A Low-Maintenance and Accessible Outdoor Retreat
Design by
Michael Blazing
When landscape designer Michael Blazing first met Bob, he was looking for inspiration for his new outdoor space on the Weller Brothers website. Bob’s goal was clear: he wanted a patio that was accessible, cohesive with his home, and, most importantly, low maintenance.
Bob’s existing outdoor space didn’t suit his mobility needs, nor did it match the style of his home. So, when he came to Michael, he knew he needed a design that would address both of these issues while offering a seamless extension of his living area.
Understanding the Vision
To start, Bob shared some of his favorite Weller Brothers projects — specifically those that featured water elements and natural stone — giving Michael a clear direction for the design. With this insight, Michael crafted a plan that would suit Bob’s needs and preferences.
Designing an Accessible Patio
The first step was designing the patio itself. Michael and the team selected large, tile-sized pavers to create a smooth and stable surface. This choice not only enhanced accessibility but also reduced the risk of issues that could arise with smaller, uneven stones.
To make the space level and usable, we added a short retaining wall with built-in seating. The wall was constructed using the same stone that adorned the exterior of Bob’s home, ensuring the patio felt like a natural extension of the house rather than a separate area.
Adding Functionality
Once the patio was in place, our team turned their attention to enhancing the space’s functionality. Bob wanted a fire pit that was both easy to use and low maintenance. We opted for a gas fire pit, which allowed him to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of a fire without the hassle of chopping wood or cleaning out ashes. The gas firepit became a central feature, adding both elegance and serenity to the space.
The Challenge: Designing the Perfect Water Feature
While the patio and firepit came together smoothly, the real challenge lay in incorporating a water feature. Bob wanted the peaceful sound of flowing water to be audible from both the patio and the screened porch. Michael knew the water feature needed to be placed near the house to achieve this, but the real challenge was to make it visible and enjoyable from both areas.
After experimenting with several designs, Michael had a solution: two small water features, placed strategically to flow together. One feature would face the house, while the other would face the patio. This clever design ensured the water could be enjoyed from both locations and created a calming, harmonious flow that added ambiance to the entire space.
A Low-Maintenance Solution
The result was a beautiful and functional outdoor retreat that exceeded Bob’s expectations. Not only did the design enhance the home’s overall aesthetic, but the low-maintenance features were a huge win for Bob. Thanks to regularly scheduled maintenance visits from our team, Bob doesn’t have to worry about upkeep.
The Final Project
The final result transformed what was once just a house with a patio into a beautiful, functional home with an outdoor living space that Bob can enjoy for years to come — without the worry of constant lawn maintenance. It’s the perfect balance of accessibility, style, and functionality.
At Weller Brothers, we turn visions into realities while ensuring your experience is as enjoyable as your completed project. Are you ready to bring your vision to life? Let our landscape design team in Sioux Falls, SD, Rochester, MN or Des Moines, IA help you.
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