Worked with the homeowners to reimagine an underused wooded backyard into a layered garden retreat — designing around the existing mature oak, pine, and deciduous trees rather than removing them. The goal was to create distinct outdoor rooms connected by natural stone pathways, all centered on a signature water feature that would bring sound and movement to the space.
Produced a design that embraced the property's natural grade change, using it to create a cascading waterfall that flows downhill toward the house and a raised gazebo destination tucked into the tree canopy above.
Constructed a large multi-tier pondless waterfall using natural sandstone boulders — water cascading over multiple drops into a river rock collection basin at patio level, recirculating for continuous flow without the maintenance of a standing pond.
Planted perennials directly into the waterfall structure — heuchera, salvia, ornamental grasses, yucca, and iris set into black lava rock pockets between the boulders — giving the feature a naturalized, mountain-stream appearance rather than a stacked-stone look.
Extended the waterfall feature across the full width of the upper planting bed, creating a wide, sweeping stone formation that serves as both the visual centerpiece and a natural retaining wall between the upper lawn and the lower patio level.
Installed a large curved paver patio in a herringbone-pattern layout that wraps around the base of the waterfall — creating a generous seating and entertaining area directly alongside the cascading water.
Shaped the patio in an organic, flowing form that follows the natural curve of the boulder wall and waterfall, with clean transitions to turf on both sides.
Positioned a wicker seating group at the base of the waterfall where the sound of falling water is most present — creating an intimate conversation area within the larger patio space.
Connected the patio to the home's existing deck with paver walkways and iron-railed steps, maintaining a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living.
Installed a white octagonal gazebo with a stained wood ceiling and paver floor on the upper level of the yard, set among the mature oaks and pines — creating a shaded destination that feels removed from the house and immersed in the tree canopy.
Connected the gazebo to the lower patio with a curving flagstone-and-crushed-gravel pathway that winds through the plantings and alongside the top of the waterfall — making the walk itself part of the experience.
Built natural sandstone slab steps from the lower patio level up to the gazebo terrace, flanked by boulder retaining walls and low plantings — managing the grade change while keeping the look natural and unforced.
Installed an electrical outlet at the gazebo for lighting and future use.
Created a crushed gravel pathway with natural flagstone steppers along the side of the house, passing beneath a mature vine-covered arbor — connecting the front of the property to the backyard patio and gazebo circuit.
Lined the pathway with boulder retaining walls, river rock beds, boxwood, and low shrubs to frame the walk and define the transition from the side yard into the main garden space.
Planted foundation beds along the back of the house with geraniums, roses, boxwood, and impatiens — adding seasonal color at the transition from deck to patio.
Laid bark mulch throughout all upper-level planting beds and under the tree canopy, with black lava rock mulch used specifically within and around the waterfall feature for contrast against the sandstone.
Installed iron fencing along the rear property line where the lot meets adjacent properties, maintaining the open wooded feel while defining the boundary.
Strung café lights from the deck across the patio space for evening ambiance under the tree canopy.
Installed irrigation across all turf and planting zones.
Garden Retreat in an Established Neighborhood: The backyard went from an underused wooded slope to a layered outdoor retreat with distinct zones — waterfall patio, gazebo garden, and shaded pathways — all woven into the existing tree canopy rather than imposed on it.
Waterfall as Centerpiece: The multi-tier sandstone waterfall brings constant sound and movement to the space, visible and audible from the deck, the patio seating area, and the gazebo above — tying all three zones together.
Preserved Character of the Lot: By designing around the mature oaks and pines instead of clearing them, the finished landscape feels like it's been part of the property for decades — new stone and plantings blending seamlessly with the established woodland.
Mountain Backdrop: The Wasatch Range rises directly behind the property, framed through the tree canopy from the patio and gazebo — a natural extension of the garden's layered design.
