THIS BLOG was INSPIRED by
GARDENS visited in English Village...
GARDEN 1
The Swann House, a formal, stone manor located at 3536 Redmont Road, includes elaborate cornices, embossed gutters, and intricately carved moldings.
Spiral topiaries and formal parterre hedges, with the herb Lavender inset, blanket the front terrace.
The front lawn expanse overlooks a “park-like” diverse collection of Native trees, shrubs, and perennials.
The back terrace, looming above the city, includes several parterre gardens nestled in pea gravel paths and sitting areas. Frank Fleming chess pieces play on the grass checkerboard reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. One expects the Queen of Hearts to wander out and bellow “Off with her head!”
From the side terrace, one meanders along a trail through the recently-added landscape. Some favorites caught my attention:
Cornflower or Bachelor’s Button
Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick
A flaming Native Azalea among ferns.
Solomon’s Seal
A weeping Eastern Redbud
A moss lined vessel in the meadow to welcome bathing birds.
Exiting the property, one cannot help notice the recently added Yew lining the stone wall and the collection of Long Leaf Pines, mature Oaks, and Southern Magnolia beyond.
Designer Zach Westall of Creative Landscape Design commented, “It will look awesome in five years when the landscape matures!”
GARDEN 2
A marvelous series of garden “rooms” created by Troy Rhone of Troy Rhone Garden Design lies beyond the privacy hedge of this two-story brick Tudor home located at 3509 Country Club Road. Boxwood balls and manicured hedges set the tone for the remainder of this organized landscape. Evergreen structure such as Camellia sasanqua, Dwarf Burford Holly, Arborvitae, and Boxwood hedges are used repeatedly throughout.
The herb garden is divided into four quadrants with a pea gravel path creating an axis. Rosemary, Lamb’s Ear and Boxwood balls lend an elegant feel to the herb garden.
A few steps down, one enters a pea gravel patio with a central fountain. Again, evergreens provide privacy and structure. Continuing along the patio, a Japanese Maple adds height and interest to the planted area.
An adorable frog trumpets as the focal point in the pillared planter in the herb garden.
A lawn appears in a few more steps - bordered by perennials and screened with evergreen hedging including Dwarf Burford Holly. A stone path bisects the lawn and leads to an arbor announcing the next terraced garden.
A raised bed behind the perennial border boasts roses, azalea, fern, and the signature boxwood hedges. Magnolia create privacy.
Lamb’s ear combines well with many so perennials such as Catmint and Daylily.
A peony in bloom in the border.
A view to the fountain and pillared planter beyond. Rosemary and Ajuga join Mondo Grass and Daylily while Camellia sasanqua provide structure to the garden.
Dwarf salvia and Iris beyond.
Raised beds allow vegetables and fruits to be easily grown. Arborvitae screen neighbors and create a private retreat.
Close-up of strawberry fruit.
Another outdoor room nested among trees and shrubs completes the tour. Who would not want to hang out at this Fire Pit?
GARDEN 3
Privacy hedges create an intimate front yard in this home located at 3514 Country Club Road where June Mays, Landscape Designer, has been gardening since 1982. The first two years were spent eradicating kudzu, vinca, privet, cherry laurel, and wisteria. Garden rooms branch off a central allee.
Several River Birch on the property have wonderful exfoliating bark.
The brilliant cut leaf Japanese Maple is stunning by the back deck.
A flutist charms the water feature in this shady garden.
A well-placed urn can complement a garden.
Snowball Viburnum in bloom spill onto this rustic, wooden bench.
Raised beds and a Muscadine arbor are a sweet surprise in this secret garden.
A snail sculpture crawls through the Japanese Holly Fern.
A collection of bird houses and privacy hedging makes this fire patio a welcome retreat.
Step stones help guide the paths and elevation changes.
Sweetshrub, a Native Plant, is in bloom and enjoys its shady woodland setting.
Another well-placed urn adds interest to the landscape.
On exiting the property, I noticed these lovely carved ladies supporting the back door beam. Made me appreciate how small details can make each home special!
June said in March, six trees fell in her back garden, creating an open hillside with lots of sunshine. So, she may have to rethink some of her existing plantings there.
We all know that gardens always change as Mother Nature has her own ideas. However, with change comes the opportunity to try something new or rework an area!
I hope these three gardens inspire you to venture into your yard - and like always - design help is nearby!
Hilary Ross is a certified landscape designer/horticulturist creating classic and timeless designs for gardens!
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