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| marjoriesgarden@gmail.com 703-327-5050 ext 416 |
| Testimonials Contact Copyright 2009 Marjorie Smith |
Design In Depth--Many of my clients ask me about the design process. Below is an example of a
landscape improvement I recently completed.
First Phase-click here to see larger images of this phase
The majority of the backyard was on top of a hill. In spite of the drainage problem the hillside created, the clients
still hoped for a patio instead of a deck because of the greater privacy it would give them. We solved the
drainage problem with the following:
• Catch basin where water came in from the uphill neighbor’s property
• Retaining wall around the patio which doubled as a seat wall
• All downspouts and the catch basin piped underground to the county storm drain
• Building a slight center pitch into the patio to carry water to the county storm drain
Second Phase-click here to see larger images of this phase
During the first year we built the retaining wall, patio, steps and completed hillside plantings. During the second
year, we built a landing and steps off the back doors to access the patio. Limitations at this phase were:
• Building over the basement entry while keeping head clearance per county ordinance
• Redoing the basement hand railing while allowing for deck step clearance above
• Working with chimney protrusion and vents per county ordinance
Third Phase-click here to see larger images of this phase
During the third year, the clients wanted a path from the front yard to the back patio. We completed this with a
rock path. I designed an arbor planted with purple clematis to give a sense of entry to the back yard. The crape
myrtle tree screens the kitchen window from the side neighbor.
More Photos-click here to see larger images of this phase
landscape improvement I recently completed.
First Phase-click here to see larger images of this phase
The majority of the backyard was on top of a hill. In spite of the drainage problem the hillside created, the clients
still hoped for a patio instead of a deck because of the greater privacy it would give them. We solved the
drainage problem with the following:
• Catch basin where water came in from the uphill neighbor’s property
• Retaining wall around the patio which doubled as a seat wall
• All downspouts and the catch basin piped underground to the county storm drain
• Building a slight center pitch into the patio to carry water to the county storm drain
Second Phase-click here to see larger images of this phase
During the first year we built the retaining wall, patio, steps and completed hillside plantings. During the second
year, we built a landing and steps off the back doors to access the patio. Limitations at this phase were:
• Building over the basement entry while keeping head clearance per county ordinance
• Redoing the basement hand railing while allowing for deck step clearance above
• Working with chimney protrusion and vents per county ordinance
Third Phase-click here to see larger images of this phase
During the third year, the clients wanted a path from the front yard to the back patio. We completed this with a
rock path. I designed an arbor planted with purple clematis to give a sense of entry to the back yard. The crape
myrtle tree screens the kitchen window from the side neighbor.
More Photos-click here to see larger images of this phase
| Backyard Finished and Before |
| Side of House From Two Different Views |
| Finished Basement |
| Landscape design services for your home in Northern Virginia primarily serving Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, and Annandale with installation through Meadows Farms Landscaping |
| Rock Path |
| Catch Basin |
| Catch Basin |
| Celtic Retaining/ Sitting Wall |
| Downspouts Piped Under Patio |
| View of Back Yard |
| Plum Tree |
| Back of House |