Backyard Paradise in Athens, IL: A Custom Pool and Outdoor Living Showcase
- Knob Hill Landscape Company
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
At Knob Hill Landscape Company, we believe your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home, a place to relax, recharge, and reconnect. That’s exactly what we created for this Athens, Illinois family: a private backyard paradise built around a custom in-ground pool, lush landscaping, and layered hardscaping that brings function and beauty together.
In the beginning stages of the project, we created a wishlist in collaboration with the owners. This wishlist embodied a dream of what they would like to see created, as well as the budget that they had to work with. We also spent time taking into perspective how their outdoor spaces might be used in the long run.
During the process, we recognized an erosion problem caused by the grade of the ground in the empty space between the house and a shed that had been added to the property. We were able to use retaining walls to build this up and fix the issue. This eliminated mowing, and made for easy maintenance, making it convenient for winter cookouts and summers by the pool.
Project Timeline: A Multi-Year Outdoor Transformation
Year 1 – Constructed custom retaining walls as the foundation of the landscape
Year 2 – Installed a front sidewalk to enhance curb appeal and accessibility
Year 3 – Designed and built a spacious back patio for outdoor living
Year 4 – Added a fully equipped outdoor grill station for entertaining
Year 5 – Completed the project with raised planter beds and a custom in-ground pool, bringing the entire vision together


Transform Your Yard—One Phase at a Time
Ready to bring your dream yard to life? Whether your project takes one season or five, Knob Hill Landscape Company is here to guide you every step of the way. From detailed design plans to expert construction and finishing touches, we create custom outdoor spaces built to last—and built for you. Get in touch with our Springfield-based team today and let’s start planning your own backyard paradise.










