Project Highlight: A Slowly Growing Outdoor Living Space

Slowly Growing Outdoor Living Space | gate into the garden

Often times a grand outdoor living space doesn’t start with a big project or vision. Many landscapes develop over the years as homeowners add to and modify their yards. Our clients in Carmel, IN began to transform their landscape almost 10 years ago, when they brought us in to build a second patio. They did not have big future plans, but as time went on they learned what they liked about their outdoor living space and what wasn’t quite working for them.

Slowly Growing Outdoor Living Space | patio walk

When they brought us on for their patio project, we also ended up constructing a fire pit in the lower area of their yard that overlooks a retention pond. A few years later, we were called in again to create a small pond and waterfall. We installed them close to the house so our clients could enjoy the sounds of the waterfall.

Just last year they called upon our water feature skills again—they loved their pond so much they wanted to expand it. We dug the pond wider and deeper, making adjustments as the waterfall and surrounding rocks had to be moved around some big trees.

Slowly Growing Outdoor Living Space | tall waterfall

The original challenge of creating this particular water feature was that the waterfall had to be constructed facing towards the house. Since the house was on a slope, water would naturally flow away from the house, not towards it. We had to reroute and build the waterfall so that the water would flow the way we wanted it, and we had to make it look natural.

Slowly Growing Outdoor living Space | pond and waterfall

The water feature is composed of a combination of flat sandstone, sandstone boulders, granite and a variety of other smaller rocks.

At the same time, we made repairs to their patio. Tree roots had heaved some of their pavers, so we removed part of the patio, dug up the roots, and reset the pavers. The patio looks brand new again, which is a nice advantage to a paver patio versus a concrete one—pavers can be easily lifted up and replaced without destroying the whole thing.

Slowly Growing Outdoor Living Space | patio

Our clients also had us move their fire pit closer to their house. They hadn’t used it like they thought they would, and as they grew older they had some ambulatory issues to overcome. Now that the fire pit is right next to their house, it is easier for them to get to it and enjoy.

Slowly Growing Outdoor Living Space | fire pit

The fire pit area lies between the patios and the pond—we chose a flat Tennessee sandstone, to create a smooth, natural surface that would tie the patios and the pond together.

Due to their ambulatory issues, they had us flatten out some areas to make it easier for them to get around their yard. They use their outdoor space frequently, and have even installed a hot tub next to their pond. They call us whenever they have a need or idea. We are there to help them grow their yard into a beautiful space for them to enjoy throughout the different stages of life. Questions about this project? Send us an email or give us a call at (317) 997-4803.


Eagleson Landscape Company provides landscape and hardscape services in the Greater Indianapolis area, including Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Fishers and Geist.

Eagleson Meadows