A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THIS GARDEN DESIGNER

Blank Slate : Before

A small rectangular city lot presents a lot of design challenges. The young couple who own this contemporary house had been searching for solutions for 2 years but didn't like any of the plans designers came up with. I could see why. Next door was a design by a landscaper known to me and one who has a very lucrative business. For a few thousand bucks she planted a few boxwood and some pachysandra and must have finished in an hour. There wasn't a single lovely flower in the whole design !

Then we met and this very nice couple liked the ideas I came up with. Normally, it takes 2-3 weeks minimum to do a complete landscape because a lot is involved in the process. It's not just about pleasing yourself - you have to meet your client's expectations, budget, and taste as well. Then you have to go out and gather up all the materials, soil amendments and arrange for delivery.

Like I said, they were in a hurry and I was trying to accomodate their request to do it within a week. Am I CRAZY to take on such a challenge? Yep. But I did it anyway. Guess I'm getting bold in my old age.

Here's what I did. :

Step 1. : How's the soil ? In this case, UHG! Heavy clay. I loathe it. No wonder nothing would survive there. Poor drainage. I'm not one to just plant something " hoping the check will clear before it dies " as a fellow landscaper used to say to me. I take my time and do it right so I ordered a ton of soil amendments to improve drainage and added compost as well. Dug it in really well and created a great soil for planting.

Step 2. Flat, rectangular shape : Very dull. I'm from the hills , honey, I gotta have some curves or slopes. So, I created a raised bed , which plants love, and is a smart idea over clay soil. Plus, a level change creates immediate interest. Cut a curved path from the side entrance to the front. Wow, that sure made a difference.

Step. 3. Semi-shady site. With imput from clients, selected lovely Evergreen and Deciduous shrubs for the background of the bed : A wonderful 'Yaku Princess ' Rhododendron hardy to Zone 4 ( provides Spring blooms and is a broadleaf evergreen ) , Lady in Red Hydrangea ( they loved it , but I expressed my doubts on its hardiness in zone 5 ), Dwarf Pieris Japonica and Emerald Green Spreading Yews. Perennials selected for front of the border : Purple and Chartruese Coral Bells, Hakone Grass, Bergenia, Daylily, Astilibe and Iris.

Step 4. Annuals added for Color : Impatients for shade , I picked red, ( hubby liked them ) then later changed them to pink ( wife liked them better ) . Designing for the sexes !

This is what the final installation looked like :

All in a long day's work. Sometimes I surprise myself . Not only did I finish the above, but the parkway as well. The photo doesn't capture the real beauty of the garden. Suffice to say, the client was pleased. That's all I need to hear.