This beautiful Wyckoff residence is a new construction home, and Borst's Terry McMahon certainly had her work cut out for her when creating its equally beautiful new construction landscape!

While discussing the homeowner's visions, Terry learned that the owner is  a longtime Wyckoff resident  who admires the carriage-house look and detail that speak of a love for horses and family history. The home's architect had created a suggested landscape plan, which Terry redesigned considerably while incorporating walls, walkways, a deck, and a very challenging driveway.

Easily the most complicated element of Terry's plan, the driveway had to accommodate multiple cars, multiple angled garage bays, and a turn-around for easy and safe entering and exiting. The turn-around solution came in the form of a circular portion of the driveway. It is adjacent to the garage bays and ties in with the main entrance, which allows vehicles to arrive and park while others can exit safely. A handsome Red Sunset Maple was planted in the center circle of the turn-around, serving as the focal point for the driveway. The driveway is framed with a double-Belgian block curb and border which also manages water drainage for the site. The driveway is paved in an elegant arched Belgian block apron that complements the natural stone and architectural lines of the new house.

Grade changes also provide a dramatic element to this Wyckoff landscape. The property sits higher at the road and lower at the driveway and front entrance. Beautiful straight and curvilinear natural stone walls were designed to retain the grade while creating a dramatic aesthetic effect. Inviting walkways were designed with a natural cleft, full-range color bluestone with a recycled brick border. Plantings were carefully selected to create a natural privacy barrier from the road and an open, accenting effect in the rear. One feature, a historic stained glass window in the rear overlooking the pond, reflects the owner's family history. Plantings now frame this stained glass window while accenting the natural stone veneer along the rest of the foundation.

The initial lot coverage was very sparse and Terry and the homeowner continue to choose favorite, sustainable plantings to fill it in. Some of the plants already selected are hydrangea varieties including Endless Summer, Limelight and Lady in Red, as well as a fragrant viburnum that was planted in the front yard to help create a welcoming atmosphere with its amazing scent.

Strategic lighting will cast Terry's finishing touches when the final landscape elements are in place this spring. She is looking forward to illuminating the driveway and its center tree as well as highlighting the rest of the property's natural stones and beautiful plantings with well-chosen and well-placed outdoor lights.