The removal of an old aboveground pool makes way for a backyard redesign with stone retaining wall, waterfall and koi pond, stairs, and patio of Connecticut whiteline granite. All the retaining wall stone was excavated onsite from below the deck, which becomes usable work and storage space. Future plans include a small stream that empties into the waterfall, edible gardens, an outdoor oven, and sugar shack.

This narrow space needed to be balanced with a wider path and the increased width also provides more space for energetic kids to pass through without disturbing plants. The fence provides a structure for chokeberries to be espaliered when they’re a little taller. The groundcover is Tiarella “Happy Trails” and lowbush blueberries. Hostas will be transplanted to other parts of the garden after the new perennials have a chance to fill out the space.