Good landscape design always takes its cue from architecture, but the degree to which the principle is applied will vary. If the architecture is distinctive, the landscape designer must show particular sensitivity when making changes to a site.

This French-style residence is a case in point. Constructed of a warm beige brick, the house features a turret, a slate roof and unique flagstone inlay on the exterior walls. While David Van Zelst insists on "no cookie cutter" approaches in all his firm’s work, the need for an individualized response was especially strong here.

Van Zelst, Inc. opted to reinforce the home’s French character through the use of espalier, undulating beds that echo the curves of the turret, and flagstone inlay built into the (also curving) brick walkway. Plantings of boxwood and conifers, deciduous shrubs such as viburnum, plus hostas and vinca frame the house’s facade with four seasons of green and year-round appeal.

In back, an elegant circular patio constructed of tumbled Brussels block pavers provides space for relaxing and entertaining. A clever touch is the way the pavers were then brought out to the lawn, arranged in a checkerboard pattern, and sunk into the turf. These so-called "exploding pavers" add visual interest while also providing extra gathering space for guests when outdoor parties spill over from the adjacent patio. A small kitchen garden and containers of annuals add seasonal color.