Head of the Harbor Residence

Client’s Goals

For the Head of Harbor Residence, our client sought to preserve the property’s formal aesthetic near the home while transitioning to a more natural, deer-resistant landscape as it approached the water’s edge. The property also faced a significant erosion challenge along the bluff leading down to Stony Brook Harbor, necessitating careful plant choices and strategic design decisions.

1. Incorporate Native, Deer-Resistant Plants

2. Control Erosion Leading into Stony Brook Harbor

3. Blend Formal Style Near the House with Wilder Areas by the Waterfront

Design Process

1. Identify Priorities and Address Critical Areas

   • We began by focusing on the portion of the yard with severe erosion. The client had already initiated drainage and stonework improvements, so we introduced native plants to stabilize the slope and manage surface water flow.

2. Document and Plan for Long-Term Success

   • Next, we conducted a thorough site assessment. We cataloged existing vegetation to determine which plants were thriving, which posed invasive threats, and which needed removal. We collaborated with the client on a phased approach, removing diseased beech trees and invasive species like porcelainberry and privet.

3. Create a Comprehensive Master Plan

   • We drafted detailed drawings showcasing how the landscape would transition from a maintained, formal look near the house to a meadow of native species closer to the water. This plan included removing beech trees with beech leaf disease and replacing them with robust natives to ensure long-term resilience.

Native Plants Used

To meet the client’s deer-resistant and erosion-control objectives, we selected an array of native species such as Beach Plum, Virginia Creeper, Alders, Bayberry, Sweet Ferns, and Goldenrods. We complemented these with Switchgrass, Prairie Dropseed, Aster, Native Hibiscus, Amsonia, Culver’s Root, and Woodland Sunflower. By integrating shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous perennials, we created a layered planting design that helps stabilize the soil while providing seasonal interest and habitat for pollinators.

Finished Project

Upon completion of the initial installation and review of the master plan, our client was thrilled with how seamlessly the design fulfilled their goals. The carefully chosen native plants and strategic erosion control measures have begun to enhance the beauty of this waterfront property while safeguarding it against further degradation. By blending formal elements closer to the residence and transitioning to a more natural meadow near the harbor, we delivered a landscape that is both ecologically sound and visually appealing—ensuring the Head of Harbor Residence remains a stunning, sustainable retreat for years to come.