Northouse Landscape Cos.’ Rodger Northouse uses a variety of pavers to subtly and not so subtly define spaces in the backyard landscape of this Mequon home.

A pagoda-style three-seasons room is the centerpiece of the backyard renovation by Northouse Landscape Co. for the Gerondale family of Mequon.

Rodger Northouse says the three-seasons room is a retreat for the Gerondales when nighttime mosquitoes attack. It offers all the comforts of home while they enjoy their outdoor space, including television and Internet connection.

One of Northouse’s goals in designing the backyard landscape was to shield it from view of the asphalt driveway. As visitors enter the yard, the landscape is revealed in stages as they go deeper into the space.

They eventually reach the pergola and outdoor kitchen, which define the gathering spaces for entertaining.

Plantings in the backyard are simple and designed to reinforce the architecture. In addition, some of the plantings, such as daylillies, sedum and daffodils, were transplanted from mature plants elsewhere on the property. "That brought out a great deal of the softening effect," Northouse says.

A number of large pine trees were transplanted to the back of the property as a backdrop to the patio.

	A path of Unilock pavers direct visitors to the backyard.
An outdoor kitchen and entertaining area were top priorities for the homeowners in the redesign of their backyard.
	A curved wall is both decorative and practical as it adds seating on the patio.