Old and gangly yews seemed to smother the front facade of this home; random stepping stones were slanted and poorly spaced and a very steep slope needed constant mowing. The owners wanted to open up the front, create a more inviting entrance to their home and cut down on maintenance.

A new palette of shrubs form the ‘architecture’ of the plantings, with field stone steps and a walkway leading to a renovated front porch. The slope has been thickly planted with vinca, which will soon fill in and eliminate the need for mowing.

(Before) In need of redesign

A private retreat

A walkway worthy of this home

Astilbe highlights new entry plantings

Newly planted

Steep slope planted in vinca, and new walkway

Stone wall and plantings

The vinca is thriving