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A Backyard Refresh for Family and Friends in Des Moines

Anna Stadel, Senior Landscape Designer at Weller Brothers in Des Moines, IA

Design by

Anna Stadel

When our clients in Des Moines reached out to us, their goal was simple: expand and maximize their outdoor living space. With a young family and a love for entertaining, they wanted a backyard that offered both comfort and style — a place where the kids could splash in the pool while the adults relaxed nearby.

Updating the Foundation

While the pool itself was in good condition, the concrete surround told a different story. Cracking and wear had taken its toll, and the space no longer felt inviting.

Landscape Designer Anna Stadel led the project, and her first step was replacing the failing pool deck with Techo-Bloc Blu 60 Smooth pavers.

“This product is one of my go-to choices for pool areas,” Anna explains. “It’s durable, sleek, and creates a really clean look.”

To tie the design into the home, she pulled warm beige neutrals from the exterior for the main paver, then added a contrasting border for definition and style.

The result is timeless and cohesive — an outdoor space that feels like a natural extension of the house.

A backyard with a curved, kidney-shaped swimming pool. The edge of a wooden deck is in the foreground with a striped lounge chair. A patio is visible to the right, along with wicker chairs and a table. A house and a fence are in the background.
Before
A view of a backyard with a curved patio and a pool with a stainless steel ladder. The patio is made of light-colored pavers and is bordered by a bed of light-colored rocks with small shrubs and accent lighting. In the background, there is a table with chairs and a white umbrella.
After
A large, solid stone bench made from two vertical rectangular stones supporting a single horizontal slab. The bench sits on a bed of large, mixed-color river rocks. In the background, there is a wooden wall, a fence, and blurred pink flowers.
A curved, two-tiered retaining wall made of stacked brown bricks. The wall holds a garden bed with several small, green shrubs and light-colored rocks. The patio in the background has an outdoor living room set.
A backyard with a light-colored paved patio and a curved, kidney-shaped swimming pool. On the patio, there is an outdoor living room set with light-colored cushions and a large umbrella. The patio curves around a rocky area with plants. A wooden fence is in the background.

Layering in Color and Life

With the structure in place, Anna turned her focus to the softer details. A raised planter near the pool adds height to the design while offering space for rotating annuals that bring fresh color each season.

Around the patio, she selected plants with a timeless feel: structured boxwoods, airy alliums (a personal favorite of hers), and a touch of astilbe.

Each one was chosen for its ability to thrive with minimal maintenance while delivering interest throughout the year.

A wide-angle shot of a backyard with a retaining wall made of beige and brown bricks. The wall has two tiers and is topped with various colorful plants. A light-colored paved patio is in the foreground, and a wooden fence and lush green trees are in the background.
A close-up shot of a raised garden bed with a maroon and red-leafed plant in the foreground. In the background, there are yellow and white flowers and a cluster of purple flowers. The garden bed is made of light brown bricks and is topped with light-colored stones.
A close-up of a pink, feathery Astilbe, with more of the same plants blurred in the background. The plants are growing in a bed of various-sized river rocks. A wooden fence is in the background.

A Backyard Made to Enjoy

From repairing cracked concrete to layering in thoughtful plants and pavers, this refresh transformed a tired backyard into a lively, welcoming retreat.

“Our clients love to entertain, and they wanted a space that felt effortless for both play and relaxation,” Anna says. “Now they have a backyard that works beautifully for both.”

With more room to gather and a design built to last, this family’s outdoor space is ready for summers filled with poolside play and evenings with friends.

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