This photo looks east towards the entryway steps, with the home on the left, and a gate (to the west, unseen) behind the photographer. The house has a slight indentation in the front, which implies a courtyard-like space. However this architectural detail was completely obscured by a massive Clerodedrum (burgundy foliage at center).

Our goal was to emphasize the architecture and create a garden and provide access to the west gate from the entry. We removed the Clerodendrum, added a beautiful winding path (installed by Paver Solutions), and placed shrubs and perennials along the path. The clients found a fabulous fountain and bench, which accent the entry.

The central plant in the “after” photo is Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’ (Japanese holly). It’s a little south of it’s zone 9, but has been growing quite well for us. Mature size will be about 6’ tall and 18” wide. The large Ligustrum japonicum (wax-leaf ligustrum) fills the niche of the building. A hose is at the ready, as we’ve been careful to provide the proper amount of water to this fairly large tree with a large root ball.

As with all of our designs, adequate space has been given for the plants to mature. This means less pruning. Following a summer 2009 installation, the clients at this point are pruning only to influence mature shape, are keeping weeds away and a 3’ layer of mulch down, and are providing adequate water.

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