This project was about creating a welcoming entry experience to the front door of the house. The existing condition was just a lawn and a couple of shrubs. We removed the lawn and in its stead placed a native garden that mimics a native mesic forest landscape.
Before
After
It was a goal of the garden for there to be color and interest year-round so many of the species are evergreen while other flower at different times of the year. The existing trees put on a dramatic fall color display in autumn.
Oxalis is the dominant groundcover in the garden create a nice backdrop for all the other plants. Oxalis was also chosen because it stays green most of the year.
A wood deck was added to the front to create a sitting area where the client could sit and enjoy their new garden. A special channel was built into the deck to carry rainwater from the downspout to the rain garden by the front door. During a rainstorm water comes down the channel and cascades into the rain garden.
A side deck was built that was a little more secluded and creates a sitting area off the newly-created master suite. A trellis structure was built make it feel more like an outdoor room.
Many trillium were sprinkled throughout the garden and provide flowers in early spring.
Many species of ferns cover the garden including Lady Fern, Sword Fern, Deer Fern, and Maidenhair Fern.
The garden has many plant textures so as to create interest in every part of the garden. Here the flower and large leaves of Indian Rhubarb contrast to the foliage of Sword Fern.