Wide Open SPACES

A suburban lawn and garden get the farmhouse treatment to create a simple yet beautiful rambling green space.

- MICHELLE MASTRO

Life on the farm is all about crafting those quintessential wide-open spaces. But even if you're residing in a suburban neighborhood, you can still usher in a hint of the farm's simple splendor and down-to-earth landscape. Joseph Richardson, principal and founder of Richardson & Associates Landscape Architecture, did just that in a Washington, D.C. abode, where he brought in traditional garden touches balanced with modern fare-like a putting green-to make some truly original outdoors.

DREAM LAND

"This particular house was one our clients fell in love with the moment they moved into the neighborhood," says Joseph. The homeowners had first bought another home on the block but then purchased this house when it became available. "They loved the Queen Anne style architecture with its historical character and hired an architect to help renovate the house; then we came in," says Joseph. "We picked up from the porch steps, thinking about the design of all the hardscape, from patios and plantings to lighting and irrigation."

The homeowners had some specific requests. They asked for a small entertaining patio with seating that could accommodate six guests comfortably and expand out based on needs. They also wanted a small lounge and fire pit. "The idea for a putting green disappeared and then was worked back in," Joseph says. "Of course, they wanted the open lawn space for their kids to kick around a soccer ball."

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS