Backyard Landscape Inspiration for Active Families
Looking for backyard landscape inspiration that works for the whole family? The Stinchcomb family’s North Atlanta property is a masterclass in exactly that. Tune in as we tour Matt and Jenny’s coastal-inspired backyard, tucked just steps from the Chattahoochee River, to find out what makes it tick.
Landscape Design Inspired by Nature and Accessibility
The first thing you notice about Matt and Jenny’s home is how intentionally it connects to its surroundings. The stone accents on the exterior were chosen to echo the rock-lined banks of the Chattahoochee River just beyond the property line, a subtle design detail that blurs the boundary between home and nature.
Jenny’s vision for the yard was clear from the start: simple, functional, and always accessible. She wanted a pool that felt less like a backyard amenity and more like a natural watering hole. And, she wanted a layout that made every corner of their property usable, whether it’s eight in the morning or ten at night.
The Family’s Favorite Backyard Spots
When asked to name his favorite feature, Matt doesn’t hesitate: the pool. It’s the go-to destination for the kids and the heart of summer activity in the yard. A close second is the fire pit river deck at the rear of the property. It’s a spot that really comes into its own in the fall, when the river air cools and the evenings slow down.
Jenny’s answer is more personal. Her favorite feature isn’t a structure at all. Instead, it’s the yard’s direct access to the Chattahoochee River. Having grown up floating the “Hooch” since childhood, being able to step out of her backyard and do the same thing now is, in her words, a dream come true.
A Yard Designed Around Togetherness
What makes the Stinchcomb yard feel like a true family space is its flexibility. Rather than one central gathering area, the property is designed around a series of distinct “pockets,” each with its own purpose and feel. There’s a back porch and river deck for winding down, a pool and river for active play, and dedicated game areas for the kids. Everyone in the family has a place that feels like theirs.
Partners in Yard Perfection
Matt and Jenny end our visit by thanking their landscape partners at Imagescapes for creating, and maintaining, their dream yard. Having worked together since the couple moved in years ago, Matt points out that the success is due in large part to the Exmark mowers Imagescapes exclusively uses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backyard Landscape Design for Families
A well-designed family backyard typically balances active spaces (pools, play areas, game zones) with relaxing ones (fire pits, covered porches, seating areas). The key is creating distinct “zones” so different family members can use the yard simultaneously without getting in each other’s way.
Many professional landscaping companies, including Imagescapes, rely exclusively on commercial-grade equipment like Exmark mowers for their maintenance work. Commercial mowers deliver a more consistent, precise cut—a critical factor in keeping a high-end yard looking its best year-round.




