This conceptual landscape design and installation of a shade garden and Goshen flagstone walkway was especially enjoyable because of the satisfaction the client received from it. She was open to all of our ideas and is looking forward to maintaining it herself.
Before: This picture was taken after the soil was prepped, the path was roughed out and some viburnum were planted. Previous to this garden, the lawn came right up to the house.
After (2 Years Later): The flagstone path meanders through a lush shade garden. The curves and close placement of stones to one another is designed to slow the observer’s pace.
Only two years later, the garden is full. Notice the burgundy colored foliage on the perennials and how they work with the purple leaf plum tree. This is not your average foundation planting.
The fern glade and vinca are starting to fill out under the copper beech.
This brick walkway was redone. Since its initial installation, over 20 years ago, it had frost heaved and needed to be reset. This walkway leads to the front door.
We also installed a full sun garden behind the house. This garden is viewed all year long from a large picture window in the living room. Because of this, four seasons of interest was a must. Also, because it was viewed from afar, bold colors and large grasses were used. This garden was backlit by the late day sun, which makes the ornamental grass seeds heads come alive in the winter.
Construction of a Traditional Hand-Cut Dry-Laid Goshen Stone Patio
Along with installing two gardens, we installed a flagstone patio. This patio had to accommodate a table for four with possible side tables. The fitted stone also extends into a woodshed and on towards the back garage door.
The fitted Goshen flagstone is set on a gravel base 12″ deep. The stones are hand-cut and set.
Choosing the proper stone for the next placement is an art. Making sure each has the appropriate pitch away from the house is a science.
After Construction
The completed patio viewed from the Florence (Northampton) home.
As an addition to a well-designed landscape, a natural, hand-set flagstone patio makes finding opportunities to enjoy it hard to resist.
