Stone-cold upgrade

Parker Landscape Design gave this Warren, New Jersey, yard a much-needed facelift that featured a totally redesigned front landscape and updated backyard patio.

The company started by removing all the old paver walls and steps that were deteriorating, creating a lack of curb appeal out front. They then designed and constructed all new masonry walls, steps and a walkway.

To ensure that the new design wouldn’t clash with the natural colors of the brick home’s façade, Thermal Bluestone was chosen for the front walkway material, along with a chunk of Bluestone slab steps. The retaining walls were also constructed with Bluestone that has variations of blue and gray colors.

With a 15-foot elevation change from the driveway to the front door, much thought was given to ease of passage for the walkway. Parker Landscape Design did not want visitors laboring as they climbed the steps, so the steps were spaced out. A small flowerbed was constructed along the walkway to serve as a buffer during any routine lawn maintenance or edging work.

Turning to the back of the home, an old paver patio was ripped out and replaced with a colorful Bluestone patio. Custom planters, a seating wall and firepit were also installed.

For plantings, Parker Landscape Design chose options that continued to have color even into the fall. Privacy from a neighboring home was also important, so evergreen trees were planted.

The wood firepit was constructed so its flames would reflect off the water feature adjacent to the seating wall. The water feature attracts many frogs, birds and other wildlife.

In total, the home’s landscape overhaul took about three and a half months to complete.