Garden Transformations: Incredible Turnarounds

This Fairfield, Connecticut backyard was divided into two main levels in order to create a special elevated garden. A playhouse and children's garden occupies one level and a lush green lawn for more active play occupies the other.

This finished garden allows children to revel in nature. To reach the playhouse, the children ascend a staircase of monolithic fieldstone slabs, lined with strawberry plants and pass between dwarf fruit trees and blueberry bushes. The view from the playhouse porch swing overlooks a bird and butterfly garden. The hillside planting incorporates ornamental grasses, evergreens and perennials for winter interest, along with vibrant flowering plants and shrubs that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators during the summer.

HGTV fan BWigley felt her vacant privacy wall was an eyesore.

BWigley found an antique door while rummaging through an old family barn and used it to create a planting table to liven up her deck. She incorporated several items recovered from her family’s barn to use as planters.