Landscaping comes at the end of a project, after the site has been destroyed by construction vehicles and the ground is ready to play again with the beauty of shrubs and plants.
I look at landscaping as an ever-changing and ESSENTIAL accessory to a home. The important finishing touch and exclamation point.
EARTH WORK: The landscape plan for Rocky Bay Home is well under way. I have sketched the site layout and drawn in the proposed drainage and new shrubs. We have been addressing the water issue from the inside and now are finishing with the site work for proper drainage. This is the heavy lifting, one that takes machinery and a young back – neither of which I own so the landscaper is tackling this, and it’s just about done - it’s time to plant.
PLANTING PLAN: As a designer, I believe that planning is a big part of the project. I’ve selected several shrubs that will complement the house and “work” for the common goal of the property. In selecting these plants, I considered light, height, texture, color and the winter garden. I kept it as simple as possible so that the eye can rest and appreciate as well as acknowledge that we are tucked in a corner of the USA that gets pretty harsh weather, so we want to set up the success of these plants long term. Here's a link to our plant resource!
TREES: The one thing we need a lot LESS of is trees! We’ve cut down what we are allowed to by the state because we are so close to the water. I love trees but many of these trees have self-seeded and are crowding shrubs as well as other trees while others are simply dead. Those we are removing in order to allow for proper growth. Slowly but surely, it’s looking better.
PATHWAYS: I am creating a gravel pathway around the house for function as well as a pathway from the driveway to the front door. There will also be a pathway from the circular driveway where there will be a wood shed for easy access in the winter with wood to the back door. As the pathway moves from the water side of the house, we have added an outdoor shower and grilling area, and this will tie into the pathway to the mudroom. There are small pathways to the beach and dock that travel through mossy woods that I’ll put bark mulch on that just to mark the way. Pathways are casual and control where people are to walk no only so that they know the way but also to encourage plant growth in the other areas.
You can follow Rocky Bay Home on Pinterest and find the landscaping board for a visual of plants. And our next blog will incorporate the Planting Plan for your reference.