Backyard Paradise in Athens, IL: A Custom Pool and Outdoor Living Showcase
top of page
Small waterfall and water feature vases installed at Horace Mann by Knob Hill Landscape Company of Springfield, Illinois.

Inspiration For Outdoor Living

CUSTOM LANDSCAPING SERVICES IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS

Backyard Paradise in Athens, IL: A Custom Pool and Outdoor Living Showcase

  • Writer: Knob Hill Landscape Company
    Knob Hill Landscape Company
  • Jul 24
  • 2 min read
Knob Hill Landscape's Pool Project took place over five years. It is a reflection of the challenges we face and the dedication we give to everyone we work with. When this project began, we met with the owners of a new house in Athens, Illinois, getting to know them personally, and the direction they wanted to head in with their new property.

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


Gray two-story house with white trim, front porch decorated with red, white, and blue banners. Lush garden and green lawn in foreground.
Curved stone path beside a gray house with white pillars, green shrubs, and flowers; open field and trees in the background under a clear sky.

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.

bottom of page