Softening a hardscape

Seen here in its "before" state, this renovation project included only eight new plants. One of Connolly's biggest challenges was to design around a 40-year-old pool, which dominated the relatively small back yard. "Thankfully, I was able to specify the new pool tile and plaster color in coordination with the rest of the yard," he says. "Much of the other hardscapes were dilapidated and dysfunctional — and were removed. Much of the existing vegetation, on the other hand, remained."

Connolly had to create cohesiveness between old and new elements in a confined space. "One way to achieve this was to analyze and understand important qualities of the house, pool, and existing vegetation," he explains. "Rectangular patterns from the house became my inspiration for a series of metal panels, which I introduced as an alternative to simply replacing the old wood fence. Playing with the rectangular shapes of the windows, doors, and bricks, I created one modular design that was flipped and/or rotated to create four different patterns."

Rectangular patterns from the house were also inspirational in the spa, fire pit and outdoor kitchen designs. The color scheme for the three structures, each painted a different color, was inspired by the existing Strelitzia reginae. "The African Bird of Paradise flower is primarily orange, but also contains blues and purples in the centers," notes Connolly.

Connolly connected the interior and exterior by extending the interior red brick flooring out into the landscape. "Three separate landings were designed at three sliding glass doors," he says. "From the house, the brick landings repeat the diagonal line of the pool, and create a rhythmic pattern along the back of the house. The landings function as a critical transition from the rectangular house to the diagonal pool edge, as well as from the interior to exterior. The landings also serve as intimate sitting areas for morning coffee, reading or a glass of wine."

The new landscape was designed to accommodate the "old" furniture and container plants, which Connolly rearranged into their new environment. "An easily accessible potting table was needed. Rather than hide it, I designed a new table to be an attractive part of the entertaining area," he notes. "This workspace can be easily transformed into a buffet table and/or bar." Connolly added can lights above the table and all along the soffits to highlight plants and hardscapes. FX Luminaire low-voltage spotlights provide additional lighting throughout the landscape. "A blue filter enhances the green plantain, while a red filter gives the illusion of a red glow from the firepit," he says.