Unique Chagrin River Landscape

This project was in the heart of a historic district and the clients had a clear vision of what they wanted.  The front yard was to be traditional and appropriate, the backyard was to have specific features but fold into the landscape seamlessly.  The showcase of this property was the Chagrin River and the clients wanted nothing to distract from that.  

We selected a paver for the front walks and boarder course on the driveway that complimented the existing stone on this new construction.  The client preferred an angular walk to the front door, whereas softer lines were preferred for the entrance to the walk door.  The plantings were carefully selected; holly to break up the foundation, azaleas for spring color, flanking flowering dogwoods, english lilacs near the entrances for fragrance and a linden tree because it looked similar to the sycamores in the backyard.  The client found many unique items on the property and we selected to use a mill stone that had been found to create the first step on the side deck.  

In the backyard we went in a different direction, everything needed to disappear into the natural environment.  Nothing was to visually distract from the river.  The client wanted lots of entertaining space for their large family, a large grass for their grandkids to play and a fire pit to enjoy as the weather changes.  The patio positioning and size allowed us to accommodate all of the requirements. It was big enough for a large seating area or many tables to entertain a large group, but positioned to the side of the property to allow for a large grass area.  We went with a rustic fire pit using some existing material from the property and created a bench seat.  The property is breathtaking and we were able to create a landscape that complimented  the beauty that was already there.