Riverdale Sanctuary

The design objective was to create a polished, low-maintenance front garden in the heart of Riverdale. Located on a high-profile corner, the site has excellent views to the South but is very exposed. By constructing a low steel retaining wall around the edge of the property and planting an evergreen hedge, we were able to define the edge of the garden and generate a sense of enclosure. The choreography of movement through the site was designed to provide layered experiences. The original, straight entry sequence was shifted and turned to enhance the journey to the front door. A new natural stone terrace in the sunniest part of the garden includes a custom metal and wooden bench providing a place to dwell and establish a stronger connection with the neighborhood. A comprehensive landscape program detailed the removal and/or pruning of over-grown trees and shrubs to allow more filtered light with the addition of a significant planting of native trees, shrubs, perennials and grasses to create a thriving natural sanctuary in the city.