October 2, 2024
Dreaming of turning your backyard into the ultimate oasis? When it comes to creating a truly breathtaking Kansas City landscape, the perfect balance of hardscaping and water features can make all the difference. In this blog post, you'll get an up-close look at how these elements worked together to create a backyard paradise for some Kansas City homeowners.
Before diving into the details, we want to give a big shoutout to Trey’s Lawn & Landscape! We had the pleasure of teaming up with them to take this homeowner’s vision and turn it into reality. Together, we created a backyard that’s not just beautiful but also practical—an ideal space for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors. We hope this blog post gives you a closer look at this awesome backyard transformation and inspires you to start your own Kansas City landscape project!
The Project Overview: From Vision To Reality
This project was all about creating a space that feels like an extension of the home. Like many of us, these homeowners wanted a place to kick back and relax after a busy day. They also love to entertain and host family and friends for a cookout or gathering, so it was important that the design provided space for all of those activities.
Once we had a clear picture of what they wanted, we got to work! Our team at Good Earth Water Gardens led the design and construction of the water feature—a beautiful koi pond with a waterfall and spillway bowls—while Trey’s Lawn & Landscape handled the hardscaping and landscaping to bring everything together. From the flagstone patio to the custom fire pit, every piece of this project was designed to work in harmony, creating a stunning outdoor living space that these homeowners can enjoy for years to come.
One of the first tasks in creating this outdoor space was building the flagstone patio. Flagstone is an exceptional material for patios because it offers a perfect balance between natural beauty and practicality. Its durability makes it an excellent choice for withstanding the elements, while its rustic, organic appearance blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscape. The dimensional browns, terracotta hues, and neutral tones of the flagstone complement the garden design, giving the space a rich, cohesive feel with added depth.
What makes flagstone even more appealing is its slip-resistant surface, making it a safe option for areas around water features or spaces that may get wet. Its natural texture provides extra grip, which is ideal for families with children or those hosting gatherings after it rains.
And of course, this patio wasn’t just designed to look good—it’s meant to be used! Whether the homeowners want to bask in the sun, enjoy an intimate evening dinner, or simply stargaze with a glass of wine, this multi-use space is built for both relaxation and entertaining. Flagstone’s resilience means it can handle everything from outdoor furniture to heavy foot traffic, aging beautifully over time and adding character to the backyard.
What’s a backyard without a fire pit? A well-placed fire pit can completely transform an outdoor space, turning it into the ultimate gathering spot for chilly nights. These homeowners wanted a spot where they could enjoy a fire year-round—whether it’s roasting marshmallows with family, cozying up with a drink, or just enjoying the glow on a crisp evening.
A fire pit doesn’t just provide warmth; it creates an inviting atmosphere that draws people in and makes the space feel more connected. It’s one of those features that can turn an ordinary evening into something memorable. Whether you’re hosting friends or just relaxing with the family, there’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire with good company—and maybe a few s’mores!
The landscaping surrounding the patio and fire pit brings this backyard to life by adding vibrant color, texture, and lush greenery. The challenge in any landscape design is finding the right balance between visual appeal and ease of maintenance, and that’s exactly what we achieved here.
For this project, the homeowners wanted a space that felt alive and welcoming without requiring too much upkeep. By choosing a combination of colorful blooms and hardy shrubs, the landscape not only enhances the overall design but also ties together key elements like the patio, fire pit, and water feature, making the yard feel cohesive and natural.
The homeowners have a bit of a green thumb, which helps in keeping the plants thriving, but we also made sure to select varieties that are well-suited for Kansas City’s climate. This ensures that the landscape remains low-maintenance while still offering year-round beauty. And for those who prefer a hands-off approach, Trey’s Lawn & Landscape offers full-service lawn and landscape maintenance—covering everything from mowing and seasonal planting to yard clean-up. That way, homeowners can enjoy their vibrant outdoor space without dedicating their free time to maintaining it.
Of course, the water feature is where Good Earth Water Gardens truly shines. We designed and installed a koi pond with a waterfall and spillway bowls that serve as the heart of this backyard. Can’t you just imagine relaxing by the water, admiring the fish as they swim gracefully in your own backyard? It’s a peaceful retreat right at home! There’s something about the sound of running water that instantly creates a peaceful atmosphere, and that’s exactly what we aimed for.
The waterfall cascades over natural stone, producing a soft, soothing sound that can be heard throughout the yard. Positioned near the patio, the homeowners can still enjoy the gentle sound of water while dining or relaxing by the fire pit. The pond adds an additional layer of tranquility, reflecting the surrounding plants and enhancing the serene feel of the space. It also attracts local wildlife like birds and butterflies, bringing even more life to the yard.
Adding a water feature to your backyard can completely transform the atmosphere, turning an ordinary space into a peaceful retreat. Whether it's the sound of water trickling through a pond, the visual appeal of a waterfall, or the elegance of a fountain, water features have a unique ability to create a calming environment. Water features are also ideal for masking loud chatter and keeping your neighbors happy!
To take the backyard design to the next level, outdoor lighting was incorporated. Thoughtfully placed lighting can completely transform how you use your outdoor space, extending its usability well into the evening hours. For this project, lighting was added throughout the backyard to enhance both functionality and atmosphere. The right lighting not only boosts the visual appeal but also improves safety, making it easier to navigate pathways or relax by the fire pit after dark.
Proper site preparation and drainage solutions are often overlooked in backyard projects because you don’t see them, but they’re crucial for ensuring long-lasting success. Before any hardscaping or water feature installation begins, it’s important to assess the slope and soil condition of your yard. If the site isn’t properly graded, you could end up with standing water, erosion, or shifting patios.
In this project, precautions were taken to make sure the yard was properly graded to guide water away from the structures and prevent any pooling that could cause damage over time. Drainage systems were incorporated to ensure water moves efficiently through the yard. Taking the time to plan for proper drainage is one of those behind-the-scenes steps that really pays off in the long run, helping the space stay functional and beautiful for years to come.
What makes this Kansas City landscape so special is how all the elements come together to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional. The flagstone patio provides a sturdy base, the fire pit adds warmth and charm, the landscaping ties everything together, and the water feature creates a calming atmosphere. Together, these elements turn what was once just a backyard into a place where the homeowners can truly enjoy outdoor living.
This backyard is now a space where the homeowners can unwind after a long day, host friends and family, or just sit back and listen to the soothing sounds of the water feature. If you’re thinking about transforming your Kansas City landscape—whether you want a custom water feature, a new patio, or a complete landscaping overhaul—this project is proof that with the right team, anything is possible. We’re excited to continue working with partners like Trey’s Lawn & Landscape to bring more backyard dreams to life!
Ready to kick off your own Kansas City landscape project? Ask them for a free estimate and personalized design concept at (816) 804-3318. And, if you’re mostly interested in a water feature, we’d be happy to do the same! Contact our pros today to bring tranquility to your yard with a custom water feature.
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