GALLERY A Verdant Outdoor Oasis on the Connecticut Shoreline Takes Shape Thanks

Echoing the rocky terrain, the new stone staircase edged in evergreen ferns, rhododendron and spring bulbs leads up to the highest point on the property.

New boxwood-edged beds encircle vintage pineapple finials that came with the house.

A bluestone oval inset into the driveway greets guests at the front of the house.

A reclaimed hitching post now serves as a marker at the main driveway entrance.

A large stone fireplace was added to the back terrace above a hillside of nepeta, liriope, daylilies, ivy, roses and spirea that cascade down toward the water.

A dining table and seating from Munder-Skiles anchors the central area of the back terrace. Four pots from Atelier Vierkant are planted with lime trees. In the foreground, a stone trough imported from England is planted with water lilies in the summer. A new stone fireplace anchors the outdoor kitchen and a more relaxed seating area. The beds delineating the terraces are planted with boxwoods, alliums and sedums.

A patchwork of natural stone with wide grade joints cuts across the lawn and leads to the water.

A mixture of plantings, including sedum acre, peonies, hydrangeas, daylilies and roses, softens the stone retaining walls and a staircase that continues down to the dock.

Mixed perennials and shrubs create a beautiful tapestry visible from the dock.

Elegant grading and planting on the rear of the property ameliorated the severe drop and created play areas for the family’s children.

A pair of see-through metal chairs from Munder-Skiles is perched on the highest point for optimal views.