Lovely and Landscaped (continued)
Our trusty trio and a garden pro take a backyard entertaining area from needy to knockout
The Home Team recently zapped a tired backyard, invigorating it with a much-needed wake-up. The less-than-level topography, overgrown with ferns, didn’t offer an adequate spot for entertaining—or even sitting down comfortably. Partnering with the Home Depot and Ossining, New York–based landscape expert Hallie Flanagan Wolfe, editor-in-chief Donna Sapolin, pictured above (center), deputy articles editor Nicole Sforza (left), and stylist Kevin Hertzog transformed the ho-hum site into an inviting haven. Wolfe designed a stone patio and curvy, low-lying wall to delineate areas and functions, and dotted the yard with flora of various colors and textures. The result: a vibrant oasis that welcomes all. 
Landscape designer Hallie Flanagan Wolfe: A horticulture professional for 18-plus years, Wolfe favors environmentally friendly landscaping. "We are stewards of the earth, responsible for leaving it a better place," she says. She uses organic pesticides except in very rare cases, nixes invasive plants such as honeysuckle and porcelain berry, and selects native plants when possible. "I take design cues from what I see in the woods or along the river. Do the same," she advises. "Opt for lots of green, and dot with color. Use annuals for color throughout the season. And think about what attracts birds, butterflies, and you. Choose fragrant flowers and shrubs, especially those that release their fragrance at night. Most of all, be patient. Real gardens take years to mature. Enjoy the act of gardening as much as the garden itself."
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