This charming small garden was built to solve drainage issues and impart a French feel. The steps and terraces are made of found stone and found (recycled) concrete. The concrete had been an old parking pad that was removed and used to build the vegetable planter (with buff type S mortar), terrace steps and walls. The stone work was built from stone we recycled on site and mortared with buff type S. The Blue “barn” door was made from the old, undersized pergola we destroyed. The paving is crushed local pea gravel with an extensive underground drainage system made from fabric, gravel, and pipe, all properly sized. 2 weeks, Jan 2010.

Elevated Stone Patio

Elevated Stone Patio in the French Style

Stone Garden

Blue Barn Door

“From the start of our working relationship I have been extremely impressed with John Russell’s enthusiasm, knowledge and professionalism. He worked with me, listened to what I had pictured for our backyard and made that dream a reality. Along with his aesthetic sense John displayed an acute understanding of the technical issues that arise in landscaping. He detected a couple of engineering issues (a leaning brick column and an poor drainage system) and was able to quickly and efficiently solve them. John is also very committed to the project; he was at the job site almost everyday and easy to contact. My husband and I love our new yard and would recommend (and have recommended) John for any project.” – Boullay