The Big Job: Comprehensive Outdoor Living Space
A Landscape Transformation
At Earthly Possibilities Landscaping, we enjoy naming our projects—it personalizes the experience for our clients and streamlines communication within our team. This extensive backyard transformation in Des Moines was aptly dubbed "The Big Job," a name that emerged naturally and, as you'll see, quite fittingly.
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The journey began when the homeowners, having recently relocated to Des Moines and purchased a new home, faced a backyard that didn't meet their vision or needs. The existing patios were disjointed and cramped, unsuitable for the large gatherings they envisioned. An outdated, unused wood-burning fireplace and unappealing boulder retaining walls did little to enhance the space.
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Understanding the homeowners’ desire for a fresh, modern look that could accommodate both intimate family dinners and large gatherings, we embarked on a comprehensive redesign. Our plan was ambitious, aiming to create a seamless flow from the house to the pool area with ample space for entertainment and relaxation.
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We chose 14" Chopped Castlewood Ledge Rock to replace the inadequate retaining walls. This material, due to its substantial weight and consistency, not only provided the necessary structural integrity but also added a refined aesthetic to the landscape. For the patios, we selected Unilock Beacon Hill pavers, renowned for their quality and beauty, accented with Copthorne banding to define the edges sharply.
We constructed several sets of natural stone stairs using 48" Kasota stone step treads to navigate the backyard’s varying grades gracefully, connecting the multiple levels of the property with both elegance and functionality.
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Anticipating future enhancements, we prepared the groundwork for an ultimate outdoor kitchen near the inground pool area. We built footings under the patio during this phase to avoid future disruptions. This foresight allows for easy integration of amenities like electricity and running water when the clients are ready to proceed, ensuring that the outdoor kitchen will be a fully functional culinary space complemented by a 20' x 20' pavilion for shaded relaxation.
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The project culminated in a dramatically re-graded backyard with new sod for a lush, inviting lawn. The redesigned space now boasts multiple natural stone walkways that lead through varied patio areas, offering both aesthetic appeal and practical outdoor use.
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“Pat & Cody with Earthly Possibilities did an amazing job with my backyard. It had steep hills with a dry wash at the bottom. Between that & the overgrowth it was extremely difficult to mow. They presented a solution & created a gorgeous patio & retaining wall, complete with a stepping stone path across. Their work is exemplary & their attitudes are warm yet professional.”
— Theresa B. via Google
