AFTER: This 1930s property now boasts a softer look and added charm — with reimagined front and side beds, containers on two patios, water feature plantings, and the addition of a smile-inducing cutting garden. (above)

BEFORE: The previous landscaping was formal and generally cookie-cutter in format. Stone|Grow was engaged to create a more natural, distinctive look. (above)

DURING: At the client’s request, garden bed demolition and prep included adding 3 tons of limestone gravel to the home’s foundation perimeter before installing selected plants. (below)

— HOODRIDGE —

front redesign master plan + container design + cutting garden + installation

Mt. Lebanon, PA / Spring 2020

Project goals: A complete garden makeover throughout the property to frame this historic Tudor home with a more natural look that reflects the client’s style. Maintain some formality to keep with neighborhood conventions, but weave in elements of color, movement, and softness amid the large foundation trees.

Challenges: Active/tenacious deer, groundhog, and rabbit populations.

Strategies: Enliven an otherwise conventional front yard space using an interesting and unexpected palette of native perennials, shrubs, and trees. Retain cedar, pine, and rhododendron as anchor plants, but mix in horticulturally-diverse perennials for pops of texture and color. Feature the client’s modern patio containers to showcase herbs, succulents, and other unique plant specimens.

Outcome: This two-week installation was completed on time and on budget. The result is a soft and unified look for the property, with all deer/groundhog/rabbit-resistant plants. Garden beds were carefully curated to maintain interest and color no matter the season. A shady perennial bed adds texture along the side of the house. Colorful, active pollinators are featured throughout the property, as well as in a backyard area transformed into a cutting garden.

Highlights:  Penstemon adds texture in the front beds, while bright Ligularia is featured throughout the property — adding color and continuity. Fothergilla ‘ Blue Mist’ and Echinacea ‘White Swan’ combine harmoniously to line the sidewalk.