113 Waterford Place

Here the visitor is welcomed by a pair of monumental Foo dogs atop vine-clad quadrant walls of stacked stone. The rear gardens on Joan and Dennis Gillings’ property feature English-inspired landscaping and a pool framed by arbors. The walk from the lowest terrace is bordered by a Victorian railing; interesting statuary and elegant wrought-iron elements abound – even a horseshoe-pitch framed by perennials.

Waterford Place Garden: A Landscaper's Perspective

by Cathy Lindsey

This garden celebrated its 14th year recently and continues to mature and evolve in both beauty and function.  The design was strongly influenced by the homeowner’s love of English gardens, birds, and butterflies, so providing food, shelter, and water for these entities was a high priority.

We arrived on the project, when most of the hardscape was completed, including the perimeter fencing.  Grading and drainage offered a challenge, as very little could be altered from its original topography.  In addition, tree preservation was paramount.  Not only were we to offer the homeowner a beautiful setting to enjoy, but no harm could be done to the environment in the process. So when life hands you poor drainage, you make a bog garden, complete with ferns, hellebores, river birches, and arrowroot.  This still stands today and is a testament to durable design concept. 

The other challenge was the front landscape that initially harbored boxwoods, turf, and a large, boxy garage.  The disconnect to the landscape was profound.  Our solution to bringing this massive structure down to size was to plant Crape Myrtles as a foundation, with Wilson Ivy as the backdrop.  Nandina Firepower was planted diagonally to assist in guiding the visitor to the front door.  Rudbeckia helped lighten up the approach and the very slim, very dry foundation leading to the service entry, which was filled up nicely by Rhodea japonica.

Another important aspect of this garden is its sustainability and environmentally sound practices.  Fall leaves are recycled on site.  Organic fertilizers and bio-rational pest control are incorporated.  Turf is kept healthy and strong with minimal watering only during drought conditions, and a conservative nutritional program.  Our policy of "the right plant in the right place" cuts down tremendously on maintenance costs.  And, as a testament, birds, dragonflies, chipmunks, frogs, and lizards, along with seasonal color and interest, abound here, giving the homeowner many hours of enjoyment. 

 

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