The owner of this Charlotte home is an avid gardener.  When she and her husband bought their home, she carefully planned and planted a lovely and welcoming front garden.  Fifteen years
later ... the garden had become somewhat overgrown.  She wanted a fresh take on the front garden that was more open and a beautiful and soothing view from her home office window.

The garden consists of a curving walk from the driveway to the front door, and includes a small courtyard area just outside the office window.  The theme of the garden reflects the homeowner's interest in meditation and healing, and also plays off her beautiful collection of Japanese Maples.

The plan for the garden was to use a variety of specimen conifers that are beautiful standing alone and thus create an attractive, but not densely planted garden.  The conifers are paired with deciduous plants that soften the garden and add color in our palette of blues and burgundy which compliment the  brick and grey-blue accent color on the house. 

The curving walk begins with a spectacular Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum 'Shishigashira', or Lions Head Maple.  The walk continues with a Thunderhead Pine fronted with Endless Summer Hydrangeas, Plum Pudding Heuchera and Siberian Iris.  Around the bend is a grouping of Dwarf Hinoki Falsecypress, Blue Globe Spruce and a trio of Concord Barberry, bordered with Rozanne Geranium, Japanese Forest Grass, and a mass of yellow daylily to signal the transition from the walk to the courtyard.

The end of the walk gives way to the courtyard just outside the office window.  Replacing the mass of overgrown shrubs is an open space laid with smooth round stones in gray and blue.  The central feature is a square fountain that offers the gentle sound of water.  Sparse, but simple plantings give the courtyard color and interest:  Another Japanese Maple in a black pot, a Chinese Fringe Tree that will eventually add some shade, Fatsia for a bold accent (the client added this and it worked beautifully) and Japanese Forest Grass to continue the Asian feel.  A simple stone bench is set for quiet reflection in the garden and offers a welcoming approach to the front door.

The Approach - Before

The Approach - After

Rounding the Walk - Before

Rounding the Walk - After

The Office View - Before

The Office View - After

The Office View and Front Door - After

Copyright 2002 Muddy Boots Garden Design