Backyard Patio Living

Landscape Architecture by
Grant & Power Landscaping, Inc.

The backyard slope of this Chicago suburban home allows for double streams to flow into a large pond separating the two living areas. The streams and pond incorporate granite boulders in various sizes, pond mix gravel, Fond du Lac outcropping stone and flagstone steppers. Low-voltage lighting illuminates the paths and plantings around the streams; submersed fixtures light the stream and pond. An ?EUR??,,????'??Autumn Blaze?EUR??,,????'??? maple overlooks the stream.
Photos: Linda Oyama Bryan

Soon after the Elsons bought their newly constructed brick-fa??? 1/4 ade custom home in Lisle, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago, the property quickly revealed major drainage issues that needed professional attention before any sort of landscaping plan could move forward. Although the Elsons had a beautiful home, the lot was a disaster. Imagine a property with a grade sloping toward the home and directing runoff from surrounding lots to the basement!

This secluded patio has ?EUR??,,????'??Stonehenge?EUR??,,????'??? pavers. The seat wall, columns and fire pit are ?EUR??,,????'??Olde Quarry?EUR??,,????'??? wall blocks. Annabelle hydrangea (left), ?EUR??,,????'??Blue Muffin?EUR??,,????'??? Viburnum, ?EUR??,,????'??Goat?EUR??,,????'???s Beard?EUR??,,????'??? perennials (foreground), ?EUR??,,????'??Palace Purple?EUR??,,????'??? Coralbells perennials and ?EUR??,,????'??Blue Muffin?EUR??,,????'??? Viburnum decorate the seat wall.

Having worked with Grant & Power Landscaping, Inc. in the past, the client called to meet and discuss the critical slope and drainage issues. Grant & Power Landscaping specializes in residential design/build, residential and commercial landscape management, among other services. The company?EUR??,,????'???s design and construction expertise has garnered numerous awards and many accolades from clients, so the Elson?EUR??,,????'???s were in good hands.

From the fire pit, between a honey locust (left) and green ash (right), you view across the Kentucky bluegrass lawn to serviceberry trees. Low-voltage lighting fixtures (Kichler Landscape Lighting, FX Luminaire) accent the planting beds and hardscapes.

An Empty Muddy Mess
When the design began the lot was an empty, muddy mess with a few mature trees, mostly along the lot?EUR??,,????'???s perimeter. The homeowners wanted the design to address the technical aspect of the drainage problem, but also needed an outdoor living area that was an extension of their home. With these ideas in mind a design solution was proposed that created a peaceful outdoor retreat that could take the homeowners worlds away from their busy everyday schedules. Kramer Tree Services was called in to evaluate the trees and remove damaged or diseased trees. The drainage problem was resolved by sighting catch basins throughout the property that would connect to standard solid drain tile and direct water runoff around the house.

A seat wall of tumbled pavers with an antique finish marks the outdoor kitchen on the back door patio. The kitchen (KH Renovations) is constructed of cinder block walls faced with ?EUR??,,????'??Stonehenge?EUR??,,????'??? pavers and finished off by a blue tile counter top.

Outdoor Dining
Designing a larger patio area close to the house created a space for an outdoor kitchen and dining area. The built in grill was fitted with large counter space off to one side to aide in the preparation and serving of food (constructed by KH Renovations). The dining area is ample enough for a large table and chairs, and close enough to the kitchen that the chef is still able to entertain guests. The built in grill and counter connect to seat walls that help separate and define this part of the outdoor living areas.

A Pennsylvania fieldstone bridge fords the stream from the back door patio area (right) to an outcropping step and raised upper patio (left). The upper patio is backed by an 18-inch tall seatwall and wall block. All the concrete pavers and wall blocks for the home are from Unilock.

Streams and Waterfalls
The homeowners also envisioned a beautiful water feature. The existing slope was perfect for a stream. The addition of outcropping stone and various sized boulders created waterfalls and the look of a natural stream. The stream winds between large entertaining spaces, separating gathering areas that feel comfortable and smaller, yet still accommodated the 20-40 guests anticipated at parties. The addition of shrubs and perennials add seasons of color to further integrate the stream in the landscape, as though it has always been there.

