At JMJ Gardens, we specialize in creating functional landscapes that are as beautiful as they are purposeful. From excavation and regrading to designing custom features, we transform overgrown or awkward areas into spaces that feel intentional and harmonious. Every element is carefully considered, ensuring that the final design not only works perfectly for the property but also enhances the natural character of the surrounding environment.

For this Newburyport project, we cleared overgrown plantings and redesigned access to the pool, making the garden feel open and inviting. A custom cedar fence was built to conceal pool equipment while adding warmth and visual interest, resulting in a space that is both practical and elegantly finished.

When we arrived at this downtown Newburyport property, the poolside garden was overgrown and uninviting. Shrubs had grown taller than the house in places, blocking views to the backyard and making the space feel cramped. The pool equipment was hidden behind thick plantings, poorly ventilated, and showing signs of mold from restricted airflow. In addition, the dense vegetation made access to the pool area awkward and limited the overall usability of the garden. To restore both function and beauty, we removed the overgrown shrubs and remaining plantings, clearing the area for a complete redesign of the small poolside garden.

With the site cleared, we were able to reimagine the layout, improving access, airflow, and the overall flow of the outdoor space while setting the stage for a striking custom feature that would enhance the property’s character.

Once the site was cleared and prepared, we focused on designing and installing a custom cedar fence to conceal the pool equipment while adding an elegant accent to the garden. The fence was carefully measured and built to fit the space perfectly, providing airflow to keep the machinery ventilated and dry while maintaining a clean, polished appearance. Its warm cedar tones complement the surrounding plantings and outdoor materials, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional rather than an afterthought.

By combining function with visual appeal, the fence not only hides unsightly equipment but also serves as a defining element of the redesigned poolside garden, elevating the overall character of the property.

The custom cedar fence was designed as both a functional screen and an architectural statement for the poolside garden. Each cedar slat was carefully hand-cut and arranged in an offset pattern, creating a rhythmic, sculptural texture that catches light and adds depth to the compact space. The fence posts were set four feet into the ground, forming a solid, permanent foundation capable of withstanding seasonal winds and shifting soil, ensuring long-term stability. Every line and angle was meticulously considered, from the spacing of the slats to the alignment of the posts, so the fence reads as a refined, intentional structure rather than a simple barrier.

By balancing artistry with engineering, the fence transforms a practical element into a defining architectural feature, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding garden while elevating the overall design of the outdoor space.

By fall, the small poolside garden had been completely transformed, blooming with vibrant color and texture that brought the space to life. The carefully chosen plantings flourished in their newly graded beds, creating a lush, inviting environment that made the area feel larger and more open. The custom cedar fence, once a striking architectural element on its own, was quickly softened and enlivened as trumpet vine climbed and filled the slats, adding natural greenery and movement. Together, the flourishing garden and the flowering fence created a dynamic, private retreat, allowing the homeowners to fully enjoy the pool area in both beauty and comfort throughout the season.

After completing the poolside garden, the homeowners asked us to bring the same level of care and design to the rest of their small backyard. We expanded the layout by adding new plantings and creating carefully structured garden beds, selecting species that complemented the poolside area while thriving in the compact space. Each bed was thoughtfully shaped and layered to create visual interest, texture, and seasonal blooms, turning what had once been a tight, underutilized yard into a cohesive and inviting outdoor retreat.

The additional plantings not only enhanced the beauty of the space but also strengthened the sense of flow and connection throughout the entire backyard, making the property feel more expansive and alive.

To ensure the backyard and poolside garden remained vibrant and healthy, we continued providing year-round maintenance tailored to the space. Because the garden is compact, it requires regular attention to prevent plants from becoming overgrown and overwhelming the area. Seasonal care included deadheading spent blooms, pruning and shaping plants, and monitoring soil and irrigation to keep everything thriving. By staying attentive to the garden’s needs, we were able to preserve the structure, color, and lushness of each planting, allowing the homeowners to enjoy a beautifully maintained space without the stress of constant upkeep.

The ongoing maintenance ensures that both the flourishing plantings and the architectural cedar fence continue to shine together, keeping the backyard inviting, orderly, and full of life through every season.

The transformation of this small Newburyport backyard demonstrates how thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship, and attentive maintenance can completely elevate even a compact space. From clearing overgrown shrubs and installing a hand-crafted cedar fence to regrading, planting, and ongoing care, every step was designed to enhance both function and beauty. The result is a backyard that feels open, inviting, and alive, offering the homeowners a serene retreat where the pool, garden, and architectural elements work in harmony.

This project reflects JMJ Gardens’ commitment to creating landscapes that are not only visually striking but also purposeful, resilient, and deeply connected to the home they surround.