AFTER: We could not be happier with the combination of large boulders being framed by light delicate plants, and with a flourishing urban meadow-like matrix of native plantings. We love this project!
BEFORE: Since this was a ‘new construction’ project there was nothing growing expect tenacious weeds on top of piles of large limestone left behind from the contractor, and massive amounts of clay soil, rubble, and construction debris.
DURING: We installed the hardscaping first, then covered it with plywood and tarps while we installed the plants to keep the new material stable and clean. We began in late Summer, planted in late Fall (just shy of first snowfall), and when Spring / Summer arrived, we were elated!
— NORTH ST. CLAIR —
new construction + contemporary modular + no grass + only plants + total gut job
East End, PA / 2023-2024
This was our first new construction project, and it was to support a super cool, contemporary modular, two-unit duplex home built for a mother and daughter in the East End neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The owners wanted an organic, sustainable, low-maintenance native meadow/garden combo with no grass. Only plants. Some trees, flowering shrubs, pollinator plants, and some big stones. Nothing fussy, has to be easy but unexpected, and all season.
"Suz," the client said, "just do whatever you think is best. I like native plants, Serviceberries, and maybe a water feature in the back".
I'm trying not to burst with joy: Dream Project!
Once the construction was nearly finished, we began researching the best and most efficient way to mend the devastated land mass that was the property's front and back ''yards''. Decades of neglect in the former empty city lot, new construction with people, heavy machinery, and lots of poured concrete all added up to dead compacted soil with potentially harmful chemicals (asbestos, heavy metals), weeds, clay, heavy gravel, bricks, invasive trees trying to sprout, and misc. vermin warrens.
We called our friends at Ciereillo Contracting, and they came with their machines to strip out the harmful post-construction landfill and ''rake out'' many tons of hard material. We replaced the landfill with an enriched organic topsoil compost blend (close to 50 yards) and let it rest for a few weeks.
Next, we installed the beautiful new hardscaped entrance with a simple paver walkway that led to the front porch and wrapped around the top part of the home leading to the back yard. We also created a simple boulder retaining wall to ''hug'' the property, protect the plants, and create a habitat. Additionally, we installed a set of lovely saw-cut sandstone steps leading from the sidewalk area to the paver walkway.
The hardscape helped to create a unified look and feel, enhancing the contemporary architectural style of the home while adding more bespoke, natural softening to the larger structure. We loved it, and this was before the plants were added!
An old, towering street tree limited full sun access on the left of the front yard, so we planted shade perennials and shrubs, and as the solar trail shifted to a fuller path to the right, we changed our plants to suit. On our list were Witch Hazel, native Dogwood, Serviceberries, Little Henry, Clethra, St. Johns, Blue False Indigo, Winterberry Holly, several varieties of Asters, Goldenrod, Mountain Mint, Sweet Fern, Cone Flower, Beardtongue, Bee Balm, Creeping Thyme, Lungwort, and selection of early spring bulbs to name a few. In the back, we planted a trio of Serviceberries and a singular River Birch, one of my favorite trees.
In the Spring of 2024, we will complete the backyard area by adding a small water feature (sound installation), placing a lovely sculpture by Pittsburgh artist Dee Briggs, and planting more natives in and around the pergola and breezeway areas. Stay tuned for Part II of the plan!