Earlier this year, a client approached us with a vision: to reimagine their backyard by removing the old, deteriorating elements and creating a seamless extension of their home that would blend naturally with the surrounding woods. Their property presented some unique challenges, but we were excited to bring this project to life.
Our client had a few key goals for the transformation:
Remove the rotting timber wall and install a durable, long-lasting retaining wall.
Replace the outdated 3-tiered deck with a single-level patio to enhance outdoor living.
Address water concerns stemming from the hillside behind the house.
Create a natural landscape that ties into the adjacent wooded area.
Before
After
Features and Materials
We incorporated several elements to meet these goals, including a Versa-Lok retaining wall in Prairie Tan, which offers durability and a natural aesthetic. For the patio, we used Brickstone pavers in Lakeshore color blend, laid in a basketweave pattern to provide a timeless look and feel. The newly installed dry creek bed helps address water runoff from the hillside, using a combination of Mississippi River rock and Red Wing rock to create a functional yet beautiful drainage solution.
Plant Material
In terms of planting, we opted for Astilbes, Ligularia, Aruncus, Japanese forest grass, and pachysandra, all of which can withstand local deer while blending seamlessly into the natural landscape. The inclusion of boxwoods and a microbiota standard tree added both structure and softness to the space, while granite boulders helped stabilize the soil.
Overcoming Challenges
The project wasn’t without its challenges. The backyard had tight equipment access, which made it tricky to remove the existing timber wall and the large 3-tiered deck. Despite this, our team worked meticulously to install the new retaining wall and patio, ensuring both structural integrity and visual appeal.
Before
After
Bringing the Client’s Vision to Life
During the design process, we listened closely to the client’s needs. They wanted a modern, functional patio that felt cohesive with the natural environment surrounding their home. To achieve this, we designed a curved retaining wall that opened up the space, making it feel more inviting. The new cobblestone patio replaced the old deck, creating a seamless transition from the home to the backyard.
A key part of the project was handling water concerns from the hillside. When the neighborhood was first developed, heavy runoff caused issues for the client’s property. We tackled this by installing a berm behind the retaining wall and a dry creek bed to redirect water flow, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind.
The result is a backyard that not only meets the client’s functional needs but also feels like a natural extension of the woods beyond. With thoughtful design and high-quality materials, this outdoor space will be a lasting retreat for years to come.
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