Callahan + LeBleu

Maureen _{on Google}

May 11th, 2017

Design: Our property is a mixture of woods and field, rocky areas and flower beds with some strong sun and a lot of shade. Catherine and Bret took time to carefully assessed the amount of sun each area received and the depth of the soil around and between the rocks. We watched them have vibrant discussions about how a curved stone wall would help increase the soil depth in the rock garden and direct the viewer's eye along the large yard in a pleasing way. The explained their vision to us clearly and incorporated our input gladly. Catherine then interviewed us regarding any problems we may have had with wildlife enjoying our plants, shrubs and trees for their meals -- unfortunately there was a long list! She listed a number of plants that they could work with and continued by asking for our preferred color palettes. I thought to mention my allergy to fragrant flowers and, like the issue with wildlife, this was a welcomed challenge.
Build: Catherine arranged a date with us for it all to begin. We watched Bret pull in with blue stone, slate and crates and crates of plants and several shrubs and trees. He and his crew pulled out the old plants and grass in areas where we no longer wanted any. They crafted the stone wall by hand which looked like one big puzzle to master, added organic material and soil, spread out ornamental gravel in areas and laid down beautiful slabs of blue stone for a path and steps into the rock garden. It took three days and in the end my back yard was transformed into a work of art.
Enjoyment: Our gardens now bring us delight and joy summer after summer after summer. Catherine chose species that attract butterflies for their colors and birds for their seeds. We even have hummingbirds visit our yard for the very first time! The border of our patio was transformed from all grass into an 8-foot wide semi circle of herbs, shrubs and plants that have something in bloom all season. The rock garden and stone wall is now an inviting place to visit with its steps and path through so much beauty.