Friday, December 10, 2010
Adding Curb Appeal in Manhasset, New York
"I can't wait to clean all this out! I call these my junkyard trees!". I had to laugh. It was a fitting description. The Walnut and Sumac and wild tangles of vine did indeed need to vacate the property; as quickly as possible, as far as I was concerned.
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| Driveway Before |
My client and I were definitely on the same page. The goal was clear. Transform an overgrown, neglected five foot buffer zone into an elegant, semi-private border that would enhance both homes, create privacy and mask the view of the car parked next door.
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| View from the neighbor's side |
My client and I shared coffee and discussed options. We both agreed on trellis fencing from the start. I suggested four inch square openings to not only accomodate flowering vines, but to detract from the "barrier fence" feeling (My client wanted to continue to greet her neighbor but, understandedly, did not want to stare at his car all day). I also incorporated spaces between the sections of trellis fencing transforming them into garden panels. I then went home and committed these, and other ideas, unto paper and delivered a concept plan for the newly redesigned driveway buffer. We started work a couple weeks later.
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| Concept Plan for driveway buffer |
Unfortunately, as in many cases that I come across, the previous homeowner had used this particular unoccupied space to be his own personal landfill. There were enormous chunks of concrete, rolls of wire, metal stakes, rocks of all shapes and sizes, and shiny, glittery chards of granite type material. We carefully excavated what we could, without disturbing the neighbor's prized paver retaining wall!, and replaced the strip with twelve yards of fresh, clean topsoil. The earth signed a quiet exhalation of relief, as did my client and I.
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| Unwanted debris |
A few minor tweaks needed to occur due to an enormous underground stump that could not be extricated without demolishing the neighbor's retaining wall. So, we adjusted placement of the posts and tightened the panels up. I no longer had room for upright Evergreens seperating each trellis panel, however, the effect was still tremendously appealing. We also had to deal with a soft grade change; we staggered the panels slightly to accomodate. One lovely upright Japanese Maple later, centered between the six panels, and the finished hardscape looked wonderful. My husband and his crew installed the soaker hoses and now, come Spring, I will get to embellish the finished work with english climbing roses and colorful annuals.
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| Ready for planting in the Spring |
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Think Spring!
- Jennifer Garces
- My experienced team and I have been creating and maintaining unique gardens and lavish landscapes throughout Long Island, New York for the past decade. Specializing in the creation of outdoor living spaces that are extraordinary yet functional, I glean inspiration from the traditional English style of gardening which incorporates lush perennial gardens, old world style masonry and wood accents. I believe unlimited creativity may be ignited by merging site potential, client desires and designer vision. Truly, gardening is a natural process that evolves and becomes more breathtaking with time. I hold a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island and have over 6 years of field experience.
