A meadow just beyond the terrace

The meadow begins only a few steps from the terrace. Irregular stones lead into the grasses, while a mown strip traces the edge beneath the trees. At Park Lane in Preston Hollow, the garden moves between the precision of an entertaining space and the looser character of a small park.

Bonick Landscaping's clients had acquired the property next to their home. They wanted to use it for outdoor entertaining, but the new ground sat lower than the house. Landscape architect Tom Nugent and landscape designer Michael Pappas used terraces and steps to connect the two, with Silver Mist flagstone carrying the route across the changes in level.

Somewhere between the house and the meadow

The cooking and dining areas occupy the transition. A grill station and fire pit give the viewing terrace a reason to be used, rather than making it simply a platform from which to admire the lower ground. The photographs show furniture gathered beneath the trees, with the house visible beyond the steps.

The wall does not close the terrace off from the garden. Its curved edge turns with the planting, while broad openings make the way down easy to recognize. From the dining table, the meadow remains part of the setting even when the gathering stays on the paved surface.

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The kitchen occupies a terrace between the house and lower garden. · Costa Christ

Keeping the open ground varied

Native prairie grasses form the meadow, with sycamore, cedar elm and Japanese maple among the trees. The difference between tall growth and short lawn is particularly effective at the perimeter. The mown edge gives the planting a deliberate outline without asking the grasses themselves to behave like a clipped hedge.

The stepping stones invite a different pace from the terrace paving. Their separated arrangement lets plants occupy the gaps and keeps the crossing visually light. Beyond the entertaining area, there is room to walk without arriving at another built feature.

That is the project's most generous quality. Acquiring more land has not resulted in paving every new destination. Much of the additional space is given over to trees, grass and the experience of moving among them.