Green Works Environmental, LLC, has been named the March semi-finalist for the 2010 Landscaper's Challenge, sponsored by New Holland Construction. Armed with wheelbarrows, a portable concrete mixer and a jackhammer, the company renovated a worn-out backyard with a 20-year-old failing pool and drainage problems, creating a backyard retreat worth bragging about.

Before:

• Project: Dorris’ Backyard Retreat
• Total man hours to complete: 700
• Synopsis: The 20 year old pool was rehabilitated, grading corrected, natural bluestone coping custom cut and old decking recycled to provide patio base material or re-used. The patio area was designed to accommodate gatherings, entertaining and cooking, yet preserve the wild/natural feel provided by mature dogwoods and native landscapes. The terraced steps from the rear yard to the front were laid out to double as access to raised planting and vegetable bed borders, working with the natural grade and space constraints posed by the mature landscape. A hidden shed area was restored into a garden-prep area, complete with Potting Benches and storage. The deck area was accomplished by re-using found tables where the old 70s masonry pool bricks were once acid-washed, adding to the charm of the space.

After:

For more information on this project and others, visit Green Works Environmental’s Web site: http://greenworksllc.com/wordpress/category/backyard/