The task at this Winnetka residence was three-fold. First, there was a need to renovate the landscape in the rear of the house, originally designed by the renowned landscape architect Franz Lipp. In addition, the owners desired a new flower garden and an improved parking area. Since the house sits on a busy street, noise abatement and privacy screening were other important considerations.

In back, the outlines of the Lipp designs were respected, but new shrubs, conifers and trees were brought in to replace those that had weakened ordied over the years. Loosely pruning the woody material and curving the shape of the lawn help retain the naturalistic look preferred by the owners.

In front, the new flower garden and parking area were designed as a pair of circles connected by a curving brick walkway. Old roses and hardy perennials mingle freely in this colorful garden space where a central fountain is flanked by two gray stone benches. The parking area, resurfaced with pea gravel embedded in asphalt and edged with bricks, features foliage rather than flowers. Instead of bright colors, varying shades and textures of green make this space interesting.

To help make it quiet, trees and shrubs line the entire property line along the street. The sounds of the trickling fountain also serve to reduce street noise.