Saturday, February 19, 2011
Backyard Wish List
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| Design Plan for a Small Backyard |
The thought process behind this design was inspired by a very clear and concise wish list bestowed on me from a client who is an avid gardener.
Immediate Challenges to the design:
- small plot size, approximately 70' by 55'
Site Benefits to the design:
- full sun
- clear lot, no existing trees, shrubs, etc. to be removed
Following are some specific requests which I incorporated into the layout and planting:
- divide the space into half edible/half ornamental
- provide areas for quiet comtemplation and rest
- install lots of colorful perennial beds, heavy maintenance NOT an issue
- need a patch of lawn
- provide an "ornamental" vegetable garden(s) with some raised beds; get creative
- love masonry; use belgium block and gravel for walkways
- appreciate formality and organization
For the perennial area, I created a sort of patch quilt design, repeating the various plant materials in a pattern. I used lots of purples, blues, whites, pinks and filled in with various ornamental grasses. Below are some of the plants that I used in this design.
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| Anemone Honorine Jobert |
I really love Japanese Anemones and Honorine Jobert is nothing short of magnificent. It blooms late (love that!) when a lot of the good stuff is burnt out, and it's so pretty! Not a big fan of mums or asters so this one really comes in handy....
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| Summer Skies Delphinium |
This color kills me! It's not a very long show, but mixed into the beds with so many other plants, we can just cut it back when it's done and no one will be the wiser.
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| Mexican Feather Grass |
A stunning grass, especially on a breezy day. Probably one one of the first grasses I started using in the garden, besides Pennisetum and Miscanthus.
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| Geranium Rozanne |
Keeps on going....Rozanne never quits. The color is quite ravishing as well. It was named perennial of the year recently, which it deserved.
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| Salvia Turkistanica |
Salvia Turkistanica has it's place. Salvias are great and this one is perhaps one of the biggest.
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| Verbena bonariensis |
This Verbena does self-seed quite a bit, however, for this garden, I don't mind! I really appreciate the airyness of the branching habit, and purple is my favorite color in the garden.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Front Yard Facelift
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| Front Yard Color-filled Planting Plan |
The goal here was to incorporate an abundance of Spring, Summer and Fall color while retaining some Evergreen anchors to sustain the garden throughout the Winter months. Pink Petunia and Purple Verbena carpets the front of the beds with annual color while enticing pots adorn the entryway; a concrete bench serves as a resting spot. Boxwood fills in as a simple, green and year round backdrop.
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| Photo courtesy of Proven Winners |
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| Photo courtesy of Proven Winners |
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| Pretty! courtesy of Proven Winners |
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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.
