An Outdoor Oasis Emerges by Design

A problem-solving landscape design is now the ultimate entertaining space with a water view

By Judy Royal  »  Photos by G. Frank Hart

Landscape contractor Scott Hinson, owner of Low Country Landscaping, believes creating the perfect outdoor space is a deliberate process that relies upon some key factors for success. After 22 years in business, he knows the formula well.

“All the details are important, and that’s the main thing,” Hinson said. “That’s what we really try to focus on. We have learned so many things over the years.

“Whenever it comes to truly making a project really enduring and beautiful, it takes some expertise, and that’s what we have garnered,” he added. “It’s not an overnight success story We’ve paid our dues. Every project, our heart and soul are in it, and collaboration with the client turns it into a masterpiece.”

Hinson considers Low Country Landscaping to be a “boutique” company that specializes in a few special projects per year, focusing on quality over quantity.

One of his recent projects is an outdoor oasis for a family of four that loves to entertain. The home, located in the Middle Sound Loop Road neighborhood on the Intracoastal Waterway near the entrance to Pages Creek, had a significant slope in the rear that made the backyard “almost unusable,” Hinson said.  To offset this Low Country Landscaping built seven-foot retaining walls on the back of the property. The space now contains a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and dining area with seating for at least 15 people. A room, enclosed on two sides and open on its other two sides, coupled with clear glass railings across the back of the pool area, preserve the coveted water view.

“The main thing was to give these folks a great outdoor living space, and they use it virtually every season,” Hinson said. “It’s a highly usable addition. These folks love to have family and
friends over.

“I love the location and how it actually makes you feel like you’re on vacation whenever you’re there,” he added. “It just makes you feel like everything is yours. It’s a feeling of open space and beautiful sights, the birds, the big live oaks. It just feels peaceful.”

Hinson said outdoor living has always been popular in our area due to its coastal nature and mild climate, but the pandemic really ramped up demand.

“Since COVID, everyone wants somewhat to be in control of their own outdoor space and be out in the fresh air,” he said. “You can keep it warm with various products and use outdoor spaces almost year-round here minus about two weeks of the year.”

More About Low Country Landscaping

Owner: Scott Hinson

Offerings: Landscaping, outdoor living spaces and lawn and landscape maintenance services in Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Figure Eight Island, Hampstead, Leland/Belville, Carolina Beach, Bald Head Island and surrounding areas

Phone: 910-200-1489

Website: lowcountrylandscaping.com

Instagram: @lowcountrylandscaping