Terraces
The second project came a few years later, in 2005, when the couple reached out to Berg's Landscaping for a backyard overhaul. Their yard lacked definition and character, but they didn’t want to sacrifice any of the existing trees that dotted the space in disparate locations. Berg's took up this challenge by designing a series of terraces on the existing slope, leading up to a vegetable garden area. Pressure-treated timbers rooted each terrace level, and Berg's installed a drainage system behind each terrace to allow for water build-up. They worked around the existing trees and also reincorporated the plantings they removed to make room for the groundscaping. In order to offset the grand scale of the mature trees, Berg's utilized smaller scale specimen trees like Kousa Dogwood and Hinoki Cypress. They also introduced Japanese Maples to tie in to the theme of the side yard they had done years before. Perennials and woody ornamentals were also planted, while Hostas took residence in the shadiest nooks.
Storm damage
Berg's Landscaping got the call for their third project in the winter of 2008. During a particularly violent storm, a large Evergreen tree had fallen on the east side of the house, damaging several other trees in its wake. Berg's sized up the situation and whipped up a creative new landscaping solution for the mess. The homeowners didn’t want to remove the stump of their fallen friend, so Berg's utilized the tree remnants in a new water feature. They took the existing exposed aggregate patio and added granite stones to hem in the water feature, which flowed around the tree stump for a wholly organic feel. Berg's then tied into the theme from the west side of the house with matching pressure treated terraces and cedar screen fences, lighting and irrigation. As a final touch, they added a barbecue area to offer utility to the area and offer an extension of the interior kitchen. This side of the rambler had recently undergone a remodeling transformation, leaving a lovely new kitchen and dining room with a big new picture window looking directly out onto this new eastside water feature. By tying the inside to the outside, Berg's was able to create a cohesive feel to the now (finally) completed yard.
A fallen friend
As frustrating as home problems may be, and the little earthquakes they cause in our daily routines, it's wonderful when art can spring from chaos. Looking out onto their lovingly sculpted yard, the homeowner mused that Berg's "came up with a beautiful project, and I'm very happy with what they’ve accomplished." A phoenix from the ashes, indeed.
To find out more about Berg's landscaping, visit them on the web at www.bergslandscaping.com
For more information on the MBA, visit www.masterbuildersinfo.com.
