CONTRACTOR/DESIGNER: Grant & Power Landscaping, West Chicago, Ill.;
landscape designer Jenny Ubben
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The clients’ former California home provided them with a year-round, unique outdoor space. The vision for their new home was to create an interactive retreat in their backyard that was not limited by the seasons. However, the site condition of their current home had many obstacles impeding their dream, including extensive drainage issues, a severe incline and the unattractive terraced 4-foot-high concrete block retaining wall extending the width of the property. As difficult as these circumstances seem, they helped form the backbone of the entire project.
The homeowners wanted to take advantage of the topography (a severe incline), distract from the existing block walls and incorporate a water feature. The decision was made to reconstruct the walls to give the notion of a stream rushing down the significant slope before bursting through the wall. Layers of natural stone create a large waterfall and provide reinforcement for the slope.
PROJECT LOCATION: Naperville, Ill.
PROJECT/INSTALLATION SQUARE FOOTAGE:
- Pond -- Approximately 9- by 16-feet
- Stream -- Approximately 2.5- by 16-feet
- Waterfall -- Approximately 3- by 4-feet
CONSTRUCTION TIME: 234 man hours
SUBCONTRACTED SERVICES: Electrician for pond
KEY MATERIALS:
- Plant material – Various hosta, English Ivy, annual mums, Japanese painted fern
- Pond materials – pump, skimmer, liner, etc.
- Stone – granite boulders, aqua blue boulders, flint, outcropping, flagstone
FINAL PROJECT COST: Approximately $26,700
AWARDS: Illinois Landscape Contractors Association’s Excellence in Landscape 2007 -- silver award for a singular feature
Project Q&A with Kathy Richardson, landscape designer and marketing coordinator
Q: How was the job sold?
A: By listening to the client’s needs, personal contact and good communication with the client.
Q: Were there any special client requirements?
A: There was a terrible drainage problem in the rear that needed to be fixed. This home has the lowest lot in the neighborhood, so the entire neighborhood’s water was draining into their yard. They also had a boring/ugly retaining wall holding up the grade. They wanted to make that more appealing and interesting.
Q: What were the installation challenges?
A: Everything had to be done by hand. There was no access with any equipment because of the grade and extremely tight space to work in. The drainage was also a challenge. Drainage from the entire block was funneled through the client’s yard. In order to use the space as desired and prevent flooding, the drainage had to be routed underground into a network of 4- and 12-inch drain tiles and then discharged into a storm sewer.
Q: Looking back on the project, what would you have done differently?
A: The project turned out great and the client was very happy with the outcome. Since completion, we’ve been back to work on front yard renovations and other additions including a small water feature.
Q: Design-wise, what “makes” this space?
A: The water feature is a powerful visual force, but the relation of all the elements in the yard creates the experience. Foliage cascades along the incline, softens the grade and blends the existing landscape. The selection of flower color and plant texture adds impact while reinforcing a calm atmosphere. The flagstone path unifies the space by guiding guests through the journey as large outcropping steps negotiate the slope to a cozy flagstone patio adjacent to the water feature.
Q: What was the greatest lesson your company learned during this project?
A: The site had a lot of drainage issues. It is the lowest lot on the street and there was also very limited space for the water to go. We had to do a little trial and error with the buried drain tile. We had to install more drains and thicker pipe. We had to continuously talk to the homeowner. If we did not have a good working relationship, the project would not have been as successful. It took some time and patience on the customer side and our side as well. Once the drainage was fixed, it was a smooth installation. We learned from this that open communication with the customer and crew is very important. PLD