case3

Same view of completed second tier (at slightly wider angle) with trellises and plantings
On either side of the plot, trellises, carrying wisteria were used to soften the tops of stucco walls. Irregular slates, traditional to rural New York landscape design, were used as a platform and offset with framing beds of seasonal flowering trees, shrubs and perennials. Japanese maples were brought in to soften the far corners and island partition.

View of both patio tiers, showing slate flooring and walls, plantings, furniture and "thinking rock"
A granite boulder, the same "thinking rock" that had helped inspire Mrs. Shepherd to tell stories in her youth, was brought in to similarly effect her own children and to highlight the stone wall in the background. Throughout the project, we aimed at a subtle counterpoint of landscape and architecture, echoing the simple harmony of a pastoral writer's retreat, a childhood playground, and a private oasis for adult entertaining.

Case #3: BACKYARD REVIVAL

Location:
The West 80's, New York City

Owners:
An investment banker, a writer, their two children and two dogs.

Their Concerns:
Although professed "city-dwellers", Jim and Leslie Shepherd missed the closeness to nature they enjoyed as kids. While they did not want to feel locked in to the headaches, time and expense of a country house they wished, as Leslie stated "to integrate our lives into a more natural setting without having to spend four or five hours in a car each weekend. We love the city but don't want to feel like we're always in the city."

Design Challenge:
To transform a bleak urban space with an old concrete wall to one side and neighbors in full view on the other, into a private, semi-formal, intimate multi-use garden agreeable to children and adults alike.

Solution:
We decided to create a two-tiered patio, which would be not only visually arresting, but would also provide separate, yet contiguous spaces. This would allow the children and dogs to play in one area while their parents were reading, writing or entertaining in the adjacent space.

The Result
Leslie reflects, "The garden has expanded our home, and even our lives. Because of the garden, we have been entertaining at home more often, and the kids are more comfortable playing at home. Also, as a writer, I have found the gentle rustling of leaves and the suggestive flickering of light an invitation to meditate and reflect by myself. In short, our private garden has made city living much more enjoyable."