Mid-Century Modern Landscape Design: A Resort-Style Transformation in Chattanooga

Explore a stunning mid-century modern home’s landscape transformation in Chattanooga, TN. Dream Gardens USA creates a resort-style backyard with high-end landscape design, featuring Japanese maples, hydrangeas, and custom hardscaping.

A Mid-Century Modern Landscape Gets a Resort-Style Upgrade

This large, updated mid-century modern home in the Chattanooga area recently underwent a significant expansion, creating a residence with a distinct resort vibe. The design focus was particularly on the expansive backyard, which is bordered by a large, structural privet hedge. Our team at Dream Gardens USA was tasked with creating a high-end landscape design that would complement the home’s architecture and provide the homeowners with a private, luxurious outdoor living space.

Curb Appeal with a Rhythmic Border: The Front Yard Design

Years ago, we established a rhythmic border in the front yard using a combination of boxwoods, panicular hydrangeas, and purple-blooming Siberian Iris. As part of this recent renovation, great effort was taken to artfully prune the massive, old weeping Japanese Maple, a centerpiece of the front yard. To highlight this magnificent tree, we underplanted it with “Autumn” Fern and other low-growing perennials, creating a lush, textured look that enhances the home’s curb appeal.

 

Creating a Hillside Oasis: The Backyard Transformation

The most significant challenge and opportunity in the backyard was a large, newly created hill. Our landscape design transformed this into a beautiful, multi-layered oasis. We used a variety of shrubs, including Rhododendrons and Hydrangeas, to provide structure and color. Winter Jasmine was incorporated for seasonal interest, while masses of Sedum and other low-maintenance perennials ensure the hillside remains beautiful with minimal upkeep.

 

Structure and Verticality: The Finer Details of the Design

On the lower borders of the property, we used reblooming “Encore” Azaleas and boxwoods to provide structure and year-round color. To add a touch of Mediterranean elegance, Italian Cypress were planted in large planters on the elevated porches, with climbing wine grapes trained to grow across the railings. For vertical interest, Tree-Formed Hydrangeas were strategically placed within the borders and in planters on the upper terrace, drawing the eye upward and adding a sense of grandeur to the space.