Five years ago friends purchased a piece of property which could be described as an overgrown wildness of neglected trees and shrubs. Fifteen-year-old shrubs that had never been pruned had completely taken charge. Massive evergreens obscured the view from the windows and kept light and air out of the house. Today this property is a noteworthy example of correct landscape planting.
Beauty, interest and secluded outdoor living have evolved out of the confusion that existed prior to replanting. Now these friends are the happy possessors of a garden that is a source of year-round pleasure. The metamorphosis did not just happen… it is the result of patient study and of careful planning.
In the early years of our friends married life they spent in an apartment, and when they took possession of their property, they were novices in the art of gardening. Indeed, it was their first venture in exploring the wonders of the outdoors. With determination to create the garden of their dreams, their successful venture is proof that where there is a will there is a way.
Begins with Planning
Before any work was begun, a complete planting plan was made for the entire development of the grounds. This is always the wisest course to pursue, for it gives a practical starting point from which to work through the years. Without this invaluable guide, more often than not a place is planted with no well-defined ideas as to the ultimate goal, and errors result that must he corrected sooner or later.
In the designing of their garden the objectives were an attractive approach to the house, secluded outdoor living, easy maintenance and evergreens for year-round effect. Straight lines gave way to graceful, informal curves, and the use of massive trees and shrubs in restricted areas was carefully avoided. Plant material already on the place that was worth transplanting was moved to advantageous spots where there was ample space for full growth.
The red brick house was painted white, and as white does not clash with the various colors of flowering trees and shrubs there was no problem in the selection of plant material.
The landscape project began with the renovation of the front of the property. The corners of the house were softened with tall-growing material, and low plants were used under the windows. By removing the massive evergreens and replacing them with appropriate shrubs, the house took a new look at life. The compact, low growing English yew (Taxus baccata repandens) was a good selection for planting under the picture window. The front door was set off with a Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) and a grouping of Azalea.
A towering Norway maple was removed at the left side of the house, and in its place a Viburnam prunifolium was planted to give needed height and privacy for a terrace, which was a happy thought that developed attractively what would otherwise have been a minor corner. Framed with rhododendrons and Ilex crenata and Ilex crenam convexa, this terrace improves the house’s lines.
Property Entrance
At the entrance to the property, a thriving hedge of Azalea ledifolium extends along the top of a bank. It gives a distinctive note and adds interest to the approach to the house. In spring its showy white flowers repeat those at the house entrance, carrying the color effect to the front boundary. When the flowering period is over, its compact growth and splendid foliage can be enjoyed, even during dull winter months. On top of the bank Green Island holly accents each side of the entrance steps. On the bank itself Berberis verruculosa, roses and a ground cover of periwinkle add finishing touches.
On the front lawn two dogwoods were retained from the original planting and pruned to form shapely trees. As the dogwood close to the house grows taller, its lower branches are gradually being removed so that it will not obstruct the view. A silver maple was also saved and pruned high so that it would not obscure the terrace. A sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) replaced a Japanese maple to give much needed shade to the house. Because of its deep root system, grass flourishes under it and in the fall the foliage turns a brilliant red. The corky bark and picturesque habit of growth add interest to the winter landscape.
It’s just a step from the front terrace to the enchanting garden in the back yard. You can get to this garden along both sides of the property as well as by going through the house itself. The most alluring approach, however, is along a woodsy path of bark and stepping stones which leads from the front terrace and through a gate that opens on a patio around which the garden is planned. A ground cover of English ivy borders the path, and Akebia quinata and roses fall gracefully over a fence along the property line.
The quiet seclusion of this garden invites one to relax. The curved line of the terrace and of the flower borders characterize the informality of the layout. A woven wood fence ,encloses the garden on two boundaries, while on the driveway side trees and shrubs give protection from the next-door property.
A large yew, salvaged when the planting was redone, is perfectly located to give privacy and an evergreen enclosure to one end of the terrace. At the opposite end Pieris japonica, azaleas and laurels are grouped to further set off the terrace. In the corner by the fence a silver-bell (Halesia) replaced a Norway maple. In May it is laden with dainty bell-like white flowers and because of its light habit of growth it does not dwarf the property. Clematis montana rubens clothes the fence with its delicate foliage and contributes a myriad of exquisite pink flowers at tulip time.
Along the fence rhododendrons, Pieris japonica, azaleas and white pines combine with deciduous shrubs to give background to a flower border. For a touch of the unusual an Osmanthus Fortunei is espaliered in a protected place on the fence.
At the far end of the border a focal point has been developed with a pixie and a birdbath as its central feature. Stepping stones lead to the birdbath and cut through masses of Phlox divaricata, tulips and white pansies. Back of the pixie, mountain-laurel and drooping leucothoe give a bank of greens.
On the shady side of the garden a pleasing variation is the naturalistic border where foam flowers, Jack-in-the-pulpit, May-apples and trilliums grow happily among ferns. Under the shelter of a carmine crab (Malus atrosanguinea) another birdbath stands in an alcove formed with rhododendrons, mountain-laurel, drooping leucothoe and ferns. A specimen Viburnam tomentosum and a Viburnum rhytidophyllum give just the needed substance and height against the fence
