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We love wrapping up a year and reviewing all of our accomplishments as ecological landscape designers & builders. So, in that spirit, we’ve selected our seven best landscape designs of 2020 to share with you. Let us know which is your favorite!!

#7 Coyote Woods in the Cradle of the Forest | Irvington, NY

This Landscape Design Master Plan focused on revitalizing some seriously overgrown foundation plantings, and creating safe play areas for the young family in the backyard.

The property was also plagued by clogged storm drains, standing water, and mosquitos (not a nice play environment!) so we included stormwater management in our overall design goals.

We also updated the front entrance masonry, using large irregularly cut bluestone that clearly designates what entrance to use (the previous design was confusing and seemed to emphasize the side door over the front door).

Learn more about the project on our previous blog! Elegant Front Landscaping with Stone Masonry

#6 Shangri-La: Ecological Restoration & Dam Construction | South Salem, NH

We restored the water level of this freshwater pond by constructing a concrete dam and footbridge with J-R-One Contracting. The dam allows the pond water level to stay consistent enough to support native plants and aquatic life, and also allows for overflow into the watershed during high rain events.

GJL planted the banks with a native mix of perennials and grasses to help stabilize the slope, purify the water and create aquatic and pollinator habitat. The riparian border around the pond is a direct extension of the nearby wet meadow, connecting habitats within the estate and the larger bordering forest.’

Learn more about this South Salem project on our previous blogs:

Pond & Wetland Native Planting w. Dam Construction

Dam Construction, Pond & Wetland Restoration

#5: Lakeside Retreat: Bird’s Eye View in the Cradle of the Clouds | Holmes, NY

Of course we had to include this stunning lakefront property in our Best Landscape Designs of 2020. GJL was hired to reimagine this slope — to make it more beautiful, stabilized and ecologically productive. We utilized many different erosion control devices to construct terraced garden beds before planting.

The planting palette selected is a mix of shrubs, ornamental grasses and perennials for full sun. We also uncovered and accentuated some of the bedrock, a great natural feature of the property!

Now, the slope looks fabulous from the water, the home and the walkway. We love how the lake breezes and afternoon light hits the ornamental grasses!

Learn more about the landscape design and the installation of this project on our previous blogs:

Hillside Garden: Landscaping a Steep Slope for Erosion Control

Hillside Stabilization Planting with Lakeside Views

#4 Harvest Hill and the Terrace of the Sun |Hastings, NY

This fabulous permaculture project was very fun to design. Since the lot is on a relatively steep slope, we decided to design a network of garden terraces with meandering walking paths in between.

The paths and terraces are lined with small boulders and we employed logs for a naturalistic erosion control in the pathways. The plantings are mostly native with the addition of some non-native fruiting trees — still to be planted this spring.

Lastly, our friends at Cooper Ponds constructed an amazing disappearing waterfall that is situated perfectly for viewing from either patio. Trust when we say, the sound of this waterfall can soothe even the worst day out of you!

Read up on the project on our previous blogs:

Terraced Native Gardens w. Water Feature & Natural Stone Masonry

Permacultre Terrace Garden w. Erosion Control

#3 Where the Sun Smiles | Stamford, CT

The number three spot in our best landscape designs of 2020 goes to this front lawn removal / replacement with a native pollinator garden! The new landscape is completely organic (duh) and incredibly ecologically productive. Not only does it provide habitat, it also captures and filters stormwater and secretes more GHG emissions than the former lawn did.

Learn more about the project on our previous blogs:

Landscape Design in Fairfield County: Front Yard Pollinator Garden

#2 Field and Stream, Camp Refugia | Greenwich, CT | Runner Up Best Landscape Designs of 2020

This newly constructed home received a fresh landscape that encompasses all our favorite elements: pool landscaping, front yard landscaping, wetland restoration plantings, natural stone masonry and an organic veggie garden!

The aesthetic was both modern and naturalistic: contemporary clean lines in the masonry, softened by lush and textured habitat gardens.

Learn more about the project on our previous blog:

Modern Patio Design, Pool Landscaping & Front Yard Garden in Greenwich

#1|Best Landscape Design of 2020: Wonderful World, Beautiful Bequest|Hastings, NY

Our TOP LANDSCAPE DESIGN OF 2020 goes to… this stunning front yard renovation into a beautiful habitat garden. We had fun playing with textures in this garden, from exposing the bedrock to employing ferns, grasses and of course grand sweeps of pollinator-attracting perennials.

Since this is a front yard garden, we knew it had to be a show-stopper not an eye sore for the rest of the neighborhood. The natural slope is actually great for displaying plants of different heights. We made sure to choose long-bloomers for maximum effect.

