Creative landscaping can solve problems, enhance beauty

An Alexandria couple’s project to remove a couple of dead trees turned into a complete redesign of the yard — fixing problems and creating a unique fountain focal point in the process.

When Steven and Diana Piper bought the house in July 2008, they decided to put an outdoor makeover on hold.

“We did a total paint job of the inside of the house before moving,” Diana said. Redesigning the outside was something “we weren’t ready to do.”

Then arborists told them that two old trees in the back yard needed to come down, so they contracted with Brandon Rushing of B. Rushing Lawn and Landscaping Inc. of Lorton to do the job.

Steven said Rushing suggested adding privacy screening to replace the lost trees and several other improvements, including fixing a “very overgrown passageway on one side of the house, and a brick patio that was uneven and good to trip on.”

“We thought it over and decided we didn’t want to do it piecemeal,” Steve said.

Rushing created a plan based on the Pipers’ vision for the yard, adding in a few of his own ideas.

“I look at the scope of the project and gauge how long [the clients] are going to live there,” Rushing said. “[Diana Piper] had pictures of things she really liked. I took that information and reviewed it. If they really want something to be done, or if they liked a particular look, and it comes down to a few thousand dollars — but that is exactly how they want it — I would encourage them to go that way, because they have to look at it every day and could later find themselves saying, ‘I wish I had gotten it the way I wanted it.’ ”

Diana wanted flagstone for the patio and walkway and another specific component as well.

“I really wanted a water feature. I first requested a waterfall because the back yard slopes up and I thought it would be ideal,” she said.

After learning a waterfall would cost between $20,000 and $25,000, the couple decided against it and Rushing suggested using a boulder instead. A hole would be drilled into the center to create a unique yet natural water feature.

“I was really excited and said that would be perfect,” Diana said.

Other problem areas were identified, including the front yard, where large trees blocked sunlight and prevented grass from growing.

The front walkway also ended at the side of the front door, creating a hazardous step, so Rushing eliminated the step, removed the railing and installed columns.

“I just liked opening up the front porch so they could enjoy it and don’t feel closed in with a railing,” Rushing said.

The porch itself gained several feet in size, and outdoor lighting was added, which, along with flagstone pavers and new siding, created a more dramatic look.

Rushing said he tries to help clients realize that low-maintenance landscapes do not have to be boring.

“The most important thing is finding out exactly what the client is envisioning,” he said. “There are plenty of creative ideas, plants and materials that blend low maintenance with a great look.