At this Catta Verdera home in Lincoln, although the landscape layout (where the hardscape features are) made sense, homeowners were not showing the large amount of land to full advantage. The existing hardscape elements and plantings were out of scale (too small) for such a large landscape and lacked excitement.
We jazzed up the landscape by adding hardscape embellishments: fountain and pots. Existing mounds are lengthened, bringing them into correct proportion.
The existing stepping stones (before photo) are actually poured concrete. Although their size and shape is fine, the lack of color is much too stark. The new lilac Bluestone flagstones make a much more dramatic effect. Their arrangement around the fountain accents the beauty of the fountain, yet provides a functional walking path to the lawn.
Notice the new positioning and quantity of trees. Putting in two new magnolia trees (bringing the final number to three) decreases the formality of the landscape. The one magnolia also was too small to fill out the space; the three trees correct this problem. Finally, the two additional trees introduce screening of neighboring houses.
Landscape designers know that trees serve three primary purposes: screening, shading, and accent. We moved around several of the existing trees and brought in new ones to achieve these goals. We also took out trees that worked at cross-purposes.
This urn fountain is out of scale for its location. We moved it far out into the middle ground of the yard to create a secondary focal point. The arching trellis with rambling vines accentuate the fountain.
