HERSHEY, PA // Award Winner
Designed by: Doug Myers
The site for this project faces east lying between the back edge of the residence and a steep slope. Naturally diverse existing woodland characterizes the slope. The material on the slope is fragile and rich, partially consisting of Beech and Oak trees, Maple Leaf Viburnum and Ferns.
The clients recently travelled to Charleston, South Carolina, and through parts of Italy, and upon their return decided to have a garden designed to recall the traditions of these areas. The addition of a new sunroom placed importance on the view from inside the home. The couple also required a space to lounge and relax and occasionally entertain friends and family.
In addition to the clients desires the designer’s intent was to create a seamless connection between both the residence and the woodland area and create a garden of beauty and harmonious proportions. The materials chosen reflect the text and texture of the existing site combined with Charleston and Italian influences. Within the garden the designer placed several traditional devices which define the space. The devices along with the plants help to produce clarity within the designed space allowing the clients to occupy the area between the edge of the residence and the slope.
The pathway leading to the garden is constructed of irregular flagstone and flanked with cobblestone. Midway along the path a recessed area for a bench provides a resting place as well as a counter point to the linear walk. The pathway is lined with Hydrangea to reinforce the linear quality of the walkway. Further along the pathway a tiered Italian style fountain rests. The fountain draws you into the garden and provides a focal point from all areas in the garden as well as inside the home. The irregular flagstone path surrounds the fountain and then gives way to cut flagstone. A Chionanthus tree, nestled in the patio among an eight foot by eight foot bed is edged with cobblestone and planted with a groundcover of Liriope. The tree helps to divide the spaces and soften the hardscape. Beyond this area is the largest area designed for living. A patio of brick is laid in a basket weave pattern beneath a traditional pergola. In order to break up the brick and help to tie the area to the cut flagstone, two foot by two foot flagstone are laid around the columns of the pergola. The space beneath the pergola is used for dining and lounging. The pergola continues the trend of using traditional devices to link the garden to Italian and Charleston influences.
With the existing woodland canopy defined, many of the plants chosen are shrubs and perennials. Both native and introduced plants are used. The plantings chosen have at least three seasons of interest, possessing a lush green feel linking the garden to the woodland area and promoting an Italian/Charleston feeling. The plant material also defines the space between the living areas and the woodland slope providing for a sense of security.
The garden has a psychologically uplifting feeling and has met both the aesthetic and functional needs of the clients. They care for the garden well and spend more time in the garden than they initially thought they would.
