When I met with James for the first time he had a list of things he really wanted in his new front garden–
- He wanted to remove the two haggard Chinese Elm trees were denominating the front garden of his corner lot in Lakewood Ca. The trees were severely mispruned and were quite unattractive to look at from the busy intersection in front of his home.
- He wanted to ‘use’ his front garden- his back garden is quite small and unusable for entraining.
- He needed an entertaining area.
- He wanted a lush garden to reflect his beautiful fountain he had installed the year before.
- He needed a private space to meditate and reflect
- His budget was limited- this garden is huge!!
- He wanted the welcoming feel of old southern homes.
After accessing the garden, and drawing up a simple plan, we came up with some great ideas that make this tranquil garden reflect a little southern charm.
The trees were worth saving – giving them a good pruning and putting them on a 2 year pruning plan will keep the trees looking good and actually add value to the home- (think twice when you remove large trees from your garden!)
We added tree benches to show off the pretty trees and add some southern charm. We had cushions made in Sunbrella fabric that will hold up to the elements but allow you to have them out year round.
A focal point was needed to make this garden functional as well as pretty. A new simple pergolia with a seating area allowed James to entertain in the garden and be surrounded by his favorite things.
A living patio in beautiful flagstone and ground cover is framed out by the new flower garden.
To save on costs- we re-seeded the sod with Marathon II over the existing lawn
New side planters along street side of the garden will help to buffer the noise from the busy intersection.
New gate entrance to the back garden was installed. The vinyl fence, gate and lattice on block wall add charm and are a low cost answer for a back yard entrance.
Lots of arbors with vines make the side garden ( really his back garden) fun to walk down! A butterfly garden was added. Scarlet trumpet vines invite the wildlife
A small seating area was added for reflection and meditation.
The garden recently won a local beautification award from the city of Lakewood- which by the way is the ‘City of Trees’, so I am glad we could salvage the two old Elm trees that now sway in the breeze and greet James each day in the garden
Kathy Alford is a certified consulting Arborist –
