Page 12 - Klahanie September-October, 2019 Issue
P. 12

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                            Making Your Home And Yard                                                                                                                                     -


                            Work Together In                             Harmony



           B E FO R E                                  By Jeff Skierka


                                                           When Ted and Kerstin McKee fi rst   These pre-design conversations
                                                           approached me about remodeling   became the perfect platform to
                                                           the backyard of the home they   create a rolling fi ve-year plan
                                                           were just moving into, they were   where each year’s projects formed
                                                           a little surprised when I fi rst   the basis for the following year’s
                                                           suggested that we spend some   additions.
                                                           time discussing their lifestyle and
                                                           how they would like the outside   The process began with the
                                                                                          removal of the lawn and
                                                           spaces to complement their life. I   foundation planting so that we
                                                           explained my philosophy that the   could lay mortar set fl agstone
                                                           home architecture and the natural   walkways along the entire length
                                                           elements of the property both   of the backyard. Next we replaced
                                                           have to be matched to the needs   the small original patio area with
                                                           of the homeowners.
                                                                                          matching fl agstone and added a
                                                           Kerstin is an artist with a studio   built in barbecue and smoker.
                                                           in the house and wanted an     Along the walkway we crafted
                                                           outside environment that helped
                                                           to create a tranquil place to work   points of interest using natural
                                                                                          water features and artwork to
                                                           and spaces in the yard where   invite people to slow down and
                                                           her art could be displayed. She   explore the visual elements.
                                                           and Ted wanted the bordering   As the yard was slowly
                                                           greenbelt to be an element in   redeveloped, we were
                                                           the backyard that would give   mindful to add LED lights
                                                           the feeling or endless undefi ned   for both function and
                                                           space. They both acknowledged   drama.
                                                           that they loved spending time
                                                           in the backyard entertaining but   The plantings selected
                                                           spending a lot to time working   all blend in with
                                              A F T ER     on the yard was defi nitely not   nature and require
                                              A F T ER
                                                           desired.                       low maintenance.
                                                                                          A few edibles along
                                                                                          the way add to the
                                                                                          natural freshness of the
                                                                                          experience.
                                                                                          experience.

















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