January 2024
Right on Pointe
Nestled within Compass Pointe is this inviting outdoor space. Overlooking the golf course, the 450 square-foot, two-level terrace was carved out of sloping terrain. It all began with a desire for a grilling area and a hot tub that wouldn’t be seen from the dining room windows of the home.
The homeowners sought the expertise of landscape designer Jason Steveson at Green Side Up of Wilmington. Backed by over 30 years of experience in the industry, Jason created a cohesive plan that combines the ideal hardscape with supporting plantings. He tells us:
“We started with structural elements that go with the setting and how the homeowners want to use the space, so the bones of the project are strong.”
Exploring material options at Stone Garden, the owners chose Silver Travertine to coordinate with their home. The travertine makes a great capstone and matching step treads. It’s paired with a sea-shell tabby finish for the vertical surfaces (seating wall, grill cabinet, step riser) to echo the tabby already on the foundation of the house.
“I’m a big proponent of using just a few materials to give an overall cohesiveness to the outdoor area,” says Jason.
He and his team handled the entire construction including the hardscaping, landscaping and lighting. Now they also maintain the property which keeps the original vision intact. They’ve been serving the Wilmington area since February 2005.
The travertine is laid out in a traditional French pattern using four individual pieces of varying size. The outdoor kitchen cabinet protects the grill from the wind and houses a convenient refrigerator. The curved seating wall of tabby, capped with travertine, defines the space making an intimate cooking and dining area. On the lower level is an expansive lounging area adjacent to the hot tub. Once the hardscape was in place, plants were added according to Jason’s intricate plan.
“I create with the idea of the mature sizes and shapes in mind. The right plant in the right space is important. For this home we used several crepe myrtles, the smaller dwarf variety, that won’t overpower the setting.”
Behind the hot tub, a row of arborvitae is used as a low-maintenance privacy screen. Camellias and a variety of ornamental grasses add color and texture.
A Chocolate Gray retaining wall, capped with the same flagstone out of the mountains of NC, softens the lines of the patio and creates a cozy enclave for plants. It matches several other such gardens throughout the property. A staircase of substantial TN fieldstone is flanked with decorative pebbles.
Now the homeowners get to enjoy outdoor relaxation and entertaining in a space that is both beautiful and functional – it’s right on pointe.
Airlie Gardens: FREE Admission!
Photo by Bernadette Baker
The first Sunday of each month, New Hanover County residents are admitted to Arlie Gardens FREE of charge! TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE AND CAN SELL OUT. Valid ID or proof of residency must be shown upon arrival. One New Hanover County ID is valid for 2 adults and their children.
Click Here to Reserve