This Capitol Hill backyard with parking was an uninterrupted expanse of paving with no planting. The design transforms the space around a custom pergola and bluestone patio, creating a clear outdoor living area while retaining the parking zone.

The main gathering space centers on a fire pit beneath the custom pergola, with built-in bench seating surrounded by layered plantings. A planted buffer separates the bluestone patio from the existing paving in the parking area, controlling costs while establishing distinct zones. An underutilized area beneath the spiral stair was repurposed to house a concealed rain barrel, capturing roof runoff for garden irrigation.

Mismatched perimeter fences were unified with a dark purple stain - a simple move that quieted the backdrop and let the planting stand out. The garden extends upward through planted balconies, creating a cohesive outdoor experience across multiple levels.