A retreat outside of the power center of Washington DC. The clients, a retired couple, requested easy access to the natural terrace overlooking the back patio of their mid-century style ranch, located in the suburbs of DC. In this landscape, they desired a grove reminiscent of the South, evergreen screening from the road, and a seating area to relax and enjoy the clematis covered, pentagram folly. Fibrous root plants were placed on the grade to help absorb the rain water running off the hilltop as well as to stabilize the soil, and a French drain to capture the excess water and redirect the flow towards a dry creek and away from a small vegetable potager.