixed with Hosta and Epimedium to add color, texture and interest to this hillside.

The new beds are arranged in large undulating curving swaths around beneath the existing trees. A few understory trees were added for their flowering attributes and to help the tall existing trees tie into the landscape. Care was taken to keep the majority of the plantings low so as to not interfere with the view of the water. These large beds also work as a natural filter and erosion control for water coming from the homes above.

Perennial Geraniums, Autumn Bride Heuchera, Carex pennsylvanica were planted in massed drifts along this hillside. Vardar Valley Boxwood and Otto Luyken Laurel are used to add some height and evergreen foliage to the planting.

The wide, serpentine sandstone slab staircase with generous sized landings are used to create a beautiful walk to the water