Multi-Use Backyard Oasis

Northeast DC

Goal:Our clients loved their cozy and historic Washington rowhome, but they hated their “concrete jungle” backyard. With a toddler and a dog recently added to the family, they needed a space everyone could enjoy, with a mixture of greenery and natural stone. A secondary goal was to preserve space for a future shed, and a parking pad for a car.

Project:Seeing the existing concrete slab as a benefit, rather than an obstacle, GreenSweep developed a design that preserved some portions of the concrete to lay natural Pennsylvania flagstone on top of, while demolishing other sections to create planting spaces. The design complements the existing straight lines and right angles of the space while still creating something wholly unique and multi-faceted. A small gravel area is the site for a future shed, a patch of turf in the sunniest corner gives the family dog a soft spot to lay on, and newly-planted hydrangeas and astilbe combine with existing rhododendrons (replanted from pots) to provide blooms and greenery around the natural stone patio. Finally, the patio itself is just large enough to accommodate the family car if needed, thus preserving an off-street parking space for future home resale value.

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Behind the Scenes

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