If there’s a backyard, it’s pretty much a blank slate, which is easier to work with than an older, established garden that has mature trees (and roots), shrubs, and hardscape that must be excavated, removed, and recycled. For hikers and outdoorsy types, Forest Park is a 5,200-acre urban escape with trails, lots of trees, and community-minded conservation activities. The architectural style of the Finch’s neighborhood is what Dennis dubs “Northwest Craftsman” and likens to a rustic, lodge-style design rather than traditional Craftsman architecture. Among their requests: a covered area, an outdoor kitchen, a place to put a family-size hot tub, a pergola, a fire pit, along with privacy from their neighbors. They wanted it all to come together and be integrated. “After we set up all the forms for the patio and cover we had a long waiting game while we looked for a clear day during which the concrete could be poured,” explains Dennis. The patio area is large: 1,200 square feet of concrete. Working with the designers, Mark and Wendy Finch elected to go with a lean-to structure which was attached to the back of the house. In the back of the grill and outdoor kitchen is an impressive wall of stonework. The standard size for a counter is 36 inches high and about 30 inches deep. Since dining outside is supposed to be casual anyway, some may choose to sit at the small table, while others might stay at the bar, kick back in the outdoor living room, or wander to nearby lounge chairs or the fire pit area. “It grabs people,” he says. “It’s like an extension of the interior and the wood finish is beautiful.” The structure covers the outdoor kitchen, bar, seating area, and most of the patio. Since the houses are close together, it’s a challenge for homeowners to block the view into their yard from their neighbors’ second-story windows. Interestingly, one of the stipulations of the HOA is that homeowners’ views can’t be blocked. This mostly pertains to types of plants, such as those that grow too tall or wide. This particular side yard is very narrow, which would discourage anyone who tends to store lumber, old patio furniture, and clutter in these spaces. In addition to the wood Adirondack chairs, a wall allows more friends to gather near the fire. The wall is also used for a raised planting bed. Plants added to the new landscape include star jasmine, rhododendron, hostas, ornamental grasses, and sarcococca. “We tried to make everything work as far as being easy to move among spaces seamlessly,” says Dennis. “And I think we did it.”
