Where Geometry Meets Grace

Upper Saddle River, NJ

Learn More About the Project

Project Description

This sculptural landscape is a masterclass in balance — rooted in geometry, shaped by grace. Designed along the architectural centerline of the estate, it flows outward: a grand staircase, a circular spa, and layered plantings that soften the formality. With an outdoor kitchen, fireside lounge, and dramatic night lighting, the entire space becomes a sanctuary of symmetry and serenity.

An orchestration of stone and stillness — composed for the art of living well.

Project Challenges

This was a highly collaborative, multi-year effort between the homebuilder and Magic Landscaping’s design team. The scale and precision required immense coordination across disciplines. Centering the entire layout on an architectural focal point demanded exacting measurements and site control. The result is a landscape that feels effortless — a testament to the unseen artistry and behind-the-scenes orchestration that made it possible.

2D+landscape+design+in+Saddle+River%2C+NJ

    • Symmetrical Pool-Centric Layout: Every line flows from the central chimney, creating symmetry, cohesion, and architectural harmony.

    • Formal Planting Plan: Roses, spirea, hydrangeas, and structured hedges define zones and invite calm with color and movement.

    • Invisible Pool Safety: A 4-foot retaining wall eliminates the need for visible fencing — maintaining aesthetics without sacrificing safety.

    • Multi-Level Outdoor Living: The stepped design gives each space distinct purpose — lounging, dining, soaking — without disrupting flow.

    • Nighttime Drama: Subtle lighting and laminar jets transform the poolscape into a spectacle after dark.

  • Before: A wide-open lawn with architectural potential but no functional outdoor living or focal points.

    After: A richly layered retreat where structure meets softness — and every element flows with intention.

  • Balanced, Grand, Formal, Elegant, Sculptural, Warm, Refined

  • Symmetry, Outdoor Kitchen, Bluestone, Spa, Fireplace, Laminar Jets, Grand Staircase, Retaining Wall, Pool

  • Budget: $1.6M

  • Upper Saddle River, NJ

  • Residential New Landscape Build

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What our Clients have to Say about Magic Landscaping

 
 
 
 
 
 
Drew is very creative and easy to work with when he develops a landscape design. He also anticipates growth patterns and spaces plantings appropriately. Maintenance crews do a consistently good job and if we ever have an issue (which is very infrequent) John ensures it is corrected and doesn't happen again. It should be noted we have been customers for over 25 years.

- Christy via facebook.com

Generally speaking, the process of contracting with the landscape designer or anyone in the trades, is often times met with trepidation as it’s an area that many of us do not participate in very often. The one thing I very much appreciated and respected about Mr. Shepherd was his ability to “listen”. I consider that a lost art, especially among many contractors who come in with their set ideas on how to complete a project or their thoughts on how a project should look. Before even suggesting design ideas, Mr. Shepherd “listened” to what our needs were and what was important to us. My wife and I found this to be one of the deciding factors in who we awarded the landscape design project to. The job itself was uneventful, timely, and surprisingly on budget. I see all of this as a result of great communication with Mr. Shepherd and his team. At times, we have concerns that once the job is started there would be a lot of additional costs and such; but the only add-ons were ones that were discussed and mutually decided on. His design planning and cost estimates were very much adhered to. All in all, a great experience which speaks to the fact that we are suggesting to our daughter to have Mr. Shepherd work with her on her home in Wyckoff.

- Danielle, Ringwood via facebook.com

Magic Landscaping created a front yard landscaping plan, including new brick path and patio and plantings, and installed all of it right at the tail end of the season last year for me. The house curb appeal is so greatly improved, I have no doubt I will get back every penny of the investment when it is time to sell. Drew was great to work with. I highly recommend this company.

- Joy via houzz.com

Two generations of my family have been working with Drew since he first started Magic Landscaping back in the early 1980s. My parents originally hired Drew to install an amazing natural stream in the hilly portion of the backyard which served as a perfect connection between the upper property where the main house sits to the lower portion where the pool and pool house reside. It still anchors the property 30 years later. When my wife and purchased the home from my parents in the early 2000s, we undertook a multi-year project which included several landscape design projects in which Drew and his team executed the vision beyond expectations. The most recent landscape project was massive and time sensitive and Drew's skill in managing outside tradesmen, overall budget and tight scheduling was critical to the project's overall success. Drew delivered on time and on budget and his oversight of the landscape design was flawless and beyond professional. If you are contemplating a landscape project big or small, you owe it to yourself to speak with Drew who is a pro's pro. We look forward to the day when the third generation of our family engages Drew and his talented landscape design firm. The project is currently featured in the April/ May 2015 issue of DesignNJ Magazine and was also a feature property in the Summer 2014 issue of Aspire Magazine

