Rural Landscape Design

Becket Ma.

The hot tub outside this rural Berkshires home had for many years been situated in between the old historic barn and the forest. The clients then decided to build a screen porch and renovated the barn, which made them look at the overall landscape design differently. Jim designed a casual Goshen Stone path leading to and from the screen porch, barn and hot tub area. He also designed-in some simple perennials that would be low maintenance, low growing and natural in character. The plants used in this installation were: Snakeroot (Bugbane), Ajuga, Solomon's Seal (3 varieties), Hellebore and Goatsbeard.

Please roll mouse over photo to see After & Before

After (3 Months Later): Large goshen stepping stones are strategically placed to give access to all parts of the area. The stones are large enough so that even when the perennials spread over their edges, there will always be plenty of room to comfortably step while the plants will be softening the border of the path.

Before:The area during the construction. Large goshen stepping stones are placed to give access to all parts of the area. The stones are large enough that even when the perennials spread over the edges of the stones there will always be plenty of room to comfortably step while the plants will be softening the edges of the stones.

Please roll mouse over photo to see After & Before

After (3 Months Later): When the perennials grow in it will be a beautiful transition from the forest to the landscaped area.

Before: The view form the porch during construction.

After (3 Months Later): Rather then install plants under the drip line of the new screen porch we chose to put down 1" washed gravel on top of landscape fabric. This will prevent any soil from back-splashing on the screens and the new wood, leading to premature rotting. This will also allow for easier maintenance to the screen porch if need be.