For this Connecticut residence, the project began with a clear and heartfelt client vision: a landscape that feels deeply enjoyable, inviting everyday moments outside, and crafted with their lifestyle family pet in mind. When the homeowners added a new covered porch as an extension of their living space, it sparked a thoughtful re-imagining of the surrounding grounds. The goal was not just to fill space, but to shape a setting that feels alive, calming, and beautiful from every vantage point.

At the heart of the design is a connection between the home and its landscape. A sequence of outdoor “rooms” that unfold gently from the porch out into the yard. From the moment you step outside, the planting palette draws you in with layers of seasonal interest: lush spring blooms, fragrant summer foliage, sculptural autumn texture, and winter structure that keeps the garden engaging year-round.

Fragrance plays a central role, with carefully sited plantings of aromatic shrubs and perennials placed along paths and near outdoor seating areas, inviting you to pause and breathe deeply throughout the seasons. Meandering edges of soft grasses and textured perennials create a relaxed, natural edge, thoughtfully scaled for both everyday enjoyment and lingering summer evenings.

Recognizing how much the clients love spending time outdoors with their dog, the layout balances beauty with livability. Lawn areas and gentle pathways encourage play and exploration, while durable, dog-friendly groundcovers and plant groupings define spaces without interrupting flow. Views from the porch were prioritized in the plan: sculptural plantings, layered foliage, and seasonal color ensure that the landscape feels engaging whether you’re sipping morning coffee or watching the sunset.

Built to be as joyful to experience as it is to look at, this landscape seamlessly extends the home’s indoor comfort into the outdoors, creating a serene retreat that feels rooted in place and perfectly tuned to how its owners live.

CT Glow up ©Rosalia Sanni Design

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