Downstairs

Upstairs

Exterior

Hanover

Exterior
Before and After

Both of the above pictures are after the renovations

We really needed help with the yard. After much discussion and speculating about what we wanted to do, we finally talked to a professional landscaper, Pat Lea. Pat was well known in Chattanooga. She wrote the gardening articles for the Chattanooga Times. She created a master plan that considered our likes and dislikes as well as her extensive knowledge of the area. Our plan was to execute her plan. This proved to be a much bigger project than the two of us could handle. The plan called for a sprinkler system, excavation of existing walkways, installation of new patios, and planting of a huge number of plants. In seeking out the plants, we stumbled on Scarlet Begonias, a local landscape company. It is owned by Burke Norton, a young and energetic fellow, who had the experience, the resources, and the equipment to do the entire job. Scarlet Begonias did just about everything. He first removed just about every scrub in the yard. They were in poor shape to start with and in order to flush them out, it would have meant cutting them down nearly to the ground. By removing them, it gave us a blank pallet with which to work. Burke then made adjustments to parts of the yard by bringing top soil to improve drainage. A watering system was then installed. Interestingly, Chattanooga has never had water restrictions as was typical in Atlanta. Next, he not only suggested certain plans, he actually brought them to the yard so Deborah could see them. She said that Burke was better than the Ice Cream Man whenever he showed up with a truckload of plants. Once all the beds were defined and planted, they installed the grass. We liked his idea of keeping the grass off the banks. This makes it much easier for me to cut. Flowing curves were used for all grass as well as all the beds.

Kevin and Scott installing the elaborate watering system for the yard

BEFORE	AFTER

The two views above show the backyard as the sprinkler system was being installed and the yard after it had been landscaped. The carport was added once the yard was in along with a wood fence for privacy.

BEFORE	AFTER

BEFORE	AFTER

Right Side of House

Outdoor Living

The most shady spot in the yard is on the right side of the home. We had not planned on using Deborah's old patio furniture but when we sat it out just to see how it looked, we loved it. It gave us another comfortable sitting area that has its own charm. It is near the street and is a great place to sit with our neighbors.

BEFORE	AFTER

BEFORE	AFTER

The left side of the home had not been landscaped to any great degree. Deborah saw this side as a wonderfully charming setting with its indented courtyard feeling. Old bricks found across the street at an old home site that had recently been torn down created the inspiration for a brick patio. Deborah's fountain placed in the center of the indented area, surrounded by windows, made a wonderful focal point. Perennials plants were placed around the fountain to soften it and to help the fountain blend with the house. Opposite the fountain, Phil used rock to create an outdoor fireplace. He also made a wood screen to shield the view of two air condition compressors that were located next to the house. Perennials were planted along the screen and helped to create a pleasant path for entering the area. For Deborah's birthday, Phil gave her two medal arbors to define entrances into the cozy courtyard from the front and rear of the house. Climbing roses and hydrangeas were planted next to the arbors to form a canopy for the entrances. Phil then installed a wood fence to provide privacy from the next door neighbors.

Downstairs

Upstairs

Exterior

Hanover