Learn more about the project on our previous blog:

Front Yard Hillside Native Pollinator Garden | Hastings, NY

What do you think — do you agree with our compilation of our best landscape designs? Which one is your favorite? We’d love to hear from you!

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Where Design x Meets Ecology

Green Jay Landscape Design

Martin’s landscape won our Top Designs of 2020 and it’s no secret why. With a client that wanted “more than a pretty yard,” and an ecological landscape that “is his legacy in life,” GJL had full reign to design a vibrant, organic front yard habitat garden. Watch the full video testimonial interview below!

Learn more about Marty’s landscape on our previous blog: Front Yard Hillside Pollinator Garden | Hastings, NY.

Want more testimonials? Check out our previous interviews:

A Voice for Nature w. Kathleen| Mamaroneck, NY

A Voice for Nature w. Anne | Irvington, NY

A Voice for Nature w. Claire | Bedford, NY

A Voice for Nature w. Dan | Rye, NY

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Where Design x Meets Ecology

Green Jay Landscape Design

This property is now a focal point of the neighborhood, both visually and as a manifestation of community values. As a corner lot, the front yard is highly visible, and its transformation into a completely organic, (mostly) native pollinator garden had all the neighbors taking notice!

Natural, native curb appeal on this hillside pollinator garden in Hastings, NY.

This project is #1: Wonderful World, Beautiful Bequest. GJL’s Top Landscape Design Projects of 2020.

Landscape Design Concept: Habitat Garden for the Planet

This client stressed that his main vision with his landscape renovation was to give back to the planet, to contribute something to counterbalance all the destruction humankind has collectively wreaked on the environment.

Midsummer’s beauty! Many sources of native pollen and nectar for essential pollinators.

Naturally, he and Jay got along famously. With those design goals in mind, the client gave Jay “carte blanche” in the design composition. Here’s an expert from the Landscape Design Proposal:

Your naturally beautiful native plant scape will be composed to resonate in harmony with the Earth’s elements.

This property had fabulous natural features – mature birches and boulders that we exposed more to highlight.

By harnessing the energy and spirit of place, we will channel and focus natural resources of rain, sun and soil biology to create a carbon net positive ecosystem which will attract and shelter the greatest biotic diversity. This will produce year-round interest and ecosystem services for now and all the days of your life, in dream time, and timeless longevity.

Celebrate the great mystery and acknowledge our kinship with all things.

Something for everyone! Some pollinators are generalists, some are specialists. Variety is key in your pollinator garden!

Scope of Work

The scope of work for this landscape renovation included first, removing the unwanted vegetation by hand. Next, we prepared the soil for stabilization of the slope and to provide the necessary building blocks for a successful organic landscape.

We love how the tapestry of textures and colors flows over the natural hillside and spills onto the street in a naturalistic style.

Learn more about the scope of work, existing site conditions, and the challenges posed by the slope on our pervious blog: Weeds to Habitat: Front Yard Renovation in Hastings, NY.

Sneezeweed! A fabulous native bloomer and pollinator favorite!

Native Pollinator Garden: Plant it and They Will Come

We installed this landscape in late fall and by late spring it was a habitat buzzing with activity. The client often mentions how his neighbors were inspired by his landscape, learning about native plants how to create pollinator gardens of their own. This street is already creating a network of habitats for precious pollinators – a real life example of Pollinator Pathways Hastings!

P)Lanting the other side of the sidewalk incorporates the walkway into the landscape instead of detracting from it.

This is why we do what we do! To create models of ecological landscaping that inspire others and change the narrative of what a “beautiful” front yard looks like!

Jay finds a sphinx month, a native pollinator, in the garden.

So far, in just the first season, the client has reported seeing: Monarch butterflies, Swallowtails, goldfinches, sphinx moths, hummingbird moths and countless native bees. The vivacity of this landscape has inspired the client to practice amateur entomology and ornithology. The landscape has given him new hobbies at home, in a time of isolation and containment.

We love how the sneezeweed, geranium and daisies compliment the white birch bark!

Native perennials for pollinators that pair fabulously: white coneflower and sneezeweed.

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Green Jay Landscape Design

Where Design x Meets Ecology

This property perfectly blends contemporary clean lines with a rustic farmhouse style, in both architecture and landscape design. Green Jay Landscape Design was hired to create a full-scale Landscape Design Master Plan that emphasized pool landscaping and front yard design.

The full scope of design work included:

Natural stone masonry (patios and walkways) to enable circulation and entertaining
Pool area border gardens for pollinators
Wetland mitigation planting
Enclosed, raised-bed organic veggie garden
Front yard border garden & foundation planting
Front walkway landscaping

This project is #2: Field and Stream, Camp Refugia. GJL’s Top Landscape Design Projects of 2020.

