Isthmus Retreat

It’s always rewarding to collaborate with friends on a fun project, and this backyard was no exception. Landscape architect MaraLee Olson is a pleasure to work with. MaraLee and the clients did extensive concepting — and stormwater engineering — on this small yard to maximize relaxation space while maintaining stormwater infiltration through a thirsty rain garden. We were brought in to refine final design decisions and select materials….and to build it all, of course. Teamwork really made the dream work.

The home and garage colors gave us a rich palette to work with. Natural bluestone was an easy choice for its tones, reasonable cost, and smooth surface. We paired it with tannish limestone sourced northeast of Madison and colorful boulders from north-central Wisconsin. The design also includes fun elements such as a gravel garden and espaliered flowering crabapples to add visual screening and seasonal interest.

If you’re looking for a great landscape architect in the Madison area, we highly recommend MaraLee Olson. She can be found at:https://www.maraleeolsondesignstudio.com