Click on the photos for a full size view. The homeowners had purchased the lot that backed up directly to their existing house.  The two backyards faced each other and were separated by a fence, with a slight change in elevation from one lot to the other. The owners were empty nesters who did a lot of entertaining.  They requested a landscape design that would unite the two properties so they would flow together seamlessly and create one cohesive space.  At the same time they wanted to preserve several mature elm, cedar and pine trees that added warmth and grace to the property. The newly expanded space was divided into a series of outdoor rooms — a dining patio, a comfortable seating area with a fire pit,  an herb garden, a natural rock pond and waterfall.  A large open lawn was retained for their dogs and grandchildren to play on.