August 2024

Stepping It Up: Terrace Your Outdoor Space

Don Hartsell of Carolina Solid Rock Masonry makes even the most difficult jobs look easy. His 38 years of experience enables him to assess any landscape and visualize how to maximize its potential. Such was the case when he met Jim and Jennifer, a retired couple who needed help with a challenging backyard. The steeply sloped terrain was hazardous after heavy rains, with erosion creating the perfect recipe for a slip and slide down the hill.

Don recommended a terraced backyard – supported by a secure and attractive retaining wall and easily accessible by large stone stairs. This plan of action provided a firm foundation for an attractive patio, a dedicated green space, and room for plantings.

After receiving the necessary HOA stamp of approval, Don and his team placed 300 blocks to hold soil that had been repurposed from around the yard. An additional four yards of topsoil was hauled in.

The block retaining wall needed to be faced with an appealing material that would complement the house. Echo Ridge Country Ledgestone, with stone wall caps and steps, was a great match.

The flatwork was the next decision to tackle. Don took Jim and Jennifer to our Inspiration Garden to see the many display patios and pathways. They loved the Pennsylvania flagstone. While at the store, the couple became captivated by a Triple Basalt fountain and were referred to installer Ted Deller of Deller’s Water Works, who collaborated with Don on the project.

The masons poured eight yards of concrete to create the curved patio surface, then three tons of PA flagstone were carefully puzzled together. Jim tells us: “Don and his crew came early, worked hard and were good communicators.”

Following Ted’s instructions, Don left a four-foot diameter opening in the patio for the disappearing fountain. Ted then worked his magic and placed three drilled basalt columns into a durable, pre-formed basin.

Ted covered the basin with cheerful, multicolor River Rounds and the water feature became the focal point of the entire project.

Rigo Hernandez and his team at Good Hands Landscaping brought the hardscaping to life as he artfully placed the natural elements. Palm trees introduce a tropical flair, and vibrant plantings add touches of color.

Down the side of the house, Don added stepping stones nestled in mulch. Click here to take a walk down this garden path and view the entire backyard in this wonderful video.

Jim and Jennifer, originally from Wisconsin, spent the past decade in Charlotte, NC, before deciding to move to Wilmington in 2020. Jennifer explains that “the ocean was calling.” With the erosion issue resolved, they take great pleasure in their beautiful backyard, where the soothing sound of a burbling fountain and a lush, green lawn create an inviting space for their family and their beloved dog, Bear. “The patio is such a nice enhancement and now the whole yard is useable.”

Till We Meet Again: Nina Brown’s Departure

Dear Friends,

I have news to share with you. After founding and nurturing Stone Garden for the past 25 years, the time has come for me to move on to the next chapter of my life. My last day is Wednesday, September 4th.

It is with very mixed emotions that I depart. My biggest regret will be leaving the wonderful customers who have supported me and the business since its opening in 1999, with just one row of stone pallets in Mr. Nixon’s front yard. I will dearly miss all of you who drop by the store and share stories, projects and dreams for making your homes and gardens more beautiful. It has been my greatest honor to know you. Together we built something amazing – the power of place.

I leave you in the confident hands of the Store Manager, Emily Damasco, who has been Stone Garden’s MVP for over 22 years; and with 13 amazing employees you all know and love (Ryan, Jon, Ted, Kim, Jamie, Nancy, Liz, AJ, Bill, Evelyn, Matthew, Jessica and Charlie).

With many fond memories, I say goodbye … and till we meet again.

– Nina