Sheridan Jones, Landscape Architect

My designs draw on the existing themes of each site to bring forth unique and individual responses.

History, existing natural elements, color, diversity and sound all play major roles in my work. Water, wood, tiles and slates, stone and boulders, plantings of all description, art, grade changes, overhead structures and lighting are some of the design components used to create the ever-evolving landscapes you will see in the following photos.

PORTFOLIO

The surrounding photos are part of a 36 lot resort development in Harbor Springs on Lake Michigan.

This project exudes neighborly interaction and fun summer living. Public and private spaces are linked for easy pedestrian use. Stone paths, boardwalks, wide expanses of lawn and sandy beaches all unify the property, while preserving a sense of individual privacy.

The home featured here has a beautiful view of the Bay which we wanted to take full advantage of. The landscaping goals were to provide as much useable outdoor space with as few steps as possible. Several outdoor spaces are provided for social gatherings and grades were adjusted to eliminate steps.

The photo at right illustrates the use of plant material as a means of creating separation and safety. In this case, the tall ornamental grasses safely surround the blue stone terrace while bringing the beach feeling right into the home. A natural wetland and bog were supplemented with flowering native species to encourage butterflies and birds. A feeling of mystery is always an enticing element of any landscape.

These photos show how hardscape elements can be used to establish entry and exit points, guide pedestrian movement and create exciting focal points. A black iron privacy and safety fence enclose a free form swimming pool with blue stone deck, a circulating waterfall and elevated hot spa.

No matter what type of property you own, I am dedicated to creating a design that will be visually pleasing, unique, functional, and environmentally sound.

The photo above shows an example of how pulling the landscaped beds away from a building foundation preserves open views of the structure while also allowing easy maintenance.

Just right, a wood burning fireplace with blue stone hearth and ledges compliments a blue stone patio overlooking Lake Michigan.

Above right, the stream is manmade, used to cleanse collected storm water through filtering and aerating before allowing it to enter the lake. The retention area doubles as a picnic and BBQ green space for condominium owners at an area marina.

At right, the country charm of this rural property is reinforced with a cobblestone and slate path using wooly thyme and sedum joints through a large perennial bed.

Above left depicts a property in a hilly, open upland habitat which previously felt closed in. Objectives included opening up the yard yet departing from the traditional maintained lawn. Under the birch you will see a mixed fescue grass blend with perennial and bulb underplanting. Two to four mowings per year will maintain this loose natural meadow feel.

At left, a unique wood and metal pergola frames the front entry to this downtown cottage.

The project goal for this gorgeous Lake Michigan property was to create a seamless connection between cottage and beach. Below, a planter at deck elevation was constructed to avoid hand railing that would interfere with views from indoors. Trailing juniper were used to echo the wild juniper on the beach and soften the edges of the planter.

Access to a seldom used storage space (shown left) was downplayed using auto and foot friendly native groundcovers with cobblestone paving which help to reinforce the natural setting.

Above right shows a capped split stone wall designed to help separate driveway and parking from the serene open green space of this water side cottage. Rows of Russian sage and low juniper establish the perimeter of a small raised yard used for recreation.

Curving Chilton stone walks and paths, native field stone, organic art elements and soft lighting help to nestle this home into it’s surrounding wetland & bog.