outdoors
IN THE GARDEN
Instead of accommodating the
slope, they proposed eliminating it.
Leveling the yard would allow the
Olsens to have the front yard they
wanted—an area of flat lawn
surrounded by plush flowerbeds.
After grading to create a level
area in front of the house, they built
stone steps that travel down from the
street and retaining walls that hold
the outer edges of the yard in place.
“The walls frame the front yard,”
says Jeanette. “It’s like the yard is its
own little park and sunken garden.”
Edged in roses, the walls along
the street also define the boundary
between the busy public sidewalk
and the Olsens’ private property.
VISTA OF PLEN TY
Perennial plantings
provide color from
every vantage point
in the Olsens’ house.
“When we sit in the
dining room or library,
we want to lookout
and see color from
April to October,”
Jeanette says.
DOUBLY W ELCOMED
The brick-and-stone
entry walk reflects a
similar circular design
in the home’s foyer.
To counter the
busyness of the garden,
the Olsens kept the
adjacent lawn small
and simple.
7 6 AUGUST2008 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
