Shifting perspective: Transforming the back forty into a magical spot

Over the summer, I revisited a garden I’d played a small part in the previous spring. My role had been modest—I helped the owners create enclosure around their pool by installing an arborvitae hedge and offering a few design suggestions. But what they did afterward stopped me in my tracks.

What struck me most wasn’t just its beauty, but how they changed the entire viewpoint of the property by reclaiming a section that was previously overlooked. Truly great gardens are often the result of creative problem solving and seeing what you have through a different lens.

The project began here.

The goal was to expand the use of the property. They cleared out weeds and invasive honeysuckle and installed stairs, walls and a pathway to travel through the garden.

This is just the beginning. Take a look at what came next.

Before and after transformation.

I had a hard time tearing myself away!