Garden Stairs
To play off the low-key style of the shingled house, I used utilitarian materials like gravel and concrete, and a limited but exuberant color palette to liven up the somber materials without overwhelming the small space.
Here, a burgundy-red Japanese maple, 'Orange Dream,' underplanted with golden Heuchera 'Caramel' provides a bit of privacy on the deck. Another Japanese maple, 'Baldsmith,' welcomes visitors stepping down into the garden.
Reading Patio
Tucked into the far corner of the garden, a second, smaller patio with a chaise lounge makes an ideal reading refuge.