When Linda Swain set out to renovate the yard behind her 1925 Colonial New England style home, she had a rather large obstacle blocking her plan—a massive oak tree that she didn’t think she could remove. But since its roots were pushing up her air conditioning equipment, city council gave her permission to cut down the tree. Linda hired Landscape Fusion to remove the old oak and transform her back yard into a space worthy of her elegant home.
Linda enjoys decorating, so she had some specific ideas for the back yard so that the new space would complement the home’s Colonial design. For one, the red clay brick herringbone pattern of the patio is a favorite of hers. This traditional look fits perfectly with the residence and leads directly up to the bluestone pool coping.
The new 14×17-foot pool has interesting water features: a sun shelf with bubbler and umbrella holder at one end and a stone wall (to hide equipment) with water-spouting lion heads at the other.
Under the lions is a rounded seat in 4-foot deep water.
Loomis and his team also installed a trellis for privacy that is now home to colorful passion flowers, as well as a long pergola for Linda’s orchids—another of her favorites. Cozy patio furniture positioned under the pergola and on the patio by the pool offers plenty of seating options for Linda and her family.
Because of the tree removal, the project took three months, but Linda couldn’t be happier. “It’s a perfect traditional, old-school, northern garden,” adds Loomis. “Especially with the roses, gardenias and boxwoods.”