A modern array-style patio compliments the clean lines of the rectilinear pool.

Natural Stone Masonry: Modern Patio & Walkway Design

The classic rectilinear pool demanded an equally modern patio to connect the covered porch and the pool itself. We designed an array of natural stone to form a rectilinear patio with large grass joints.

Summer border garden runs most of the backyard offering view from the dinning area, covered porch and pool area.

The alfresco dining area also sits atop a rectilinear bluestone patio and is connected to the pool area with off-set bluestone rectangles (that match the existing front walkway). The overall effect is clean and modern, complimenting the homes architecture yet integrating with the designed landscape.

Offset rectilinear walkway planted with creeping stoppable ground covers leads to the alfresco dinning area.

Hardscape Landscaping: Front & Backyard

Sweeping yet rectilinear bluestone front walkway is planted with long-blooming perennials and interesting ground covers.

To soften the modern, angular masonry we designed garden beds for year-round color and texture. The rear walkway is planted with creeping groundcovers that will spread around the stone for a more natural aesthetic.

The front walkway features long-blooming perennials like Geranium, Nepeta, and Yarrow. Texture-heavy plants like Fountain Grass, Blue Fescue and Sedum create interest and ecological value beyond the blooming season.

Pool Landscaping: Summer Poolside Pollinator Garden

Summer garden in full bloom! This was shot before the landscape was completed.

Daisies, Black-eyed Susan and Coneflower put off a powerful summer show! This shot was taken before the landscape was completed.

The backyard landscaping surrounding the pool and entertaining area are filled with pollinator-attracting perennials that bloom all summer long. Plant palette included: Joe Pye Weed, Gayfeather, Sunflower, Beebalm & Coneflower. The overall landscaping qualifies this property as a Pollinator Pathway site and, coupled with our organic maintenance strategies, a Healthy Yard as well.

Backyard border garden in early fall — ornamental grasses on the top terrace look fabulous in the elements and through winter.

Front Yard Border Garden

Driveway entrance garden, a mix of full sun and part shade, for powerful curb appeal!

This property is blessed with mature trees in the front yard that ground the new construction with a sense of permanence. We love to create sweeping border beds where the lawn meets the road – instead of staring at the transition from turf to asphalt from the front windows, there is a vibrant and ecologically active garden. We chose native shrubs, woodland perennials and groundcovers with interesting foliage.

Enclosed, Organic Vegetable Garden

Enclosed veggie garden complete with door, netted ceiling and raised beds.

There are three important considerations when designing a vegetable garden:

Soil Quality – We use a mix of organic, screened topsoil and compost with biochar. Ensure your raised beds can drain properly.
Animal Exclusion – We enclose the garden with fencing around all sides and on top – the only way to ensure your hard work is harvestable for YOU!
Flowers to Attract Pollinators – Food crops for the most part depend on insect pollination. To have a high-yielding food garden you must have pollinators! We plant annuals like Zinnia and perennials like False Sunflower IN the veggie garden beds themselves to make a veritable target for pollinators.

Zinnias and False Sunflower in the vegetable garden draws pollinators in to pollinate veggies and produce higher yields!

Learn more about the site development and design process for this project on our previous blogs:

Pool Landscaping, Wetland Mitigation & Modern Bluestone Front Entrance

Landscape Design & Build in Fairfield County, CT

Landscape Design, Planning & Construction: When to Start the Process

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Green Jay Landscape Design

Where Design x Meets Ecology

A Hillside garden can be one of the most challenging landscape designs to execute, especially if it is a steep slope, like this Holmes, NY backyard. Why? Steep slopes are more prone to erosion — washing away of precious topsoil — especially during storm events. Furthermore, if the soil structure is high in sand and gravel, stormwater can drain too quickly, making it difficult for the planting to absorb enough water to grow and survive.

Newly planted hillside garden leads directly to the lake — raising the stakes for erosion prevention.

This series is part of our 2020 Countdown of GJLs Best Landscape Design Projects of the Year! This is #5: Lakeside Retreat: A Bird’s Eye View in the Cradle of the Clouds.

BEFORE PHOTO: slope as viewed form the boat. Leaves much desired in terms of color and texture.

Landscaping a Slope

It is especially important to think about viewpoints when landscaping a slope or hillside. Will the garden be viewed primarily from the top, side or bottom of the slope? A natural slope can actually be a blessing, allowing for a greater range of plants of different heights to be incorporated (no longer are tall plants relegated to the way back!).

Natural rock outcroppings are an amazing design asset!

