Urban Oasis

When we met with the owners of this home on the East Side of Providence, the backyard was largely unusable. The upper level was a mish-mash of uneven brick and multicolored slate, and the lower level was a large brick area that had settled and was holding water close to the house whenever it rained. Our clients wanted spaces for grilling, dining and lounging, and an area where they could grow herbs and vegetables. They also wanted to brighten up what was a somewhat gloomy space.

We began by removing the existing patio materials and installing a large dry well system that captures surface water and roof runoff and allows it to seep back into the ground water under the patio. We then re-built and extended the fieldstone retaining walls to create more functional space in the lower level, including an area for raised beds. We used blue mist granite and a light colored paver to replace the brick and slate, which helped to immediately brighten the space. Next we added in plantings to soften all the hardscape, low voltage lighting, and custom weathering steel panels to add the finishing touch to a beautiful new space.

Landscape Contractor: Natural Green Landscaping Mason (stone walls): Francisco’s Masonry