The client desired an ornamental garden for his property. During the site evaluation, it was determined that the ornamental garden should be situated as a transitional space between the main house and confluence of two main rivers.

In regard to the design and installation of the garden, Justin worked closely with the Harpeth River Watershed Association to ensure the grading for the installation of the garden would not affect the river bank or the existing ecology in a negative manner. They also installed pea gravel pathways instead of a hard surface material to assist in drainage. Exotic invasives were cleared from over an 1/8 of mile of the river banks. 

This transitional space was purely utilitarian and presented both opportunities and obstacles. Since the location was at the end of the driveway, each time the homeowners arrived at the property, this new garden could greet them. At the same time, this site meant that the garage side, or utilitarian side of the house would be the view from within this new transitional space. 

Once the decision was made to improve this transitional space, our design intent was to create a simple southern plant palette laid out in a symmetrical arrangement with the main axis leading to the master suite of the house.  This plan has welcomed the client to the property while providing a juxtaposition between the utilitarian side of the house and the wild river below.

To overcome this obstacle, an apple orchard was planted with those trees planted around the perimeter of this rectangular garden to provide a framework for the space and to screen the garage doors on the west side of the garden. This also helped transition the new garden to the existing, taller, more mature tree canopy that lined the river on the eastern edge. 

This project included the use of four symmetrical beds, each punctuated by American Boxwood and lined with Daylilies. Those beds were then filled with a simple southern plant palette of Camellias, Daffodils, Daylilies, Fruit Trees, Gardenias, Hydrangeas, Roses, Tulips, and Vinca Minor. 

The beds are separated by pea gravel pathways and connected by two roundabouts that dissect these four squares. The two roundabouts are lined with Dwarf English Boxwood, filled with Daffodils and Tulips and in the center of each is a majestic Crab Apple.

We strategically positioned American Boxwood to provide a framework for the garden. Camellias and Gardenias, used for their lovely aroma, line the entrances and exits. The beautiful white blooms of Annabelle Hydrangeas guide you through the garden. 

The overall concept is simply southern; traditional plants with great fragrance and color spilling from the beds into the pathways.

Justin won the Historic Preservation Award for his involvement with this property.