For People & Pets
Native plants and locally sourced stone were used to ground the home in its landscape, creating spaces that are welcoming, resilient, and designed for everyday use by both people and pets.
About this Project
Fall 2025
This North-Central New Jersey project upgraded an existing front walkway, added a new multi-colored bluestone patio, enhanced and grew existing planting beds to manage storm water runoff while providing long-term ease of maintenance.
Previously the property had a undefined planting bed edges and sparse plantings. Now the beds have layered native plants that will grow into a seasonal pollinator garden featuring over 140 native plants. The garden includes hardy asters, and mint-family perennials along with fruit bearing trees and shrubs. A Sweetbay Magnolia anchors the front of the property, with a Southern Magnolia providing screening in the back.
A new multi-colored broken bluestone patio made from large, locally sourced stone provides a landing and gathering space in the back yard. The entry to the house, has been widened and redirected to provide a safe path for both retired residents and their dog. Large magnolia & apple trees, provide screening and shade, while providing fruit & visual beauty.
featured plant
Beebalm
Monarda bradburiana
Project Facts
Native Plant Count: 611
Planted Area: ~1200 sqft
Repurposed: 7 transplanted plants. All existing soil kept onsite.
Plant Palette: Enterprise & Liberty Apple, Southern & Sweetbay Magnolia, Black Chokeberry, Chicago Hardy Fig, Catawba Rhododendron, American Elderberry, Rugosa Rose, Arkansas Amsonia, Swamp Milkweed, White Heath Aster, White Wood Aster, Turtlehead, Purple Coneflower, False Sunflower, Bee Balm, Mountain Mint, Black-Eyed Susan, Little Bluestem
Ecosystem Services: Pollinator support, water runoff control, screening of neighbors, fruit producing plants
Hardscaping: Locally sourced multi-colored bluestone flagstone.
Seasonal Interest: This planting palette offers year-round interest, beginning in spring with fragrant magnolias, blooming rhododendron, serviceable apple blossoms, and fresh amsonia foliage. Summer brings a vibrant wave of pollinator activity as milkweed, bee balm, mountain mint, coneflower, false sunflower, and black-eyed Susan flower in succession, while figs and elderberry add a productive layer. Fall is highlighted by asters, turtlehead, chokeberry fruit, apple harvest, and the warm copper and blue tones of little bluestem, extending both color and habitat into the cooler months.
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