Here is a beautiful way of creating a serene garden retreat out of a small yard. This informal pathway of 'Salmon Bay' gravel connects peripheral spaces with the main brick walkway. Nestled among the lush plantings, a recirculating fountain provides an architectural accent and also masks the sound of passing traffic. The plantings fulfilled the homeowner's request for a calm, green-and-white palette. Even without a wide variety of flower colors, the textures and forms of the plants provide contrast and wonderful variations throughout every season.

The dining patio was set on the diagonal of the corner lot to be viewed from many points throughout the yard and the house, as well as to create the illusion of a larger space. A stone-clad seat wall backed by a row of Birch trees buffers the patio from the property fence and privacy hedge. To stand out among the green landscape, the dining patio was designed in warm-hued stone, along with brick trim to complement the home's remaining brick accents. A fountain was custom-designed to provide a perfectly scaled focal point and pleasing sound on the dining patio. "Matchsticks" of slate were mortared over a concrete core, with a recirculating pump hidden in the basin beneath.

Beneath the canopy of a massive Atlas Cedar, the dining patio is separated from the cooking station to prevent smoke and odors from bothering the guests. A beautiful serene retreat created by Verdance Fine Garden Design.