I had my first client this semester, which brought on a great challenge and opportunity. The Hancocks not only needed their new lot to be landscaped, but they had specific needs. They wanted their brother, with cerebral palsy, to be able to access their back yard from the front driveway. They also needed a retaining wall to support their driveway. I was able to learn everything there is about installing handicap ramps and retaining walls.

So far they have installed the retaining walls and graded the area for the ramp. There's nothing more exciting than to see your plan take shape!

The Hancocks wanted an open area (in the above photo) for their children to play. We will level this area out and put in a small retaining wall. There will be just enough shrub beds to soften the house walls. Also, there will be an area on the retaining wall for a small tomato and herb garden. The tomato plants can cascade freely over the wall for ultimate sunshine and easy picking.

Above will be a nice patio enhanced with great plantings. Mrs. Hancock grew up in New England, and the house will have an east-coast look. It's only fitting to give this landscape a natural yet garden look.

Below you can see the grades I had to work with. We are retaining the driveway, but then have a middle terrace that will be a getaway courtyard with a fire-pit. It is through this courtyard that they will have access from that side entry down to the back yard.