What if the biggest problem with your front yard isn't the plants — it's that they're the same plants that were put in the ground fifteen years ago? Overgrown foundation shrubs, thinning rock beds, and a patio too small to fit a real table and chairs are some of the most common calls we get across Johnson County. This project pairs a full front yard landscape redesign with a backyard patio expansion, and it's a good look at what that kind of transformation actually involves — from the first conversation with our design lead, Jorge, to the last stone set in place.
A Front Yard That Had Outgrown Its Landscaping
The "before" here is one every Johnson County homeowner will recognize: overgrown golden arborvitae swallowing the foundation, a thin rock bed doing more work hiding bare soil than showing off any plants, and a front step that had nothing framing it.
We removed the overgrown shrubs and rebuilt the entire bed from the ground up:
- A layered stone retaining wall to define the space and add structure
- Boxwood hedging, hostas, and daylilies for year-round shape and texture
- Lavender and rotating seasonal color (gerbera daisies, zinnias) for curb appeal that changes with the season
- Low-voltage landscape lighting along the front walk
The result is a front yard that reads as intentional instead of overgrown — and one that's actually easy to maintain going forward.
Expanding a Backyard Patio That Was Too Small to Use
The existing patio was a narrow concrete strip — barely enough room for two chairs, let alone a table, a grill, and space to actually gather. Enlarging it meant a full tear-out and rebuild, not just an add-on slab poured next to the old one.
Because Johnson County clay soil shifts with the seasons, we don't cut corners on what's underneath the concrete:
- Full excavation and compacted base prep
- Structural wire mesh reinforcement laid before the pour, to resist cracking as the soil moves
- A wider, broom-finished concrete surface extended along the back of the home
The finished patio now comfortably fits a full outdoor furniture set — the kind of space that gets used every week instead of walked past.
A Side Yard Refresh, Too
The project also included a smaller side yard bed along the driveway. An overgrown, leggy shrub bed was cleared out and replaced with dwarf conifers, ornamental grasses, daylilies, and a new ornamental tree, all framed in clean stacked-stone edging — a small change that finishes off the whole property.
What the Homeowner Had to Say
We think the real proof of a project like this is in how it felt to live through, not just how it looks when it's done. Here's the full review from homeowner Sharon K.:
"Our experience with Cascade was nothing less than wonderful. We were referred to Cascade by a neighbor and were interested in having our front landscape replaced as well as enlarging our back patio. After meeting with Jorge and discussing our concept, he sent a plan and proposal. With just a few minor adjustments, we opted to move forward. The work was done as promised in a very timely manner. Jorge was open to my last minute changes as work proceeded, which I definitely appreciated. He addressed every concern we had along the way and it was apparent that customer satisfaction was high on his list of priorities. I have since recommended his company to multiple friends and neighbors who have also expressed how pleased they are with their projects. I believe if you decide to work with Jorge and Cascade you will also be pleased with your decision."
How Cascade Approaches a Project Like This
Sharon's experience is a fairly typical walkthrough of how we run a combined landscape and hardscape project:
- On-site consultation to talk through the concept and constraints of the property
- A written plan and proposal, with room for revisions before anything is scheduled
- A firm installation timeline, communicated up front
- Flexibility during the work itself — plans often shift once you can see the space taking shape, and we build that in
- A final walkthrough to confirm every concern has been addressed
Why Johnson County Homeowners Choose Cascade Outdoor Services
- Locally owned and operated
- Licensed and insured
- Local experience with Johnson County clay soil and drainage conditions
- Structural-grade hardscape work — proper base prep and reinforcement, not shortcuts
- Clean, professional installations from start to finish
- Honest recommendations on scope, sequencing, and what a property actually needs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a front yard landscape redesign and patio expansion cost in Johnson County, KS?
- Every property is different — the plant material, wall stone, patio size, and lighting all move the number. The most accurate way to get real pricing is an on-site estimate, where we can scope the project the same way we did for Sharon.
How long does a project like this take?
- Timelines depend on scope, weather, and concrete cure time, but a combined landscape and patio project like this one is typically measured in weeks, not months. We'll give you a firm timeline as part of the proposal.
Can Cascade handle softscaping (plants, beds) and hardscaping (patio, walls) in the same project?
- Yes. Projects like this one are planned and scheduled together under a single proposal, with Jorge as the main point of contact throughout.
Will you work with changes I want to make once the project is underway?
- Yes. As Sharon's review notes, we build room for adjustments into the process rather than treating the original plan as fixed.
Do you serve my city in Johnson County?
- Yes. We serve Overland Park, Olathe, Lenexa, Shawnee, Prairie Village, Leawood, Lake Quivira, and the surrounding Johnson County communities.
Ready for Your Own Before & After?
If your front yard has outgrown its landscaping or your patio has outgrown your family, schedule a free estimate or call (913) 299-5613 to talk through your project with Jorge and the Cascade Outdoor Services team.