Photos by Jean Allsopp
David N. Brush compares planning an outdoor space to dining out. You can jump right in with the main course, or you can start small with an appetizer and gradually make your way to dessert.
“Either way, over time, it all ties together,” says Brush, owner of David N. Brush Landscaping Architecture. “One of the best things you can do is develop a master plan and dream big. I think of it like the menu of a restaurant that shows all the courses. You can do just an appetizer, or you can have all seven courses.”
He says a master plan should be one of the first steps in creating an outdoor space. Then it can be implemented all at once or over time, as budget allows.
While the plants play a large role in the design, it’s not the only thing to consider, he adds. Brush collaborates with clients to see just how they will use the space. Then he looks at the architecture of the home and neighborhood to pull in plants and materials to create a space that is a natural extension of the home.
“It doesn’t feel like an add-on,” says Cherie Stine, who sought Brush’s expertise when redoing her tiny Mt Laurel backyard. “It’s almost like creating another room to your house to relax, to entertain, to sort of be part of the house.”
The following homeowners all had different goals when it came to their outdoor spaces. By working with the families, their landscapers and contractors, Brush was able to incorporate their ideas and create spaces that fit the owners’ vision as well as their environment.
Going with the Flow
Rachel and Tyler Stone wanted an outdoor space that family and friends would want to spend time in, especially as their children got older.
When they moved in, the yard had a pool and a trampoline but not much else. The historic Hollywood home had a large backyard, though, with lots of possibilities.
“What they had was a liner pool that was really in disrepair,” Brush says. “They had an awesome yard, though. It was just disconnected.”
The yard could be divided into two distinct areas: the upper level off the back porch of the main house and the pool below. Brush broke down the space even further, creating outdoor areas for the family to enjoy with the pool and spa as the main attraction.
It was resurfaced with Gunite, which is a mixture of cement and sand, and a plaster finish, giving the water a natural look instead of the chlorine blue the liner created. They added a chill pad, or a shallow shelf in the pool for lounging, which could double as a baby pool, Brush says.
The cement deck surrounding the pool was replaced with natural stone from Crab Orchard, Tenn. “Each one is like a piece of art,” Brush says of the pavers. “We’re seeing this used more and more.”
The pool deck was extended allowing for lounge chairs on one side and a dining area on the other.
Natural stone steps lead up to the other section of this backyard. Located off the back porch of the house and in front of the separate guest house, Brush says it now serves as an adult gathering space with a sitting area and fire pit. The space overlooks the pool, giving parents an unobstructed view below.
The plants are mainly evergreens. Potted flowers add pops of color throughout the different spaces.
While the Stones’ have accomplished much of their goals for their outdoor living area, Brush says future plans include an outdoor kitchen by the pool, as well as a game area near the guest house.
Making the Connection
While the Stones wanted a yard centered around water, Lori and Mike Ermert wanted theirs to be focused on fire.
The avid Alabama fans wanted a space where they could watch football games outdoors while staying warm in the cooler months, so Brush helped them bring the indoors outside with a pavilion and outdoor fireplace. As with all projects, he says it was important that the Ermerts’ outdoor space be an extension of their Vestavia Hills house and its architecture.
“It was important that this tie back to the house,” he says. “We wanted matching material. Inside they have stone, so we took that material and mimicked it on the entertainment center and chimney.”
The brick surrounding the fire place and the retaining wall are covered in the same veneer as the house, so even though the space is detached from the house it still flows from the indoors out.
Custom-made cabinets were inset above the fireplace to house the flat-screen TV. Lori selected the clay chimney pot that tops the chimney.
Brush says when he started the project, many of the trees and shrubs were pushed up against the house. He relocated some and added color with trees such as Japanese maples, loropetalums and forest pansy redbuds.
“I like to pick shrubs that bloom different times of the year,” he says. “You can find red- or purple-leafed trees to bring in contrast.”
As with many of Brush’s projects, the family built in room for future growth. Stone pavers are positioned in the grass to lead to a future project, and the area behind the pavilion is sodded for future use.
Maximizing the Space
At about 1,200 square feet, Cherie Stine was certain she couldn’t have what she really wanted in her Mt Laurel backyard: a swimming pool and spa.
“It’s really small, like a postage stamp, really,” she says of the backyard. “I’m still amazed with what he did with such a small space.”
Brush designed a space that Stine says she never could have imagined.
She wanted her back yard to have an Alys Beach, Mediterranean feel, yet also fit in with the craftsman style of Mt Laurel. Since Brush is also a resident of Mt Laurel, Stine says she was confident he would make her vision work.
Instead of a full-sized pool, Brush designed a small dipping pool and hot tub. He brought in stone that matched the house and feel of the neighborhood for the retaining wall surrounding the dipping pool.
Stine says even though it was a small space, it was rather high maintenance before the makeover. Brush replaced the grass with pebbles and stone pavers. Indigenous plants behind the retaining wall bring in some greenery.
“Even with the pebbles and the stonework, there is still a lot of green,” Stine says. “It’s a lot lower maintenance, too.”
Her backyard is now complete with chaise lounges that Brush says really topped off the look and feel of the space. The Restoration Hardware chairs are made with reclaimed wood and are topped with neutral-colored cushions.
“Furniture can really give so much personality,” Brush says. “These are rustic. They’re really perfect for the space.”
Tips
• Cluster potted flowers on a patio or deck as a budget-friendly way to add a pop of color.
• Pick trees and shrubs that bloom and change color different times of the year for an ever-changing palette.
• Let the house breathe. Often plants are shoved up against the house, Brush says. Allow room for the plant to grow, he advises.
• Seek a professional’s help in developing a master plan that can be implemented all at once or over time.
• If budget allows, opt for larger, fuller trees to give the space a more polished, natural look immediately.
• Use natural materials. “If you want it to look and feel like stone, get stone,” Brush says.
Resources
Landscaping Architect: David N. Brush Landscape Architecture | davidnbrush.com
Stone Residence
Pool and hardscape: Hollywood Pools | hollywoodpoolandspas.com
Ermert Residence
Construction: Blackjack Horticulture | blackjackhorticulture.com
Stine Residence
Dipping pool and spa: Hollywood Pools
Concrete weir and bracket: Fusoform | fusoform.com
Landscape contractor: Blackjack Horticulture
Masonry: Alcahtara Stone | 205-396-9765
Millwork: Southern Botanical | southernbotanical.com
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