Summary
This Amelia Island project showcases a complete coastal backyard transformation focused on erosion control, soil stabilization, and outdoor living design. The renovation included importing and compacting 128 yards of fill, expanding the paver patio, building custom seating walls and planter boxes, integrating drainage and irrigation systems, installing flagstone pathways, and adding landscape lighting. More than 1,500 groundcover plants—frogfruit and jasmine—were used to create a long-term, low-maintenance solution for tidal moisture and unstable soils. This project demonstrates Rockaway’s expertise in coastal landscape design, erosion-resistant installations, and Florida outdoor living construction.
When our design team, led by Daniel Fulton, first walked the Siebert property, the challenges were clear. Years of tidal influence and poor soil stability had eroded the landscape, leaving the backyard unusable and structurally compromised. The existing walkway was uneven and unsafe, and the grade sloped toward the home, allowing water to pool and vegetation to struggle.
Our goal was to stabilize, beautify, and connect the property with a cohesive design that worked with the natural environment rather than against it. The plan included strategic grading, expanded hardscape, integrated drainage, and an elegant but low-maintenance planting design.
Installation: Stabilizing the Foundation
Every successful landscape begins beneath the surface. Over 128 cubic yards of compacted fill were added to reshape and stabilize the property. Because site access was limited to a single narrow entry, our crews worked from the back of the property forward, layering and tamping each section with precision equipment to ensure lasting compaction and grade consistency. Once the foundation was secure, we began construction on the hardscapes—an expanded paver patio, custom seating wall, and four raised planter boxes designed to anchor the main gathering space. A flagstone pathway ties the outdoor areas together, guiding guests naturally through the landscape while protecting the plantings.
Integrating Form and Function
Functionality is as essential as beauty in coastal design. Rockaway installed a full drainage and irrigation system, ensuring that rainwater and tidal moisture could be properly managed and that the plant material would thrive. The expanded patio now flows seamlessly into the garden areas, with thoughtful transitions between hard and soft surfaces. Low-voltage path and uplighting were added to create evening ambiance and safety, showcasing the textures of the walls, planters, and foliage after sunset. Final touches included pine-straw mulching to define natural areas and reduce erosion around plant beds.
Planting for Long-Term Success
With the structure in place, the design came to life through careful plant selection and layout. Over 900 frogfruit and 600 jasmine were installed across the property, creating a natural groundcover that will knit together over the coming months to form a dense, living carpet. The lighter green frogfruit and darker jasmine will contrast beautifully as they mature, defining pathways and gathering zones while minimizing maintenance. The central planters were filled with colorful, low-water species designed to thrive in Amelia Island’s humid, salt-influenced air. The result is a soft, layered look that transitions smoothly from the patio to the natural areas bordering the water.
The Finished Result
Today, the Siebert backyard is a model of what coastal landscape design can achieve: strength, stability, and serenity in harmony with nature. What was once an eroding slope is now a level, functional outdoor living area where the family can relax, entertain, and enjoy the view. As the groundcovers mature, the yard will evolve into a seamless green tapestry that feels both manicured and natural. This transformation was made possible through close collaboration between designer Daniel Fulton, landscape foreman Mike Oaks & team, contractor McKay, and the Siebert family—whose vision and trust allowed us to turn a difficult site into a true island retreat.
Built to Last by Rockaway
From soil stabilization and drainage engineering to hardscapes, irrigation, and plant design, this project embodies the full range of Rockaway’s design-build expertise. Each phase was carefully executed to ensure both beauty and durability—proof that with the right team, even the toughest sites can be transformed into lasting landscapes.
If you can dream it, Rockaway can build it.
👉 Contact us to begin your next outdoor transformation.
