This backyard was plagued with a swale located close to the house and running through the entire width of the yard. The collection of water often left the area wet and soggy. The backyard also had an elevation difference in its length (see the "before" photo above). The client's parameters for this project were for us to create a unique garden reminiscent of a desert valley, yet incorporate some alpine features. A sizable (360 SF) patio was created near the back entrance to the house. Because the patio would extend into the existing swaled area, the swale had to be relocated further away from the house. (A pergola structure by others was incorporated into the patio setting).

The swale was transferred to the middle of the backyard and a catch basin along with PVC piping was installed to collect and discharge the water to the front lawn. We needed a working swale for drainage purposes, but weren't happy with the prospect of a grass swath bisecting the back yard (especially to accomplish a desert look). We decided to have the swale become a design feature, so it was lined it with river stones of varying sizes in order to create the look of a dry river bed. Because of the existing elevation difference in the backyard, an upper level and lower level area was created on each side of the swale feature. Stone slabs along the dry river bed area retain the soil and stabilize the upper area. A 5 ton stone slab acts as a bridge to cross the dry river bed.

Sculpture was added to the garden in the form of granite spires which create a vertical element. Not shown in the photos are other sculptural items such as a gong suspended between two posts and oversized insects constructed from wrought iron.

The plantings soften the stone features and create a balance with the quantity of hardscape. The planting scheme offers many specimen plants such as the Coral Bark Maple whose bark will turn vivid orange in the winter. The majority of plantings were used to achieve the desert theme and alpine highlights. Plants such as Rug Juniper, Cactus, and Mugo Pine were used in the lower level for their love of dry, sandy conditions indicative of the desert. Plants such as Serbian Spruce, Black Pine, Ornamental Grasses, Spirea, and Heritage Birch were used in the upper level for their association with alpine conditions.

Lighting extends the outdoor use and indoor viewing pleasure of this garden into the evening. Spot lights illuminate the granite spires and several of the large trees. Sconces attached to the pergola structure light the patio.