Stone Stairway and Hillside Retreat: Phase II Landscaping and Lighting 

After completing Phase I of our Stellar Stone Stairway and Hillside Retreat Project, we planned Phase II alongside our clients to incorporate plants and lighting. 

Our goal was to protect and enhance the natural beauty of the boulders, Redi-Rock staircase, and fire pit set within the clients’ lush backyard. As our hardscape preparation and staircase installation had created a clean slate, we wanted to add plants and lighting within the open pockets to reestablish the yard’s natural appearance and create well-lit gathering spaces and safe pathways. 

To bring this vision to life, JBLC’s team installed:

  • Pachysandra and Myrtle in between the boulders surrounding the stone staircase
  • Low-voltage LED light fixtures to illuminate the steps and the fire pit patio
  • “Up” light fixtures at the base of the existing trees on the hillside 

 

 

 

 

The boulders, Redi-Rock staircase, and fire pit are on a hillside that gets varying amounts of sun and shade.

To account for this and potential soil erosion due to the wind, rainfall, snow, and ice that comprise northeastern Ohio’s fluctuating weather conditions, we chose to install Pachasandra and Myrtle as ground cover.

These add visual interest to the hillside project. The appealing green foliage will continue to fill in over time, matching the natural appearance of the surrounding landscape.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To ensure that the newly created pathways offer safe passage and easy navigation, we installed environmentally friendly and cost-effective low-voltage LED lighting, which is our preference for JBLC’s landscape lighting projects.

The same light fixtures were placed around the firepit area to provide effective sightlines along the landing pathway and highlight the boulders around the gathering space.

To complete the lighting, we placed “up” lights at the base of multiple existing trees to help showcase the beautiful wooded area surrounding this hillside retreat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And… there is still more to come! We have another phase in development.

Stay tuned for Phase III, which will include a natural stone pool surround and patio, the placement of additional boulders, another set of steps, lighting, and more landscaping! 

Could your landscape benefit from similar creative solutions? We are interested in learning more about your project ideas. 

Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Find details about JBLC’s landscape and hardscape design process.