This Colonial Revival in historic Chevy Chase Village had been renovated by the previous owner. It was in beautiful condition when purchased by our client, but the former inhabitants never got around to landscaping the property. The new owner requested an unfussy intervention to bring the grounds up to par with the house.

The scope was relatively simple, no retaining walls were needed for example, but everything in the front yard was newly organized and planted, including the allée of flowering magnolias to the left of the driveway. For this commission, the design team focused on the front yard, improving the drive, which is shared by the neighboring house, and the back garden. Turning the corner from the rear, a small secret garden of liriope and hydrangea planted beneath a canopy tree is discovered via steppingstones. Reclaimed brick walkways and Indiana limestone pavers unify the plan. 

At the front, the picturesque, park-like setting of the district inspired traditional rows of boxwood layered with hydrangea, roses, nepeta, and magnolias. At the driveway side, the pretty existing fencing, gate, and arbor were restored and relocated to clearly mark the drive entrance and open into the rear garden. Striking Bevolo copper lanterns and a brick path guide the way. The owner has a space for his outdoor kitchen just past the gate.

A seating destination was created at the back of the garden with a limestone terrace and a large limewashed fireplace that will take on a nice patina over time. Handsome split herringbone brick lines the firebox. Two flowering dogwoods flank either side of the terrace and pavers lead back to the dining porch. The fireplace terrace is the focal point of the rear yard and has a lovely view of the house. A huge existing Japanese Maple was retained and is beautifully up-lit in the evenings, magically illuminating the whole yard.

Landscape Architect: Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture; Architect: Overmyer Architects; General Contractor: Zantzinger; Landscape Contractor: Planted Earth Landscaping; Photographer: Stacy Zarin Goldberg