Backyard Glow-Up Before and After

This backyard transformation began with the removal of an uneven brick patio that butted up against a wooden deck. Instead of rebuilding with hardscape, the homeowners embraced a softer, more plant focused approach.

The property is right on the Rondout Creek and the old cement block retaining wall was failing.

The clients were losing part of their property to erosion—the yard was literally falling into the water!

The cement block wall was removed.

Denny Montella re-graded with a new boulder retaining wall and additional drainage, which we turned into a design feature—the river rock dry stream bed,

The center of the yard is a wide, curving lawn that feels open and alive, framed by soft, rambling beds accented with boulders creating a gentle transition into the wooded, creekside edge of the property.

In place of the patio, a serene garden now features large stepping stones that wind through the plantings toward the door. Doug Stedge from StoneStedge laid the Shire-inspired walkway.

What was once a high-maintenance eyesore is now a peaceful, flowing landscape that blends seamlessly with nature and wraps the outdoor space in a lush garden surround.