On this Holmes, NY property, the backyard slope is mostly seen from the water (where the client often boats). It is also highly visible from the staircase that leads from the house to the water. Another design goal was to also wanted to accentuate the strong natural features — a rock outcropping that had previously been overtaken by vegetation.

Cohesive Hillside Garden Habitat

Planting zones were created through terracing and the addition of 140 yards of topsoil!

We chose a selection of deep-rooted ornamental grasses, native shrubs, perennials and ground cover for this hillside garden. Deeply rooted plants help stabilize the soil in the newly created garden terraces. We also wanted this garden to be an extension of the natural surrounding habitats — inviting to the birds, pollinators and wildlife of the lake ecosystem.

Native plants arranged in a naturalistic design integrate seamlessly with the boulder outcroppings.

Of course, it was also critically important that the landscape be installed and maintained organically. Traditionally applied landscape chemicals will run directly into the freshwater ecosystem, with disastrous consequences for aquatic life.

Designing a Terraced Garden for Erosion Control

We implemented a number of erosion control devices to make this hillside garden a success. First, we manipulated the grade and constructed terraces. New topsoil (140 yards!) was brought in, and retained with Ultratech Filter Socks. Plantings were installed in erosion blankets for added protection during the establishment phase.

Garden terraces filled with new topsoil and retained with Filter Socks.

Terraces all filled in with mostly-native plants!

Learn more about the erosion control devices used, and broader ecological issue of erosion, soil loss & sediment loading, as well as the specific plants we chose, on our previous blog: Hillside Stabilization Planting w. Lakefront Views.

Pollinator Pathways is spreading with incredibly encouraging speed and enthusiasm throughout New England. The organization’s mission is to promote pollinator-friendly landscapes throughout geographic areas, to help connect habitats and bridge the gap of development and habitat destruction. Connecticut is leading the way with many local division in Fairfield County, especially in Darien, CT. Through these grassroots efforts, we’ve been able to connect with new, like-minded clients to help bring their Pollinator Pathway landscape to fruition. We’ve gathered our favorite Pollinator Pathway Darien landscapes, designed and installed by Green Jay Landscape Design, to help inspire—and hopefully motivate—you to do the same in your landscape!

Bird Sanctuary and Pollinator Pathway | Darien, CT

This bird-loving client wanted to devote the entire landscape to a bird sanctuary. Of course, to attract birds, you must supply what birds eat: berries, caterpillars, and other insects. The best way to achieve a buffet for birds is to plant native – these plants are hosts for pollinators and insects and are an important part of the ecological food chain in many respects.

We designed numerous native pollinator gardens for the different microclimates throughout the property. A cascading water feature also attracts birds to bathe in and drink from.

Designing a Bird Sanctuary: Part One: Site Development & Stormwater

Designing a Bird Sanctuary: Part Two: Layout, Planting & Masonry

Terraced Permaculture Front Yard Garden | Darien, CT

This front yard permaculture garden was too fun to design! Permaculture emphasizes making land more productive while respecting natural ecological systems. This garden employs fruit-producing trees and shrubs, and as a result needed a fair share of pollinator-attracting perennials for any of the plants to produce berries! We had a blast designing with a mix of native and non-natives to “stack functions” and create habitat for pollinators. A Polliantor Pathway property no doubt!

Learn more about the project on our previous blog:

Front Yard Permaculture Landscape w Garden Terraces & Chicken Enclosure

914.560.6570

greenjayadmin

#7 Coyote Woods in the Cradle of the Forest | Irvington, NY

#6 Shangri-La: Ecological Restoration & Dam Construction | South Salem, NH

#5: Lakeside Retreat: Bird’s Eye View in the Cradle of the Clouds | Holmes, NY

#4 Harvest Hill and the Terrace of the Sun |Hastings, NY

#3 Where the Sun Smiles | Stamford, CT

#2 Field and Stream, Camp Refugia | Greenwich, CT | Runner Up Best Landscape Designs of 2020

#1|Best Landscape Design of 2020: Wonderful World, Beautiful Bequest|Hastings, NY

Landscape Design Concept: Habitat Garden for the Planet

Scope of Work

Native Pollinator Garden: Plant it and They Will Come

Natural Stone Masonry: Modern Patio & Walkway Design

Hardscape Landscaping: Front & Backyard

Pool Landscaping: Summer Poolside Pollinator Garden

Front Yard Border Garden

Enclosed, Organic Vegetable Garden

Landscaping a Slope

Cohesive Hillside Garden Habitat

Designing a Terraced Garden for Erosion Control

Bird Sanctuary and Pollinator Pathway | Darien, CT

Terraced Permaculture Front Yard Garden | Darien, CT

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