Sorensen Property with a Stamped Concrete Patio
Lee Sorensen’s Property is in a 38-home neighborhood in Westminster. Mr. Sorensen wanted to create a backyard oasis that was both beautiful and water-efficient. He worked with Abby Rupsa, one of our favorite landscape designers, with Botanical Living, to create a plan that included a variety of xeriscaped plants, as well as a stamped concrete patio and wood planters. We don’t typically suggest stamped concrete, but Lee appreciated the cost of stamped concrete as opposed to pavers.
The backyard features a variety of low-water plants, including aronia, blue avena grass, manhattan euonymus, hugo pine, candy tuft evergreen, and penstemon. These plants are all native to our high desert climate and require very little water to thrive.
The backyard also features a two tiered stamped concrete patio. The patios are large enough for entertaining guests or simply relaxing in the sun. The wood planters also add a touch of warmth and texture to the space.
Here are some additional details about the Sorensen Property backyard renovation:
Lee wanted to create a sense of privacy in their backyard, so Abby suggested planting a berm of Carl Forester Grass along the one perimeter. The berm is 24 inches high and provides a soft, natural barrier between the backyard and the neighbors.
Lee is an avid gardeners, so he wanted to incorporate a variety of pots into the backyard design. The landscape designer suggested using wood planters that would blend in with the natural elements of the space, and we built those on the side yard.
The front yard of the Sorensen Property features a hell strip, which is a narrow strip of land between the sidewalk and the street. Lee wanted to do something different than their neighbors, so Abby suggested adding xeriscape to the hell strip. Unfortunately that part of the project was dropped, but Abby is working with the HOA to provide templates to homeowners to allow for this area of their yards to be low-water use.
The wall is made of warm-toned bricks that complement the red brick of the house.
The Sorensen Property backyard and front yard renovation is a great example stamped concrete and how low-water use plants can be used to create a beautiful and water-efficient outdoor space. If you are looking for ways to save water in your own backyard, consider incorporating some of the elements used in the Sorensen Property design.