Terrace House

Terrace house started as a neglected yard with tons of potential. This 100+ year old house sits on a hill, creating a dramatic effect. During the design process, I wanted to emhpasize the terrain, and created terracing with natural stone retaining walls.

Almost all plants on the property were removed as was the grass, giving a blank slate. The house feels very French countryside, and I wanted the landscaping to complement the look of the house. To do so, Western PA natives were mixed with mediterranean plants, and gravel pathways were added. The result is an informal oasis. Screening plants were strategically placed to give me complete year round privacy.

Since this is my home, the property acts as sort of a laboratory for me to experiment with new plants and new combinations. I am constantly editing, adding, and pruning. This is my forever home, so this landscaping intentionally straddles the present and the future. The landscape looks good now and will continue to grow and evolve into something different, but still beautiful.