reclaimed beauty
This stately colonial was hidden behind overgrown, evergreen foundation plants with very little variety or color difference. Previous underground repairs and the removal of a large tree had left the yard and portions of the flower beds in disarray. Through a multi-phased installation, the space was overhauled to include a private sitting area, reclaimed sandstone walkway and landing, multi-tiered stone walls, and large flower beds.
The first phase of the project started by prepping the area. This included transplanting small shrubs and moving a large, decades-old rhododendron. The area was then cleared of the old walkway and prepped for the installation of the new stone walkway, landing, and patio. Old sandstone sidewalks were cut and placed in an ashlar pattern. A stone windowsill from a century old warehouse was used as a step from the walkway to the landing. The construction of the dry-stacked stone walls closest to the new patio were also started at this time. The Pocono Blend wallstone used in this design vary in color from light to dark brown, cream, gray, and even purple.
The second phase of the project focused on revamping the green space. This included aerating, applying lime to decrease acidity, fertilizing, and reseeding the lawn. Flower beds were shaped in a gentle curving pattern, and organic material was mixed into the soil to make it ready for planting.
The third phase of the project was the installation of plant materials. Most plants used in this design are deer and rabbit resistant and require full to partial sunlight. Plants in a lime green/green, red-violet/purple and white palette were chosen for this space. The use of complementary colors (in this case, the green and purple) offers maximum contrast and is most pleasing to the eye. Pops of white throughout the garden provide additional visual interest.
Colorful trees and shrubs were chosen for this design. The Shirazz Japanese maple has a multi-branched habitat and colorful magenta leaves that deepen in autumn. The Rising Sun redbud’s leaves change from orange to green as they mature, resulting in a tree with different colored leaves on the same tree! A large smokebush with deep purple leaves and wispy “flowers” anchors the space, while still providing color. Boxwoods and false cypresses offer year-round greenery, as well as acting as a backdrop for the colorful perennials. Deciduous shrubs, including Limelight and Little Lime hydrangeas, provide summer greenery and fantastic lime green flowers. The Summer Sky butterfly bush with its yellow and light green leaves has blooms in light purple that attract butterflies. Sweetspires have white flowers in early summer and beautiful red foliage in the fall. Red-twigged dogwoods look spectacular in the winter, especially with snow cover.
We chose perennials with long flowering periods and resistance to damage from critters. Tall grasses were used at the back of the flower beds, providing textural complexity while acting as a backdrop in locations where there are no shrubs. Veronica, phlox and coneflower were used as middle height plants, while geranium, Shasta daisy, and sedum were used in the front of the flower beds. Seasonal annuals were also planted at the front of the border to add even more color to the summer display. Hundreds of daffodil bulbs were planted in the fall in the front border.