Patio ideas center around privacy

When the landscape team first began work on the newly constructed Mt. Lookout home seven years ago, it was all about the hardscaping.

“Because of our client’s background, she had a clear idea of what she was looking for in her outdoor living area,” Perrino says. “She wanted a patio large enough for entertaining – with a dining area, a living area around a fireplace, and a nice grill.”

A meandering path invites guests from the driveway back to the patio area.

Perrino wanted to create a nice flow around the home – inviting guests in and keeping them intrigued enough to want to see what lies around the next corner.

“I wanted to keep people interested, so we placed a fountain along the path along with several plantings including two large dogwoods, creeping phlox, a butterfly bush and Endless Summer hydrangeas,” he says. “I also strategically placed the stone fireplace on a forty-five-degree angle so it could be seen from not only the path, but inside the house as well. It helps to invite people outdoors. You can get a glimpse of the fireplace through the solarium and living room of the home.”

The fireplace has become one of the homeowner’s favorite elements of her outdoor retreat. “On a cool day, I love to sit around the fire with a big blanket,” she explains. “It’s the little things in life that I enjoy.”

“I love gardening,” the homeowner says. “I plant flower pots and nurture them all summer long. I love the nurturing element of gardening.”

Also, the homeowner has selected trees to plant in memory of loved ones over the years. A river birch off the driveway was planted in memory of her father.

“We’ve created a little piece of heaven out here,” she adds.