This Cozy Garden Space Was Made for Fall Entertaining

Text by Holly Seng

After working with Birmingham, Alabama-based landscape architect David Brush to redesign their front yard, these homeowners were ready to tackle the remainder of their outdoor space—and luckily, they knew just who to call.

“The clients are a young, fun, and energetic family,” says David Brush. “They, like many similar families with adolescent kids and active lifestyles, challenged me with creating a series of spaces that fit their family’s needs and could also be adaptable over time.”

David’s 25 years in the business prepared him for the extensive makeover made more difficult due to strict building guidelines. A low wall previously divided the yard into two areas—one paved and the other sunken grass—which seemed to emphasize its compact size. After identifying a few existing assets they wished to preserve, including a 100-year-old water oak and a cedar fence, the team set out to reimagine the remaining 90 percent of the yard. The results brought four cozy, distinct spaces that each offer a unique and functional addition to the garden.

While the pool and outdoor kitchen are summer favorites, come autumn, nothing beats the comfy living area outfitted with both a brick wood-burning fireplace and TV, making it the ideal hangout for football games—especially once the cooler temperatures set in. Pea gravel lends an organic feel while its permeability, paired with an extensive French drain system beneath, helped satisfy the local building code requirements.

The stone patio and wooden trellis were scaled back and now play host to the outdoor dining spot. Bistro lights and a warm throw ensure the space can be enjoyed long after the sun sets. A grouping of planters built into the fence creates a captivating display for plants and seasonal accents such as miniature pumpkins.

What was once a cramped and unused backyard was transformed into a multipurpose outdoor oasis. “These spaces are organized in such a way that they each have their own distinctive flavor while knitting collectively into an overall canvas whose primary function is a gathering space,” David says.