The Barnyard

The Barnyard is tweaked behind the main road and up a narrow, wooded driveway that opens up to a great lawn. This leads to a 1700s converted barn/house at the upper part of the property. Though we renovated the barn for a growing family more than 40 years ago, it wasn't until the last renovation in 2011 that the feature backyard landscape really evolved from what was a play area, driveway, and some old building foundations. Though confined in area and quite terraced, the finished product presents a very unique and sculptured backyard garden. It features a channeled and woodland stream that flows over two waterfalls and ultimately into an old foundation reservoir. The natural and formal are made to blend perfectly as if they've existed there for years. In this small-space, outdoor living environment on many different levels are nestled numerous examples of choice plants, amid interesting configurations of native boulders. At each level are different refreshing sounds of water and a new and unusual plant to complement every niche. As the landscape continues to mature and evolve, it becomes even better and more "fun" for this horticulturist.