Marti Neely Design and Associates wins Silver at the APLD Landscape Awards Competition
The opportunity to reimagine a large homesite does not come along very often. When it does and with it a long-term relationship built upon trust it really is an opportunity to treasure.
Morgan Ridge is located on the crest of a hill, centered in the property, almost eleven acres in size. With significant slopes on both the front and back it was afforded lovely views of the sunrise and sunset, but not as much usable space as you would think. With a tightly fenced pool landscaped with river rock, fewer plants than would be pleasing and an awkwardly designed patio space, it was not anything my clients wanted to keep. When in this entertaining area one had no idea of the wonderful expanse of nature outside the fenced boundary as those views were blocked.
The design intent for this project was to create simple, open, and pleasing spaces that respected the views of the land, provide shelter from wind and noise while providing seasonal color and simple to manage plantings. This also had to be perfect for entertaining and family gatherings and repurpose as much of the existing plant and hardscape materials as possible.
The patio and deck were enlarged, providing better access to the pool. Two colors and styles of large format Rochester concrete pavers were used to define the space and break up large expanses, creating more interest. Saw cut, hand chiseled limestone was used for the retaining walls and steps. Plantings were selected for their seasonal interest and ease of care. A large pergola was designed and built out of Cedar and Ipe wood to serve as an architectural feature, provide shelter from the sun and anchor the edge of the space.
The steep slope behind the pool was softened by the addition of more than 300 loads of soil and graded into a soft hill that is now easily mowed, walkable and is no longer an erosion problem. Seeded with low growing native grasses it requires minimal care and enabled us to place the 6’ fence, necessary to secure the pool, far enough down slope to not disturb the view of the open field and native tree line. What was once a tiny space of rock and block now has an endless view and is ready for relaxation and play.
Of course, with all this space, the work is never ending. We continue to design and develop new areas, adding to the beauty of the site. Native plants are utilized whenever they will fulfill our goals. Over 200 trees have been added to the land in last 4 years. 150 of these started out as #5, #7 and #15 bagged trees purchased at Papio Valley Nursery. Today most of these have calipered out to 2-3”. One would never know they started out as mere twigs. I am pleased to say that 90% of the existing plant materials were transplanted, divided, and used in various areas of the property. All the existing flagstone and retaining wall block was used in other project areas. Brick pavers were repurposed, and boulders relocated.
This past winter the pool and surrounding area was entered in the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) International Design Competition. It was honored with a Silver Award in Residential Landscape Design. We are extremely excited to be recognized with this prestigious award.
No matter how beautiful, daring, or creative a landscape design may be, it has little value if it is never built. Many thanks are due to the talented team at Greenlife Gardens who have worked for several years taking my vision and making it a reality. They are a great to work with and I cannot thank them enough for helping us achieve this recognition.
Marti Neely, FAPLD
Principal, Marti Neely Design and Associates.