At this home in Jamaica Plain, MA the existing concrete paver patio was unsightly and too small for the homeowner’s needs.  There existed a number of nice plantings, but, some were overgrown and others in not so great locations.

After discussing material options, we proposed a design that maximized the patio area while leaving room for planting beds.  We proposed relocating the nicer of the shrubs and bringing in a small variety of perennials and ground cover for an attractive but low maintenance garden.

The design called for a slightly sunken bluestone patio in a random pattern with cobble stone edging.  Cobble stones were also used to retain the hillside beds.  The corners of the patio are jogged to leave room or the shrubs and the style is mirrored where it connects to the walkway.

After digging out the old patio and relocating the plantings, the new bluestone patio is dry laid in a bed of stone dust.

After the bluestone patio is installed, we amend the existing soil with compost and bring in a small array of new plantings.  The plantings are picked to be low maintenance perennial plants that create a plush, green, garden.  All larger trees + shrubs were existing.  Take a look at the before and after photos: