Before & After Pathway

Our clients came to us looking to create a functional and durable pathway to get to their backyard while keeping in line with the existing elements of their beautiful wooded property. The design challenges of this project included many tree roots, big stumps, and a dog run. We recreated the space by rebuilding their existing boulder wall near the driveway and continued it along the pathway. This element in the design plan provided a barrier in front of the slope (to prevent material sliding onto the walkway) while also creating an area behind the wall to place natural woodland plantings. The walkway was built out of concrete pavers for durability and offered the look of natural flagstone. We created an additional small boulder wall at the entry of the driveway which allowed us to cover up the large roots and made a space for more plantings in order to to soften the...

Before & After- East Grand Rapids Hardscape

This house was completely gutted on the inside and demolished on the outside. Truckloads of brush were taken out and unhealthy trees were removed. The front entry stairway could not be repaired or salvaged in any way and had to be taken out along with a nonfunctional deck in the back yard. The front entry was redesigned and rebuilt using Rosetta Kodah Wall and Dimensional Steps. A large patio was installed in the back. We used Dimensional Steps and Kodah Wall again in the back in a creative way to create steps down from the back slider. A limestone retaining wall was built in the back and includes perennial plantings and trees for screening. It doubles as seating around the patio as well. In the end, we created a highly functional space for the new homeowners containing lawn and planting areas, space for entertaining, and a front yard with exceptional curb...

Before & After: The Preserve

 The Preserve is a condominium community located on Cannonsburg Rd just east of Northland Dr. The intent of this design was to tie in the new landscape with the natural beauty of the area. The before picture shows the area just after the boulders were placed and before the plants were installed. The boulders give the berms elevation and structure and also add texture and contrast to the landscape. The perennials and grasses give the landscape a natural and polished look while the annuals add color and...

Backyard Makeover: Waterfall & Pond

Water features can add a real tranquility to a setting. This home had a beautiful backyard to begin with, but the homeowners wanted the sound and beauty of a water feature. The plan was to install a waterfall and pond and was expanded to include a bluestone path from their deck, plus a small patio. They added a bistro set, bird houses, low voltage lighting and a new step to complete the area. To top it off, Knapp Valley added some goldfish to the pond. The homeowners really enjoyed working with the Knapp Valley crew and felt they did an “outstanding” job! They are very happy with their new backyard...

Before & After: Bluestone Patio

A couple called Knapp Valley a few weeks before the fourth of July with hopes to have a natural bluestone patio designed and installed at their lake house in time for a holiday get together with friends and family. Knapp Valley came through with flying colors and had the patio along with a fireplace, retaining walls and some steps installed with plenty of time to spare before the party. A wonderful outdoor space overlooking a lake was created and will be enjoyed for years to...

Feature Landscape Makeover

This feature landscape job shows a complete transformation of a yard. The landscape surrounding the home was filled with overgrown and unattractive vegetation. To make over the yard, all old vegetation was removed and new landscape beds were installed. A beautiful bluestone pathway leading to the front entrance was laid, as well as a similar bluestone patio in the backyard and a bluestone pathway on the side of the home.   After the pool was installed, a waterfall and cabana were put in to complement the pool area and help create the perfect backyard hangout.   The homeowners were very pleased with the results and love their backyard!  ...
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