Native Landscape & Outdoor Living Transformation in West Orange, NJ
This multi-year project focused on transforming an ordinary suburban property into a layered, highly functional outdoor space centered around native planting design, privacy screening, pollinator habitat, and custom hardscaping.
The homeowners wanted a landscape that felt more natural and immersive while still improving usability, curb appeal, and outdoor living. Over several phases, the property evolved into a cohesive landscape with over 120 carefully selected plants, upgraded patios and walkways, improved privacy, and multiple gathering spaces.
The Challenge
The existing property lacked privacy, planting structure, and usable outdoor living space.
These were some of the problems with their landscape:
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- Sparse backyard planting beds
- Limited privacy along neighboring properties
- Aging patio areas with failing edging and poor layout
- Narrow planting strips and difficult transition zones
- A lack of seasonal color and ecological diversity
- Lawn-dominated areas with little visual interest
The homeowners wanted a landscape that felt more intentional, natural, and integrated with the surrounding environment.
Our Approach For This Project
We approached the project in phases, combining native planting design, privacy screening, lawn reduction, hardscaping, and outdoor gathering spaces to gradually reshape the property over time.
A major focus of the project was creating layered plantings with four-season interest using native and deer-resistant species suited for Central New Jersey conditions.
The landscape was designed to support pollinators, improve privacy, soften hardscape areas, and create a more immersive backyard experience.
Scope of Work
This project combined large-scale planting design, privacy screening, patios, walkways, and landscape restoration across both the front and backyard.
Work completed included:
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- Installed over 120 native, deer-resistant, and pollinator-friendly plants
- Privacy screening using hollies, viburnums, junipers, and layered native shrubs
- Extensive perennial and ornamental grass plantings
- 470 sq. ft. clay paver patio with bluestone wall and steps
- Secondary circular flagstone patio and natural stepping stone pathways
- Front walkway reconstruction using Glen-Gery clay pavers in a herringbone pattern
- Drainage improvements, edging upgrades, and mulch installation
The result was a more immersive and functional landscape with improved privacy, outdoor living space, and long-term curb appeal.
The Final Result
The completed project transformed the property into a layered, highly personalized landscape designed for both everyday living and long-term enjoyment.
Key improvements included:
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- Dramatically improved backyard privacy
- More usable outdoor entertaining areas
- Native and pollinator-friendly planting beds with year-round interest
- Reduced lawn maintenance and improved landscape structure
- A stronger visual connection between front and backyard spaces
- Durable hardscape features designed to age naturally with the landscape
The result is a landscape that feels mature, immersive, and intentionally connected to the surrounding environment while remaining functional and low-maintenance.
Planning a Similar Landscape Transformation?
Whether you're looking to improve privacy, upgrade an outdated patio, reduce lawn areas, or create a more natural landscape with native plantings, a well-designed plan can completely change how your property looks and functions.
We design and build custom landscapes, patios, outdoor living spaces, and native planting installations across Central New Jersey.
Request a free quote to get started, or schedule a paid consultation if you want a professional landscape design plan tailored to your property.
