The Countryman's came to us initially with the idea of installing a play set but lacked sufficient space to do so. Creating a larger play area in their backyard with limited space, on a steep grade presented many challenges that needed to be addressed. There were unusable, outdated, mismatched walls as well as plantings and insufficient space for a play set, sandbox and new patio area. The previous timber walls were starting to give way due to old age, moisture and erosion. We started off by bringing in over 120 yards of fill to create an additional 2250 square feet of space on the top terrace. Then we constructed two large 600 square foot retaining walls to ensure that the grade would be maintained as well as making sure the upper terrace level would last. Along the east side of the retaining wall there was a crab apple tree that was planted on the day of their daughter's birth and is of high sentimental value to them. The tree needed to be carefully moved in order to implement the new plan, so keeping the tree alive during construction was imperative. The steps on the west side of the property were in an inconvenient location, so we reused the old steps for base course, to help offset the budget for the play set. We then decided to center the location of the new steps for practicality as well as keeping aesthetic qualities in mind.

It was assessed in the preliminary stages that the grade around the foundation needed to be lowered to prevent future moisture and mold problems in the house. A new brick patio for the adults on the upper terrace to sit and keep the children in plain sight at all times was installed as well as a new sitting area on the lower terrace to overlook their property along with their new perennial and vegetable garden. The lower terrace was planted with mostly perennials so they'd require minimal maintenance but still look great.

The jagged decorative rock areas were removed and recycled plastic timbers and cedar mulch was used for the new sandbox area. Alberta Dwarf Spruce, deciduous shrubs and larger perennials were planted on the east corner to create a border for future play set. A large maple was installed on the west side of the deck to provide shade and privacy and give the Countryman's the backyard experience they had always dreamed of.

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