The prominent hillside garden adjacent to a restored turn-of-the 20th century barn needed a makeover prior to the planned driveway resurfacing.
- In early spring a mature Kousa Dogwood was moved from the family homestead to be the focal feature plant and give a needed canopy, shade and vertical dimension beside the tall barn for the rejuvenated garden.
- The very large root ball would need appropriate retention – but a “stone wall” was not the “look” desired.
- Granite “ledge pieces” from our “gallery” would give the necessary retention and appearance as well as provide for many nooks & crannies for “planting pockets” for ground covers – vinca and rock phlox (preserved from the previous garden).
- The Jumbo & Jr. Jumbo cobblestones from a Saco Isle, ME textile mill brought from our ONEG yard were cemented in place. They replaced a dry-set border of “unauthentic” 21st century stones. The well secured smooth top antique cobblestones lend a venerable look to the project. The color hues are beautiful and the irregular shapes – with concave and curved (as well as flat) faces allows for easy, eye appealing reverse curve and radius layouts.
- A Hardy Holly Hedgerow along the upper slope provides a nice border planting.
- Pockets of impatients give season long color to complement the rock phlox & day lilies.
- The irrigation was retooled and an up-light added for the focal Dogwood.
- The barn has no gutters – the stone bed allows for proper drainage along the barn. Note the swale with custom cobblestone spillway. The cobblestone was “sliced,” then doweled/pinned and mortared to provide the stability for the opening.
