I took it as quite a compliment when this renowned artist (go to fionaross.net) asked me to design and install a seating space in her tiny back yard.  She had been inspired recently to drawing circular shapes in her artwork, and wanted to incorporate that motif.

Courtesy of Travis Fullerton

She and I went to the stone yard and tagged boulders and flagstone that would brighten and draw you into her shady yard.  When I suggested a millstone for a water feature, her husband was especially excited.

What we came up with was this circular seating area made of Tennessee variegated stone, bordered with a warm colored brick.  The walkway flairs to the side gate and back stairwell.  A new drain was installed to help the overflow of water in downpours, and a dry well dug to handle great the great amounts of run off.

The boulder fountain is a one of a kind.  We have own recipe for the catch basin (which otherwise starts at $250.00 each).  The fountain has plenty of water in hot weather and does not have to be refilled very often.  The millstone itself comes from the Yang-zee river valley.  This is one of hundreds of artifacts, which was salvaged before the new dam flooded the area.  What amazing energy this small stone holds.

This fall we will plant the beds surrounding the new outdoor room.

This project was a great example of working from space, and inspiration.  The only plan was scratches on a yellow pad, white spray paint, and flags.  Luckily, she and I “saw the same thing” so it turned out great!

Christie lives in Manakin Sabot , Virginia where she manages a 3 acre garden. Her blogs are written from her 35 years as a personal and professional gardener.