When the size of this Barrington estate doubled overnight from five acres to ten, the owners called Van Zelst, Inc. to develop a master plan that would seamlessly integrate the two properties. They also wished to introduce herbaceous borders, patios, and walkways to graciously connect the swimming pool, tennis court and gazebo that are located behind the house. They wanted to refine the front-of-the-house plantings as well.

A key tactic in linking the newly acquired property to the old was regrouping some existing, mature trees in order to open up views and redirect sight lines towards a distant woods, marsh, and pond. This involved digging up and moving conifers as tall as twenty feet.

The scale of the flower gardens and hardscape work was no less ambitious. Broad curving walkways of rose and gray unit pavers now sweep along the pool, flanked with an array of colorful perennials and ornamental grasses. Careful soil preparation and maintenace ensured a grand display even the first year after planting.

Numerous deciduous trees such as maples, honey locusts and river birches were added and are already producing welcome splashes of color for the autumn landscape. In winter, the colors are more subdued, but the landscape continues to provide scenes of enduring beauty, hanks to the careful attention paid to structure in the Van Zelst design.