The new owners of a weekend retreat on the Wye River in Queenstown, Maryland, needed help transforming the once-unremarkable, five-acre grounds into an inviting oasis where they could entertain friends and family. They tapped landscape architect Michael Prokopchak of Annapolis-based Walnut Hill Landscape Company to orchestrate a master plan that encompasses a reimagined front driveway, a pool, a large patio with a firepit and a cabana complete with guest quarters—all positioned to capitalize on water views. Throughout the property, masses of shrubs, perennials and grasses were thoughtfully planted to provide year-round color and texture.

Prokopchak and team worked with local authorities to minimize the project’s impact on the river and its delicate estuary environment. “From the outset, it was crucial to navigate the intricate permitting process while ensuring the design met the client’s expectations for a stunning, functional retreat,” he recalls. For instance, native species including Virginia sweetspire, hibiscus, mountain mint, purple coneflowers and sweetbay magnolia were planted to mitigate runoff, stabilize the soil and meet requirements to increase the lot’s plant coverage.

The end result, observes Prokopchak, “stands as a testament to the delicate balance that must be struck between development and preservation, proving that with thoughtful design and careful planning, it is possible to create a space that satisfies both regulatory requirements and client aspirations.”