Part of the excitement of building a new home – or moving into an existing one – is crafting a new landscape design. 25 years ago, I helped some Indianapolis area homeowners do just that. They had inherited an abandoned water feature and neglected plants, so we completed a total redesign. We began by refurbishing a leaning timber wall and removing overgrown ground cover. Next, we added a small patio and walkways between existing gates to connect a pool with the rest of the backyard. The patio created an “island” where we added an updated water feature. Finally, we installed planting beds filled with Hosta, a lace leaf Japanese maple and a moses rock fountain. The newly installed backyard functioned for decades, supporting family gatherings and daily enjoyment.
Plants grow as they are supposed to, so as expected, this year it was time to refresh the design. Our plan was to rehome, reuse and replace as needed. Many of the Hosta had matured to the point where they were taking over. Some stayed where they were, some were transplanted around the property, and some came back to our garden. Then we added some perennials: Autumn Morr grass, Caramel coral bell, perennial geranium, and dwarf hydrangea. We chose specimens that either already existed on the property to create a cohesive look or would add a unique texture or color. Our clients also wanted summer color for the pool area. For winter visual interest, we also added dwarf conifers and three tall, narrow, slow-growing evergreens. Finally, we rebored the moses rock from ½” to 1 inch hole and added a large pump so it gurgles very nicely now!
Refurbishing a decades-old landscape design is a typical project for us. The trick is to throw away nothing. We work hard to either keep, rehome or transplant plants somewhere else on the property. Some old guys are perfect for another client, or our garden. But our first choice is to keep them for our clients. We become attached to our landscapes. A refresh does not have to mean a complete redo.
If you are ready to update your old landscape design, reach out to us! Send us an email or give us a call at 317-997-4803.
