By integrating all construction aspects, the landscape became a seamless extension of the home, including the pool location, an adjoining courtyard, and masonry pillars and fencing. Critical to the success of the entire project was the design and installation of a drainage system for storm water removal from the roof, pool deck, and surrounding landscape. The pool deck needed to be installed with minimal pitch, so an integrated system of trench and French drains combined with roof drains now carry the excess water away.
Full-range, patterned bluestone was chosen for the pool deck, and the covered porch with an outdoor fireplace was done in matching wet-set bluestone. The adjoining courtyard was installed with raked pea gravel that decoratively conceals the home’s geothermal heating system.
Plantings to reflect the homeowner’s tastes include hedges of Hicks yew, American dark green arborvitae, Capitata yew, upright Chanticleer pear with an under-planting of Green Mountain boxwood, Engelmann ivy, irises, peonies, Walker’s Low catmint, a mixed dahlia border blending with Knockout roses, and a myriad of other annuals and perennials.