What began as an engineering issue, ended as an artistic achievement. Because of a drainage problem, Jonathan and Aggie O. had to put aside visions of a grassy backyard. They knew hardscaping was a good solution but wanted to preserve the beautiful oak trees that shared the area. “As soon as TJ came here, I could sense his connection to nature -- his respect for the integrity of our space,” says Aggie about TJ Husted, Outdoor Images founder.
The space was recreated as an outdoor room, featuring a flagstone patio laid by mason Ramos whom the couple calls “a true artist.” TJ agrees. “Ramos is like an extension of my body. It’s as if my mind and his hands are connected – we make an incredible team.” In addition to the patio, Outdoor Images created a Japanese-inspired garden with boulders, river rocks and an antique lantern. Existing sculptures and stone decorations were relocated, giving the pieces new life.
“TJ reacts to the space and tells you what he would do – but doesn’t insist that you do things his way,” comments Jonathan. “He undertakes a collaborative process.”
And the collaboration was, in a word, magical. “When you look at our garden, it’s as if magic has occurred, says Aggie. “But, the foundation of the magic is sound engineering principles and incredibly vast knowledge of plants and stonework.”
