It’s hard to work above Brookline’s Washington Square while the scent of local restaurants wafts through the air. Once I stopped jonesing for Golden Temple’s spring rolls and Mamela’s egg and cheese on a brioche, I was able to concentrate on the matter at hand. I met our clients a few years ago when I redid their terrace and installed an upper garden and sitting wall. We also added a new tree and plantings down the steep hill below. It became a great intimate space to hang out and have dinner with friends. But wait! Our clients saw the dry riverbeds we have been inventing and installing and wanted one of their very own. The idea was to be able to view a winding rock “stream” and riverbank from the terrace and from the deck far above. Now our clients have their very own Golden Temple of tranquility!
A deck off the the house gives another great view.
Before we got to work on the river project.
The “river” begins at a birch tree we mounded up with beautiful underplantings of Sweet Woodruff, Solomon’s Seal, Lirope, and Autumn Aneome. Each of these plants has a delicate seasonal bloom. From there the river flows past riverbanks draped and dotted with Lecothe, native Itea, Little Joe Pye, Tangerine Day Lillies and perennial Geraniums. White Annabelle Hydrangeas and lime green Hostas light up the dark spaces.
After-The curves of the river, makes the space look larger. We chose a mix of boulders, colors and sizes to make it all look natural.
Tucked in plantings at the base of the birches.
Perennial geranium bring a purple pop of color to the riverbank.
Tangerine Daylillies
Little Joe Pye-native and gorgeous!
Brunerra
Annabelle Hydrangea
July blooming Lirope
The orange lillies and purple Little Joe Pye make a great combo.
Thank you dear clients for letting us create your dreamy hidden garden and bearing with us as we chose specific spots for each and every stone! Thank you team Francis and Stone Creations for being the best partners in sourcing materials, installing stone and helping with the design. Thank you especially to Lorena who planted each shrub, and flower all on her own in 90 degree heat and was key to design and install. Thanks as always to my design partner Victoria P. who always brings my plans to life exactly as I envision them. This was truly a team effort with a spectacular result.