A Barn Landscape Makeover

Newton

When a house barn inspired by the tobacco barns of the homeowner’s Kentucky roots was added to a classic New England home, the property called for a graceful approach to marry the two styles. In addition to the juxtaposition of North meets South, the poorly draining site was plagued by surface water and soggy soil, double jeopardy for the new basement.

CD & Co landscape designers found solutions in a combination of drywells, swales, stone rip rap, and the installation of a rain garden, but everything needed to be cleverly camouflaged as intentional design features.

Our Solution for This Garden Space

This is a garden of magician’s tricks turned to magical moments: details that delight the eye distract from the very purposeful function of each design element. Curved flower beds hold a reclaimed granite patio in a gracious embrace. A smaller brick patio laid in a complex mosaic pattern nestles next to it, and provides a second backyard entrance.

Throughout the property, the design anticipates the garden’s future with sturdy oaks sited to provide a shady tree canopy. A verdant lawn that would be right at home in Kentucky was planted and a rain garden was installed to act as nature’s sink, absorbing runoff and surface water. By the woodland’s edge, native meadow plants entice nature to fill in the blanks. It’s an urban garden disguised as quiet countryside, another magic touch.

Designed by: Jina Magiera, CD & Co. Landscape Architect