HILLSIDE & PATH

This project began with identifying and solving a series of problems related to slope, drainage, compaction, and circulation. The solution was to re-grade and redefine the area to allow for improved drainage near the house, a path to the side yard and driveway, and better planting conditions for the hillside. Views from inside the house out to the hillside were also an important consideration, as were incorporating a mix of native plants, space for annual flowers, and hardy evergreens. A spring and summer color palette of greens, yellows, and purples gives way to bronzy tones in the fall. Sections of open areas allow for annual improvisation and experimentation.

The gravel path is comprised of 3/4" Delaware river rock built up over excavated earth and a Bluestone base. It's soft enough for puppy paws and provides a pleasant crunching sound underfoot. A dry-stacked engineered stone contains the hillside and lends a retro aesthetic that feels right at home with the adjacent 1950s suburban house. A future phase will add steps up the hillside and a seating area.

Before: drainage issues, compaction, lack of path to side yard

Fall color