Idyllic Pathways: Stroll-Worthy Landscapes

(Landscape Design: Lynch Landscape, Photography: CM Images, LLC)

What better way to welcome spring than a light stroll outside? The joy of taking in the first signs of the season, with its new pops of color and long-awaited blooms is simply beyond words. Thoughtfully designed pathways through fluid landscapes allow nature to be experienced in a deeply immersive way, where its textures, shapes, and tones encourage a sense of presence with every step. 

What if those mindful meanderings could take place right in your very own backyard? Featuring the talents of leading landscape architects, the following designs are more than worthy of a good roam.

The Narrow Lane: Nature’s Timepiece

Merging past and present, The Narrow Lane aimed to create a seamless transition between an original garden and a newer installation. The challenge was to ensure the additions felt timeless, as if they had always been a part of the landscape. The repetition of existing plant materials ensures continuity, while new plant additions create a soft, delicate contrast to the powerful presence of stone.

(Landscape Design: The Narrow Lane, Photography: Lisa Pierce)

To achieve this, the team handpicked natural stone for both texture, size, and timeless charm. Charting the course from an intimate, enclosed space toward expansive views beyond, the carefully placed stepping stones blend naturally into the garden with one final landing stone serving as a resting place to pause and take in the scenery.

The MacDowell Company: Elevation and Light

Faced with significant grading challenges between well-traversed areas, The MacDowell Company designed a landscape that balances function and beauty.

(Landscape Design: The MacDowell Company, Photography: Gregg Shupe)

A wide natural stone staircase, capped with bluestone, gracefully connects the upper courtyard with the lower driveway. A winding path, bordered by perennial blooms, leads to a secluded terrace—a sweet sanctuary to linger, reflect, and simply be. 

(Landscape Design: The MacDowell Company, Photography: Gregg Shupe)

Throughout the landscape, recessed lighting fixtures illuminate evening strolls, carefully placed at the base of specimen trees and along pathways to create a captivating nighttime glow.

(Landscape Design: The MacDowell Company)

Sudbury Design Group: For the Love of Leisure

This landscape designed by Sudbury Design Group is a celebration of structure and softness, where manicured terraces and geometric hardscapes blend seamlessly with cascading greenery.

(Landscape Design: Sudbury Design Group)

Sleek seating areas encourage pause and connection, with a shimmering pool holding court as a central oasis. Beneath a shady pergola, the dining area creates a perfect setting for relaxation or entertaining.

(Landscape Design: Sudbury Design Group)

Lynch Landscape: Woodland Paradise 

Nestled within a wooded setting, Lynch Landscape harmonizes modern outdoor living with natural elements. 

(Landscape Design: Lynch Landscape, Photography: CM Images, LLC)

Framed by a sleek linear gas fire pit and an outdoor kitchen, the deck serves as a sophisticated yet inviting gathering space.

(Landscape Design: Lynch Landscape, Photography: CM Images, LLC)

The plant and hardscape palette mirrors the organic beauty of the site’s natural rock ledges, preserving the inherent beauty of the lush property.

(Landscape Design: Lynch Landscape, Photography: CM Images, LLC)

Karen Sebastian LLC: Lush Splendor

This historic property’s mature landscape, with its towering presence of Beech, Elm, and Hemlock trees, required a sensitive approach by Karen Sebastian LLC to enhance circulation and flow throughout the landscape. Privacy from the street was enhanced with understory trees and shrubs, while natural stone moss-covered steps guide visitors along a woodland path, drawing them deeper into the garden. 

(Landscape Design: Karen Sebastian, LLC)

A magnificent Beech Tree, underplanted with Liriope and framed by a rounded fieldstone edge, anchors the entry drive.

(Landscape Design: Karen Sebastian, LLC)

A raised granite planting bed leads from the parking court to the backyard, culminating in a round granite terrace with a built-in seat wall, nestled into the slope and surrounded by lush plantings.

ZEN Associates: A Journey Through Stone and Water

Enchanting stone arrangements, sculptural plantings, and powerful landforms coalesce into a tranquil retreat designed by ZEN Associates. With a thoughtfully designed path system, visitors can wander freely amidst the existing landscape and the garden’s meditative spaces.

(Landscape Design: ZEN Associates)

Overlooking a glistening dry stone bay, the upper garden unfolds in the distance, with the gentle sounds of a water basin creating a natural soundtrack to accompany the journey.

(Landscape Design: ZEN Associates)

From the lower level of the house, winding paths offer multiple routes to explore the landscape, each one unveiling a new perspective of the garden’s diverse qualities.

Indresano Corporation: Pastoral Reverie

Echoing the charm of a storied countryside retreat, Indresano Corporation weaves together rustic and refined qualities. 

(Landscape Design: Indresano Corporation)

Meandering slab pathways and fieldstone walls guided visitors through a scene of mature trees, hydrangeas, and massed perennials. 

(Landscape Design: Indresano Corporation)

Room to Wander

By blending natural materials with intentional pathway sequences, these spaces are experiential, transportive, and immersive. Through beautiful design, visitors are encouraged to wander, explore, and savor the journey---whether it be a short stroll or a long, leisurely day of basking in the great outdoors.