VJ Project
The front garden was divided into upper and lower spaces in order to create usable space out of a severe slope. The upper space is terraced while the lower sloping space is now a virtual "living quilt" woven of shrubs, grasses, specimen trees and perennials to satisfy the homeowners' desire for a front garden space. Hydrangea paniculata 'Phantom' trees flank the sidewalk, while shrub forms were used as foundation plantings in front of the porch. Similarly, 'Diablo' ninebark trees flank the porch steps while shrub form Diablos live in the lower garden. This comparison/contrast theme keeps the eye moving around the space and speaks of familiarity. Color is also carried back and forth with the use of the Thundercloud plum above and a smokebush below. Panicum 'Shenandoah' (switchgrass) was used on the bank. Shenandoah was chosen because it develops burgundy leaves in late spring, which again carry a continuity of color throughout the space. Photo by Jay Sifford.
Clumps of grass