.png)
1st Street Project
Location: Manistee, MI.
This client reached out to us with a concern of some plantings she had, a butterfly garden that wasn't getting much love from butterflies and looked to have no purpose, she also needed a walkway installed to make it easier for somebody using a walker to make their way down to the garden, and was interested in learning about our water features and lighting not only for safety but also aesthetics.
We met onsite and took a tour of the whole property together.
Before
Where we started
The landscaping for this property hadn't been updated in about 20 years, and all the plants were previously burned and damaged. So we decided to go with a completely fresh start. Our plans for this property included beautiful fresh plantings, a reading nook to hangout in and relax, a walkway to make the garden more accessible, lighting for safety, and a water feature that brings tranquility.
The Process
When we start a project we divided it into individual work areas. This is often done when a project is completed in parts than as a whole. With this project it was completed all at once, but below we will go into each feature and show you from start to finish.
Walkway
For this project we planned a walkway would lead from the very front of the home, starting at the concrete driveway, and curve it's way around a boulder retaining wall until it finally reached the butterfly garden patio. The client had originally wanted a concrete walkway but for longevity, and aesthetic purposes, we ended up finalizing pavers as the walkway material, including a nice border edging to make it pop.
Butterfly Garden
The garden area had very minimal plantings, the deer had a nice little salad at their disposal and took full advantage. The style of the bed and boulders was outdated and the garden really just needed some love and new plantings. Our client talked to us about having a desire for a reading nook area where she could hangout and relax with maybe space for one other person. This space would be perfect, we decided it would be a beautiful and relaxing spot to install a small 2 person patio. But what could make the space more relaxing?.. The sound of water!
The garden was in the main view from their deck and outdoor grilling area. It was also visible from inside the living room. The water features would have multiple purposes, aside from adding a peaceful and tranquil feel. We decided on 3 water features, a small, medium, and large to add a beautiful main center piece for the whole backyard.
Landscaping & Front Entrance
When we started this project the majority of the plants were overgrown as they hadn't been trimmed frequently. Many were burnt and dried out when closely inspecting them. It was a tough decision as the plantings had been there for a while and had reached a preferred height and size, but the decision was made to start fresh around the whole property. We'd be installing all new plantings and we'd make sure to get ahold of larger plantings to compliment the gorgeous home.
The Transformation
The client now has beautiful fresh plantings, a reading nook to hangout in and relax, a walkway that will make it easier for her and her family to make it to the garden, lighting for safety and to see the beautiful transformation at night, and a water feature that brings tranquility to the family not only outside, but also inside when they're enjoying time in the living room.
Altogether we were all amazed with how this project turned out, and are excited to share it with you!