A decade ago, when “hardscapes” became all the rage, the fine art of landscaping was dismissed. Patios and decks commanded the center of design with little consideration offered to the most important element. Imagine how sterile your wonderful patio would feel without the character of gracious bed-lines, soft evergreens and flowering shrubs.

Thanks to the passion of green industry leaders, all things trees, shrubs and perennials are slowing commanding respect. I believe luxury outdoor living spaces and elegant drive up appeal requires well-planned landscapes. Expect to witness an energetic resurgence and me leading the charge.

ALLEE

This historic Indianapolis home is finely appointed with rich details from the past. The French term allee describes the linear approach we employed that emphasizes the “coming to” or arrival at an architectural feature. It prompted the design for the remaining property with a few fun surprises … bubbling boulders, an abbreviated limestone quarry and decomposed granite fire pit escape!

The traditional clay paver front walk echoes the clay tile roof and is framed by cut Indiana limestone/mortar walls. It transitions through an auto court and massively steps up to an elegant welcoming courtyard with a formal fountain in the center. Brilliant landscaping highlights it all.

LAYERS

Magnificent plantings are layered on each side of the walk initiating with thousands of profusely flowering spring bulbs bursting in yellows after a boxwood entry. As those begin to fade, the double knockout roses take over and command complete attention.

Bill’s passion for a particular crabapple tree throughout the Purdue campus, and appreciation of the vase shape elm caused those to layer up on the outside of the bulbs and roses. Boxwoods and roses were repeated at the front door for clarity.

Wondering how to liven up your front door appeal or patio space? It starts with landscaping.