Natural Stone Courtyard

About the project

The key to any natural stone landscape is imagination, and patience. When using non-manufactured product, we hand carve the subgrade to both direct surface runoff water and prevent erosion. Flat surfaces such as pathways that span across landscapes move an enormous amount of water. So, it is important to create areas to catch water, such as dry creek beds with built in drainage systems. That both direct surface water under and around the areas that need to stay intact for a lifetime and create a very natural environment for plants and wildlife to thrive.

This SW Portland Natural Stone Hillside Courtyard has it all! White Mist Flagstone Paths, packed with PNW tan decomposed granite. Two sets of mortared flagstone steps, one smaller connecting path with a 500lbs Natural Rock Slab bridge and one larger more shallow set of steps for easier access to the patio. A 15x15ft flagstone patio seating area that is accented by a 9ft tall and 30 ft long L shaped Jasmine Trellis (it smells so good!!!) The path wraps from the front of the house along the side and splits allowing guests to head straight to the upper Entertaining Deck or continue down around to the lower Gazebo and hot tub area and into the back yard. We designed a dry creek bed with built in drainage to meander throughout the Landscape and catch surface water from reentering the pathways. The entire landscape has a climate controlled multivalve Rainbird irrigation system and state of the art lighting. The entire area is packed with low maintenance shrubs, trees and flowers that really pop with life and color year round.

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Challenges & solutions

Projects that are continuous for multiple seasons create a unique opportunity for us as PNW landscapers to take our experience and skill to the limit.

During this project we were faced with significant rainfall over multiple months. Using 6mil plastic sheeting we protected the "canvas" each night we expected rain in an effort to keep the hillside intact for topsoil sculpting. This process can be tedious, but in the end is worth it to avoid muddy unworkable areas throughout the landscape.

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Outcome

"It really feels like you're expieriencing art"

PNW Black Basalt single stacked retaining walls that contrast perfectly with the bright White Mist Flagstone. Smooth, inviting angles make it fun and exciting to explore the details.

"I can't believe this is in my back yard!"

This Landscape is visible from multiple windows in the house and the main dinning area on the entertaining deck. The goal was to create a space that "took your breath away". This home owner loves to entertain, so we designed an area that would allow her and her guests to be catpured from a distance, and mesmerized up close.

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