I am so happy to be back here talking about gardens design! The wedding came off beautifully and while I still have house guests, I am getting back to normal.  Whew! September was a crazy month!

How lucky this homeowner is to have a stream in the garden.  I wish for such things.

When designer Dana Assinder was presented with this project, she celebrated the existing woodland edge and stream-side character and made a feature of the ecology of their garden.

The clients wanted “a space buzzing with plant and animal life, and for the design, construction and maintenance of the garden to be sustainable and adaptable.” Additionally, the garden had to be a safe space for their young grandchildren to explore, but not sanitized and manicured.

The details work for me.  Yellow yarrow (perhaps Achillea Anthea) mixed with the geranium (I’m guessing maybe it is  geranium ‘jolly bee’) is a really lovely combo that I think I might try.  And additionally, the step construction reminds me of my peg based raised garden beds and is a really nice rustic/ modern touch.

Dana says her “Design triggers” for this project were ” reflections, wonky vertical stems against strong horizontals of stream, flood plain and roof-lines, native plants, seasonal change, the challenge of periodic flooding and general wateriness.”

The idea of listing out design triggers before sitting down to create a plan is interesting.  I think it is a good way to keep true to the site and what would be appropriate to the project, the brief and the client.  What do you think, do you spend time to think of a list like this to inform your design.  I have to admit, I don’t always, but when I do — usually in the form of pictures,–  I think it makes for a better design.

click below to see more images of this design.