Written by: Lyla Haggard/Photos by: Johan Roetz, except where noted
Mark and Mary Beth Schnell worked with Justin Parker of Ameriscape Services, Inc. to produce a different effect for their 100-year home just off Bayshore Boulevard. Their house too had an expansive, underappreciated front yard, and it was now time to make it more attractive and usable for their children, 16-year-old Paul and 12-year-old Gracie plus their black labs, Batman and Robin.
Mark and Mary Beth chose a different solution to upgrade their front yard, asking Parker to tear out overgrown tropical trees and hedges and replace them with a semi-circular concrete drive, edged with a double soldier course of red brick to connect it with the integrity of the older mansion look. The front driveway is now not only attractive but an easy place to park off-street, plus an open view of Old Hillsborough Bay now exists for the Schnells and their neighbors.
Larger beds of coleus were planted to add color and texture, while lovely deep blue porcelain urns serving as water features create year-round charm. The nearby patio was raised at the homeowners’ request; a fire pit was centered in the conversation area of the patio and tall Magnolia and Holly trees planted for privacy. Mature trees were used to integrate with the age of the residence itself.
Outdoor LED fixtures were strategically placed on the house and along the stairs, driveway and walking path. “Lighting is like the cherry on the top of an ice cream sundae,” Parker says.