More Patios
The largest patio, set two steps higher because of the natural grade of the property, is just off the main entertaining area, accessed across a natural stone bridge over the stream. Patio retaining walls were needed here, which enhanced the ?EUR??,,????'??separate outdoor room?EUR??,,????'?? feel.

A seat wall connects two columns, adding structure and functionality to the space, while providing additional seating when needed. Another patio was positioned in a far corner of the property, tucked in between mature trees. Equipped with a built in fire pit, this destination patio becomes a place for guests to retreat to. Designed to repeat the style, a seat wall connecting two columns encloses half of this patio and serves as a great place to sit by the fire.

When it came time to choose which products would be used to construct the hardscape elements, having the entire area feel cohesive and established was a priority. Unilock Stonehenge pavers were selected because of the aged, weathered appearance. The tumbled Unilock Olde Quarry wall blocks completed the look with an antiqued finish.

Flagstone steppers and an outcropping step tie the natural elements of the stream and pond to the natural features of the pavers and wall blocks.

Plan B
As with all design/build projects onsite changes are inevitable. The original design only called for one stream. It was decided during construction that two streams would converge into one to accommodate extra water and add interest.

The homeowners also wanted a relaxing area outside their bedroom with a hot tub, but didn?EUR??,,????'???t want to see it. The plan then became to sink the hot tub into the private patio using Unilock ?EUR??,,????'??Olde Quarry?EUR??,,????'??? wall blocks, then develop a solution to access hidden components. An access panel constructed from decking makes maintenance of the hot tub possible, and fits seamlessly with the pavers (Unilock ?EUR??,,????'??Courtstone?EUR??,,????'???) chosen for this patio. These particular pavers give an intimate feel to this secluded patio.

With two, four-man crews the hardscape construction was completed just as the mild weather was ending.

When the weather turned too cold, the installation of the plantings and finishing touches on the project had to wait for the return of spring.

Lighting the Landscape
Once the plantings were in, the lighting crew stepped in to finish the last component of the project. Low-voltage lighting was designed to extend the use of these new outdoor living spaces well into the evenings.

Higher wattage directional fixtures were placed in the large trees to illuminate the canopies and cast a soft glow across the landscape.

Lower wattage directional fixtures were used at ground level to highlight smaller garden features and specimen plants. Path lights lead the way through the garden and entertaining areas, while submerged fixtures enhance the streams and pond as a focal point.

The Elsons were pleased with their decision to have all phases of the design installed as one overriding project, allowing them to enjoy their entire property immediately. The design and installation surpassed the potential they believed their property had. The combinations of sounds, colors, and textures have turned this property into that peaceful oasis of natural beauty and functionality the homeowners desired. This investment in their property will increase the long-term value of their home.

Grant & Power Landscaping
Grant & Power Landscaping of West Chicago, Illinois has over 30 years of experience designing and installing residential landscapes. Starting from a two-man operation in the spring of 1978, the company has grown to a staff of over 100.

The CEO is Gene Grant Jr., RLA. Also on staff is Jan-Gerrit Bouwman, RLA, MLA, ASLA, and C.J. Mouradian, landscape designer. Scott Hutchings (partner) is vice president of operations; Sharon Zipse (partner) is CFO and vice-president of customer service.

The staff is educated in many areas of the landscape industry: landscape architecture, design and construction, ornamental horticulture, plant and soil sciences and turf grass science.

The staff also includes a certified arborist, certified landscape technician, certified low-voltage lighting technician and water feature specialists.

Other members of the team for this residential project were:
?EUR??,,????'???? KH Renovations (outdoor kitchen)
?EUR??,,????'???? Western Irrigation (irrigation)
?EUR??,,????'???? Kramer Tree Service (tree removal and pruning of existing trees).
?EUR??,,????'???? The photography is by Linda Oyama Bryan.