A Residential Landscape Evolves Over Time
This outdoor renovation better accommodates the homeowners’ current phase of life.
April 20, 2026 by Anne Hebert
A family home in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood has seen many changes over the 30 years that the occupants have built their lives there. Once centered around family and recreation, the outdoor space is now a welcoming, sustainable environment for entertaining and hosting.
“Phase One Landscapes originally helped the family turn their outdoor space into a kid-friendly, traditional yard with a pool in the back and a lush lawn in the front,” says Brendan Heiman, senior landscape architect and project manager. “Once the clients’ children grew up and moved out of the family abode, their needs shifted.”
Photo: James Messer
With an emphasis on welcoming and entertaining visiting family and guests, the homeowners returned to Phase One Landscapes to create an eco-friendly, water-wise space in the front and back of their home. Low maintenance is a special perk that offers a chance to enjoy the yard without as much associated work.
“The front lawn was reimagined with perennial plants that flourish in Colorado’s arid climate,” Heiman says. “Year-round blooming plants mixed with evergreens and native grasses offer an attractive look through each season.” Low red stripstone seating walls offer texture, height and visual interest by bringing depth to what used to be a flat, unused space.
Photo: James Messer
The front courtyard now contains a vibrant pollinator garden, and the pathways through the property, including a route for the mailman, are defined with flagstone steppers, cedar mulch, and dark gray monzonite gravel sourced from the Idaho Springs area.
The backyard green space was made smaller and covered in synthetic turf. Bright blue pots give a pop of color during the winter months, and are filled with multi-hued, seasonal annuals each spring. A covered patio contains an outdoor kitchen, bar, and al fresco dining area with enough space to comfortably seat and serve up to 30 guests.
Photo: James Messer
“With appealing views from front to back, this redesign reflects what we call a good neighborhood garden,” says Heiman. “With no irrigated grass, especially important water-wise care is easily achieved. Evolving gracefully over time, the residence’s exterior better reflects the owner’s lifestyle. Heiman notes, “The carefully curated design is a prime example of how outdoor living changes over the years.”
Photo: James Messer
Design Details
Landscaping: Phase One Landscapes
Architecture: Brendan Heiman
About Phase One Landscapes
At Phase One Landscapes, we put your goals at the center of every design. With years of hands-on experience across Colorado, a passion for creativity, and a commitment to honest, friendly service, we’d be honored to guide your landscape transformation.
Ready to bring your dream yard to life? Contact us today for a consultation—let’s start the next chapter of your outdoor story together.
We can’t wait to hear your ideas—and turn them into reality!
Written by Dave Graham
Dave is a Denver native and co‑founder of Phase One Landscapes. After earning a B.S. in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University in 1981, he worked as a laborer, construction foreman, and designer, learning residential design/build from the ground up. In 1988 he partnered with Dennis Frank to launch Phase One Landscapes, which has delivered hundreds of landscapes across Greater Denver. Dave prioritizes quality and service and remains involved with clients and teams. The firm’s projects have earned ALCC awards, appeared on ASLA Garden tours, and been published in national and local magazines.