The Massachusetts Garden Retreat: Pool, Pergola, and Lush Planting

The Massachusetts Garden Retreat: Pool, Pergola, and Lush Planting

This New England backyard is a comprehensive Transitional landscape design, perfectly balancing the traditional charm of the white clapboard home with contemporary outdoor function. The project transforms a sloped terrain into a series of highly usable, beautiful terraced zones—from an elevated deck for dining to a secluded pool area—all connected by warm wood accents and surrounded by rich, layered greenery.

Features of the Massachusetts Garden Retreat

• Multi-Level Decking: An elevated wood deck near the house features a dining area and grill station, offering convenient access from the interior and a bird's-eye view of the garden below.
• Pergola Lounge: The main patio floor features expansive pavers and is anchored by a cedar pergola, creating a designated, sheltered outdoor living room with a comfortable fire pit conversation area.
• Layered Planting: The landscape utilizes a naturalistic, four-season approach, incorporating rich textures and colors through ornamental grasses, hydrangeas, hostas, and Japanese maples, particularly around the pool's stone retaining wall.
• Poolside Terrace: The lower level features a minimalist, geometric plunge pool surrounded by large square pavers set in grass, offering a modern contrast to the wild, lush garden backdrop.
• Stone and Wood Integration: A low-profile river stone retaining wall grounds the space, supporting the garden beds while providing built-in seating (a wood bench) near the pool for a harmonious blend of rugged and refined materials.

This Massachusetts Garden Retreat showcases how thoughtful grading and a blend of materials can create a luxurious, functional, and deeply inviting outdoor escape for a modern family.