a place for paws
Apalachicola, FL 32320
A backyard transformed by rerouting an existing detention pond, opening up space for real circulation and connected outdoor living. Pine straw groundcover runs throughout the yard, with native sabal palms creating a shaded, nature-immersed common area adjacent to the existing fire pit. New gravel pathways tie the space together, and include golf cart parking. A fenced side yard gives the dogs their own durable, low-maintenance turf space.
project goals.
Rework site topography
Create a dog-friendly landscape
Private; surrounded by nature
Low maintenance
Include a lawn area and space for a hammock
“contemplative and restful, surrounded by nature”
conceptual drawings.
This backyard's biggest obstacle was also its biggest opportunity: an existing detention pond that dominated the space and disrupted flow. Rerouting it opened up room for real circulation and connected outdoor living.
The clients always envisioned a nature-immersed setting for their dogs to roam — the dog turf was originally planned within the common area itself. As the design evolved, that turf zone moved to a fenced side yard, freeing up the common space for native sabal palms, shade, and a hammock area instead.
the completed space.
the finer details.
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#57 gravel pathways wind throughout the yard, tying the common area to the fire pit and golf cart parking, held in place with black composite edging. The dog zone is finished with durable, odor-resistant turf, fully enclosed by black aluminum fencing for a clean, low-maintenance perimeter.
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Native sabal palms anchor the shaded common area, reinforcing the yard's natural, immersed feel.
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Existing plantings from the owners were cleaned up and retained, with the new design built around them — preserving the established character of the landscape while integrating it into the new layout.
