Modern, Asian-flavored garden before & after

Another of my neighbor’s gardens – this one is not to be missed on Garden Walk Buffalo (Saturday & Sunday, July 27 & 28).

I’ve always enjoyed this garden for its park-like vibe, and its Asian garden influence. The Asian bit doesn’t hit you over the head, it’s not necessarily the first thing you get from its design, nor what you’re left with – it looks very “laid-back contemporary,” if that’s a thing. The gardeners, Don and Jeff, have done the design and work themselves, slowly over time. It’s still evolving.

Of the many great and clever features of this garden is the fact that they created an elevation change in the garden by taking the soil from nearer the house, as well as the soil dug up from building a pond, and built up the area around the tree, making it one slight step up to a patio area and creating symmetrical garden rooms at the back of the garden. It helps that the tree is pretty much centered in the back yard. Most gardeners aren’t that lucky!

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If you’d like to see some past Befores & Afters, visit:

• A Cottage District Before & After
• Building a Koi pond
• Before & After (17 years)

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Here’s a look at a few befores and afters. Don gave me the before photos to use in my book Buffalo-Style Gardens. I was only able to use one, so you get to see more of the garden here!

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Here’s more…

Note that the french doors were added later in the process. Previously, the only access to the back yard was by a side door between the two houses.

And more…

Using a diagonal path across the entire yard makes it seem larger. I love that dry-stacked pillar with capstone – how easy is that to make – it’s just a pile of stones!

Here’s more shots from their yard to enjoy. I will post about their front yard at some point in the future, it’s worthy of its own post!

The entryway to the garden sets the Asian influence.

I’ve always dug that perfectly hung swag lamp, hanging from a tree limb.

Low walls, slight height variations, and path materials define garden areas.

The small deck off the house. Makes me want a gin & tonic.

The “sitting room” opposite the dining area.