Gathering Spots: Spaces for backyard get-togethers
Q&A with Emily McHale Pike, McHale Landscape Design
What were the goals of the project?
Clients on the Severn River in Annapolis tapped McHale Landscape Design five years ago to replace their existing pool and pool cabana with a new vanishing-edge pool and pool house, complete with a kitchen and guest bedroom.
What spaces are used for relaxing, gathering and entertaining?
With water views and the home’s architecture in mind, we created picturesque spaces for entertaining, lounging, eating and cooking poolside year-round. We also provided guest quarters, decks for morning coffee and sunning and a fire pit—all facing the river.
What hardscape materials and plantings did you implement?
We installed ipe decking, flagstone pool coping and walls made of ashlar-cut natural stone. Wetland, native and ornamental plantings feature shrubs such as hydrangea, boxwood, nandina, deutzia and abelia as well as perennials including daylily, astilbe, hosta, carex and ornamental grasses.
McHale Landscape Design
301-599-8300
mchaleandscape.com