A fresh look to a once beautiful garden was the dream of a young family on the hill in Boulder.  Making the most of a small yard, a natural aesthetic with water and rock are the key elements in the structure of the garden and the creation of this outdoor living space.  The intricate placement of moss-covered boulders and Colorado flagstones are reflections of the indigenous stone of the flatirons while native groundcovers, perennials, and shrubs exhibit year-round interest of color and texture.  Terraced gardens accompanied with intimate stone patios intended for dining, socializing and hot tubing fully make use of the upward topography of this property.

                                      

At the highest point of the property, a small lawn bordered by a pre-existing vine-covered stone wall creates a perfect play environment for the clients’ young children. Adjacent to the lawn area, a cozy stone patio complete with dining furniture, fire-pit and covered sitting nook enjoys soft filtered light provided by a gracious pre-existing crabapple tree. A gentle stream with several falls originates at the top of the property and follows the terraces downward, alongside the hot tub, to the new walk-out basement patio, which allows for easy access to the garden. Lighting is present at ground level in the garden and in several trees, allowing for a comfortable experience during all hours of the day.  

The stone work, grade changes and plant choices all allow for transitions of spatial continuity in this small, secluded property.  Emphases on maintaining the integrity of decades-old stone work, plant materials, and architectural elements were paramount in this gardens success. In introducing new hardscape, plantings, and technology- this project beautifully meshes aesthetics from the old and new world.