Significant drainage remediation was required on this property before we could create the open play space in a woodland setting that these clients sought. Nothing stemmed the flow of storm water from the uphill properties; it pooled by the shed and flowed across the back of the property. The shed was removed and we planted moisture-tolerant plants along the fence to interrupt the flow; a concealed swale directs the water to a rain garden planted with species tolerant of occasional “wet feet”. At the side of the house the utilities were relocated, and the garbage cans, now set back from the path, are concealed from the driveway by tall shrubs.