Outdoor Overhaul

Landscape renovation by O’Donovan & Sons Inc., 2720 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, (630) 355-3370, www.odonovanlandscaping.com

BEFORE

Neil and Mary Maloney had been living in this Naperville residence for years when, after a series of internal home improvements, they turned their attention to the exterior. The landscape was undeniably dated. A standard-issue concrete path led to an unassuming front entryway. The planting beds were populated with a tedious massing of plants, which were too similar in color, shape and size.  To make matters worse, the lawn itself looked scraggly and unhealthy.

The Maloneys wanted a complete overhaul of the lackluster landscape, so they turned to Lisa O’Donovan, a landscape designer with O’Donovan & Sons Inc. O’Donovan decided to scrap the existing plants and design from scratch. “It was a total redo,” she says. “All of the original landscape was removed except for one mature tree that worked well with the new design.” Thanks to a much more diverse grouping of plants including creeping sedum, wine and rose weigela, green velvet boxwood and an autumn brilliance serviceberry tree, the yard now has color and interest year round.

Working with Unilock brick pavers in Coffee Creek, O’Donovan replaced the old concrete entry area with a more spacious and pronounced front walkway and courtyard, as well as a newly paved driveway. A different shade of Unilock pavers (called Copthorn) were used as a border accent in both the walkway and the courtyard, lending a custom feel to the entry. “The brick is not only an updated look, but also more cost-efficient when it comes to maintenance and repairs,” she says. Prior to the landscape overhaul, the Maloneys had installed a stunning new front door; which now shines as the focal point of the front entry. The door’s red shade complements the brick pavers and boosts the home’s curb appeal, which now matches its stylish interior.