Making the journey to the front door more than a quick hike up a path adds interest, but also helps nestle the house into the landscaping.
The main path passes through low privacy screens, leading to an entry courtyard with a metal trellis accent and the front door. There’s a gravel driveway next to the concrete driveway for guest parking, hidden by a row of heavenly bamboo (nandina).
The design needed to work with a large tree. Although most think of shade, the other concern is giving the tree a healthy root zone and minimizing root damage during construction. Done right, the tree will thrive as will the new plants underneath. Another benefit: removing lawn reduces competition with the tree’s roots, giving it more nutrients.
Path lights flank the path, giving way to step lights mounted on the privacy screens. This creates a path of light leading to the front door.