Opportunity Rocks!

A challenging blank garden canvas inspired these gardeners to create “people places” – spots throughout the garden for escape, for a sense of ease and for the enjoyment of beautiful flowers and plants. 

Three steps up from the sidewalk are two distinct courtyard-like rooms. Choose your mood: cool, green ground and restful shade to the left or sun, burbling fountain and a grape-draped fence to the right. In 2005, the front gardens started small – as in the plants used to be so small a friend joked that it was tiny town.  Now witch hazel, Japanese maple, burning bush (Euonymus alatus), and zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) have filled in nicely providing beauty, variety and privacy. Rocks of all types and sizes are a common theme throughout the garden. Dry stream beds double as access paths and many rocks are mementos from travels.  (Look for the little rock climbers scaling a mini El Capitan.)

Walk past a thriving honey bush (Melianthus major) and through the gate to a shaded respite, the first of many ’sitting rooms.’ Potted plants lining both sides of the walk create an inviting intimacy in this narrow space between house and fence line. A hidden hot tub, surrounded by bamboo and hostas creates a lush, forest-like vibe. Across the way a sprawling magnolia provides shade for more potted plants, a hammock, and a colorful mix of hydrangea, lilies, peony, ferns, and coral bells.

“Just kind of going with the flow,” is a guiding philosophy for Jackie and Liz, “Gardening can be very therapeutic… something that takes patience.” A gardener’s canvas may never be finished, but little treasures hidden throughout, and personal touches everywhere make this inviting and cozy garden feel complete.

Stairs from front sidewalk; no stairs in garden.  Ask about alternative access.