Scarborough, Maine

Natural & Modern

Wide view of the back patio with granite pavers in mixed tones, a staggered granite retaining wall, wildflower meadow planting, and the deck and house beyond

A patio that meets the woods

The homeowner wanted a place to gather outside that felt like part of the woods, with no hard line where the yard ends and the trees begin. Reclaimed granite with staggered edges, native plantings, and a wildflower meadow carry the ground from the patio out to the trees. GBR Landscape Design drew the plan, and we built it.

Before

From gardens into woods

The transition between the gardens and the woods was a priority for the homeowner. They wanted native plants throughout the project and a gradual transition at the edge of the gardens rather than a clear stopping point. Early in the project, they also decided they wanted a water feature, but no one was satisfied with where it should go.

Construction

The water feature found its place

We continued with the build while the location of the water feature stayed open. Once we had built the retaining wall, we saw the answer at the end of it. We brought the water directly through the stonework and made the water feature part of the wall itself. Learn more about our process.

After

Reclaimed granite and native plantings

Reclaimed granite runs through the stonework, while the patio uses intentionally staggered edges rather than a clean perimeter. Native plantings continue toward the woods, and a wildflower meadow extends the planting beyond the main gardens. Landscape lighting highlights the stonework, gardens, and water feature after dark.

Video

See the finished project

Granite walkway through the Natural & Modern garden

Photos

Front entry with granite steps up to the porch and a reclaimed granite patio meeting the driveway in mixed stone tones