Graphic Design

Piedmont

Colorfully exuberant in the front and mellow in the back, a couple of graphic designers and their inquisitive, adorable kids inspired this sunny family garden renovation.

With a notoriously difficult corner lot, the front garden planting is chock full of bold foliage color, with a flowering buffet for hummingbirds and bees. Grasses add movement and succulents fill in the gaps. The original front path was retained and new paths let the family access more of the garden and connect to a secret patio. Our plant-forward approach used green screening for the patio as well as garbage carts.

Roughly the size of a postage stamp, we maximized every square inch of this tiny backyard to create a cool, usable outdoor room. The dining area floats on at-grade decking, easing the transition from indoors to out. The center piece maple tree with a mini bench anchors the space, casting summer shade and welcoming winter light. A more restrained plant palette gives a lush feel on a low-water budget.

Landscape Contractor: Acorn Landscaping Inc.

Photography: © Jude Parkinson Morgan