Major Renovation for a Craftsman-style Forest Park Bungalow

This Craftsman-style bungalow in the heart of Birmingham's historic Forest Park neighborhood got a big-time makeover by Golightly Landscape Architecture. John Wilson, principle of GLA, describes this project as "a treat," saying the homeowners gave him ample opportunities to return the landscape to its historic roots. The plan's diagonal layout relieves the planting beds of a sometimes stale symmetrical aesthetic. Using native Alabama bluestone, John created a new walk that meanders throughout the property—replacing the old concrete path. The new walk gives way to an existing beautiful chert retaining wall and pier at the corner of the property. Meanwhile, lawn and concrete give way to an ever-changing tapestry, woven together with perennials and ornamental grasses that "pop" against the stone walk's subtle blue and gray hues. A spacious terrace complete with Craftsman detailing now stands at the back of the home where a dilapidated wood deck once sat. Native moss rock stone paths—accented by boldly romantic drifts of asters, geraniums, carex, and eupatorium and punctuated with trees and flowering shrubs—connect the wood terrace to the rest of the garden, detached garage, and alleyway.