The stately home stood on a tree-shaded multi-acre lot and was purposefully sheltered from the street.
You didnt just stroll up three steps to the front door.
Every visit demanded a journey.
Credit:The Garden Conservancy/Mick Hales
Although the home had small gardens, the woods were left to grow as they would.
Over time, invading briars,honeysuckle,and poison ivy had insinuated themselves into the equation.
She dubbed it The Jungle.
A formal design would not do here.
My idea was Less is more.
Nature must dictate the outcome.
So she stood back and let the site speak softly to her.
What did the land want?
What did the trees, hillside, and brook desire?
What new plants would add interest without disrupting harmony?
To crystallize her thoughts, she called on Birmingham landscape architect Norman Kent Johnson.
It shows different faces and tugs at different emotions as the seasons pass.
Woodland gardening is about surprise, notes Norman.
If it doesnt change, somethings wrong.
Louise and I became plant buddies.
She graciously allowed me to walk her paths without prior notice.
I often took advantage during lunch hours.
