Sunny Front Yard Retreat for the Waals

January 30, 2025

LOCATION: Victoria BC | TYPE: Patio | COMPLETED: 2006 | CLIENT: Private Residence | Budget: $8,000

Introduction

The Waals had a large deodara tree towering in their front yard that not only dropped messy debris but also had them worried after a few intense windstorms. While taking it down would bring in some much-needed sunshine—especially since their backyard was mostly shaded—it would also remove the natural privacy they relied on from the road. Determined to make the most of this new sunny spot while still keeping some seclusion, they decided on a front-yard patio as the perfect solution.

What They Wanted

A sunny space to relax, since the back of their home had too much shade.
Better privacy from street traffic and neighbors.
An attractive entrance that would complement their home’s curb appeal.

Challenges:

The entire front yard and driveway both sloped toward the house, funneling rainwater directly to the front door. This became a real concern when an unusually heavy downpour hit just before construction, causing water to pool up against the entry. The Waals worried about future storms and needed a solution that would properly manage runoff without compromising their new patio.

What They Tried:

The Waals had an existing DIY patio in place, which initially served them well but eventually settled and became uneven. The retaining wall was built with old landscape ties that had deteriorated over time, and the paver-style surface didn’t allow rainwater to soak through, contributing to runoff issues. On top of that, the patio felt too cramped for comfortable seating or entertaining.

They realized they needed a more spacious, durable design—one that would allow water to permeate through the joints, reduce pooling, and create an inviting front-yard retreat.

What We Did for Them

We solved the drainage problem and fulfilled the Waals’ desire for a sunny outdoor retreat. Here’s how:

Drainage & Dry Well
We dug down approximately three feet to install a drain and connected it to the home’s existing storm system. We also created a large dry well under the new patio area to handle any future heavy rain events, ensuring water would never pool at their door again.
Pennsylvania Bluestone Patio & Path
We used Pennsylvania bluestone for the front patio, giving it a natural, timeless look. A matching pathway connects the patio to the driveway, creating a sense of destination in the garden and an invitation to explore.
Dry-Stacked Stone Wall
A low, dry-stacked stone wall adds structure and helps create a sense of enclosure. This not only boosts curb appeal but also offers some visual privacy from the road.
New Gardens
Over the years, deodara needles had compromised the soil beneath. We replaced it with fresh, nutrient-rich soil suited to the garden’s mixed sunlight exposure—enough sun for flowering rhododendrons yet still partial shade due to surrounding forest. Rhodos were an ideal choice as they’re evergreen, offer beautiful blooms, and won’t grow as large or unwieldy as the original deodara, ensuring both privacy and lasting curb appeal.

The Results:

Sunny, Inviting Space
The Waals now enjoy morning coffee and relaxed evenings in a front yard that finally captures the sun they were missing.
Increased Privacy
The new wall and landscaping buffer the road, making it a more peaceful spot to entertain guests or unwind after work.
Secure Drainage
No more worries about front-door flooding. The drain, dry well, and improved grading ensure that rainwater is efficiently handled.
Boosted Curb Appeal
The combination of natural stone and fresh greenery gives the property a polished, welcoming look—instantly noticeable from the street.

Ready to Create Your Own Private Retreat?

If you’re facing a privacy issue or want to turn your backyard into a peaceful escape, we can help. Whether it’s designing a custom flagstone patio or transforming your outdoor space, our expertise in creating beautiful, functional landscapes will make your vision a reality.