- Steve via houzz.com

We have been working with Drew and his team since January. What started as a simple landscape consult became a transformative plan for our main entrance, front yard and driveway. We are very much diy folks but Drew blew us away with his creative and interesting plans. He has an eye for bringing out the potential of a home through landscape, hardscape and even other arcitectural detail/changes. He remains close to the execution once Dan and his team takes over and translates all of the details so the plan is executed flawlessly. Magic was recommended to us by some friends and for once in my life I am experiencing the same excellence they raved about. The entire team at Magic is so responsive which is difficult to find these days. They address our many questions very timely and I have figured out I don't have to worry as the hold themselves to the same high standards we would hope for but usually can't find. The were flexible and understanding as we changed our minds a few times with the timing of the project. Their extensive horticulture knowledge is clear as you discuss plans and walk the nursery. We also had a great experience with contractors they recommended for sprinklers and some construction. In summary- you can trust them, they are true experts and professionals and you get amazing quality, cost is competitive and you will not walk away disappointed. You will also not be surprised with unexpected costs as they dont low ball the estimate just to get your business and then surprise you with lots of other costs. There is no reason to look any further for landscape design or maintenance. I recommend them to everyone I know!!!

- Kelly & Ryan via houzz.com

Generally speaking, the process of contracting with the landscape designer or anyone in the trades, is often times met with trepidation as it's an area that many of us do not participate in very often. The one thing I very much appreciated and respected about Mr. Shepherd was his ability to "listen". I consider that a lost art, especially among many contractors who come in with their set ideas on how to complete a project or their thoughts on how a project should look. Before even suggesting design ideas, Mr. Shepherd "listened" to what our needs were and what was important to us. My wife and I found this to be one of the deciding factors in who we awarded the landscape design project to. The job itself was uneventful, timely, and surprisingly on budget. I see all of this as a result of great communication with Mr. Shepherd and his team. At times, we have concerns that once the job is started there would be a lot of additional costs and such; but the only add-ons were ones that were discussed and mutually decided on. His design planning and cost estimates were very much adhered to. All in all, a great experience which speaks to the fact that we are suggesting to our daughter to have Mr. Shepherd work with her on her home in Wyckoff.

- Tom via houzz.com

Met with Drew and he immediately understood what I wanted! He made a plan that was so unique and creative! Dan and the crew worked and transpired the space. It was better than I ever expected. They created this amazing space at such a fair price that added value to my home that I will enjoy for years. It looks great in every season and after a year it looks even better! I cannot say enough wonderful things about Drew and his team. Drew put so much TLC into the plan...I felt as if he treated the project like it was his own. Another thing that I noticed and appreciated was how the guys communicated and worked as a team. I have done several landscaping projects through the years and this was the best one by far. And certainly the only one I would take the time to write a review for...(I never write reviews...) Kudos to Drew and the fellas at Magic Landscaping!! I look forward to have them continue to work on my property.

- Jen via houzz.com

I can't say enough good things about Magic Landscaping ! I've used them for the past four years and they are professional, reliable, and courteous. This is a class A company! Search no more!

- Christy via facebook.com

Very professional and highly recommended! Drew and team installed our low voltage lighting and maintain our landscaping - we couldn't be happier.

- Ramona via facebook.com

Drew has done an outstanding job on our backyard project. The scope of our project changed from a simple pool update to creating a true outdoor space for our family. He extended our living space out into a beautiful yard - thinking through how out family functions to make the yard perfect for us - now and for years to come. Additionally, he was realistic about our budget. He encouraged smart spending on things that are truly value added and eliminated fluff. The end result is just awesome!

- Lorna via houzz.com

When we began our journey to put a pool in the backyard, we significantly underestimated the importance of creating a functional, experience based environment for our family and friends. It wasn’t until our first sit down with Drew that this became abundantly clear. From the first conversation, to our ongoing relationship today, Drew has been the ultimate professional, coach, and friend. He set a vision that was built on listening to who we are, what we value, and appropriately built on the ideas that we had brought to the table. The end result is nothing short of spectacular. Every person that works in the yard starts with a moment of silence, shortly followed by pure admiration for the space and the environment Drew has created. If you want someone who appreciates you, listens, and brings years of experience to the table, coupled with amazing results, Drew is your partner. #CustomerForLife!

- Anthony via houzz.com

"Very professional and highly recommended! Drew and team installed our low voltage lighting and maintain our landscaping - we couldn't be happier."

- Anthony via houzz.com

 
 
 

Satisfaction Guarantee

We guarantee that a consultation with our experts will be time well spent, or we will pay you for your time!

We guarantee the workmanship for all of our landscape construction services for a period of ten years. Any repairs that must be performed as a result of improper workmanship shall be performed at no cost to the customer, provided that all payment terms within this contract have been met.

 

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Choose a time that fits your schedule to ensure you’re available and prepared for our conversation. You’ll receive a dedicated time slot to discuss your project, or questions, in detail without interruptions. This method allows you and our team time to prepare for the call so we can address all aspects. Which service are you inquiring about?

 
 

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