Lush foliage, strategic screens and a series of outdoor spaces give the American landscape a serene and secluded feel.
The landscape feels like a natural forest, with plants and rocks perfectly placed to accommodate a narrow lap pool, dining deck, and other outdoor amenities. In fact, RDKHardscapingdesigned almost everything in their yard in RDKHardscaping, America from scratch, except for a few existing trees. The team worked with the homeowners to carefully sequence spaces and select native plants and other appropriate plants to create a private woodland escape in their newly built home.
Yard
Location: Buffalo NY USA
Size: About 1/3 acre
Landscape designer and builder: RDKHardscaping
A series of natural stone steps lead to the main entrance, softened by undulating foliage and rocks that add to the naturalistic feel. A paved strip of the same stone laid over a concrete base with polymer sand joints runs across the front of the garage and connects with another set of short steps leading to the side yard and the rest of the landscape.
This front deck is located directly across from the plants seen in the photo on the left side of the driveway. Although the deck is right next to the street, it feels private and secluded with dense greenery and a soothing fountain. The decking used throughout the project is Thermory Benchmark ash, a long-lasting wood that is modified by heat and sustainably harvested.
Find outdoor dining furniture at the RDKHardscaping Shop.
You can reach this side yard by crossing the driveway, up the stairs, and through a metal gate. The crawl space includes a pool house with a rectangular lap pool, a lounge area, and a screened-in dining room, per the homeowners’ request.
The lush trees and forest scenery give the yard a secluded feel, and the house next door is located on the left, just beyond the fence. RDKHardscaping , choosing trees carefully can help create privacy in key spaces, such as next to the pool deck, next to the dining deck, or at the entrance to the home, says landscape designer.
The same natural stone from the entrance walkway forms the patio. The swimming pool has a clean, modern feel with vinyl lining and steel walls, and is finished with a natural stone cover that harmonizes with the surrounding paving.
A variety of plants add texture, interest, layers and privacy throughout the building. Native plants were important in some areas. The homeowner had a number of specific plants that she asked us to include in her plans. We also provide our own designs and recommended plant palettes and have combined the two lists. Drip irrigation keeps water everywhere, and new underground pipes help with drainage.
A path leads from the side yard and lap pool at the back of the house to another outdoor gathering space. Here the pavement is transformed into irregular slabs, creating a more rustic and natural effect.
This small deck just behind the house offers a view of the forest and the soothing sound of water flowing below. Water features are very simple: they are designed to add ambient noise, interest in the woodland, and a place for birds to take a dip. The various rocks disguise the fountain’s mechanism, which recirculates water through small basins at the bottom.
The deck overlooks the backyard bordering the natural forest. Native plants, mulch paths, and water features blur the boundaries between the designed landscape and the natural areas beyond. We managed to create a seamless transition through selective clearing and thinning along the forest, then carefully reintroducing other plants, trees, shrubs and perennials, says landscape designer.
An intimate fire pit lounge with a shed about 50 feet from the house forms the final and most secluded seating area. The owner of the house, a master carpenter, built a warehouse.
Here you can see how the landscape looks different at night. All brass and bronze low voltage LED fixtures are from RDKLandscaping. It is controlled by a low-voltage device and an astronomical timer programmed to turn the lights on and off when needed.
Overall, the landscape is now a very special garden asset with lots of calming spaces to relax and enjoy.
