Spring 2012 Landscape Award

This season, our Landscape Winner is the property at 1209 Firth of Lorne, owned by Grace D. Wiggins, who purchased the house in 2001.  The lot slopes gently downward from the street, and the driveway bisects the lot.  A small knoll at the front of the lot is graced by a lovely armillary on a pedestal. The house appears to sit well back from the street, but this is largely illusion by design.  Low, lantern topped brick pillars and decorative wrought iron fencing separate an interior terrace area from the lawn, providing a shaded spot for a birdbath and for the gardener herself.
The landscaping plan is an outstanding example of a beautiful, textural design that provides shade, privacy and color in every season.   A curving hedge of burgundy barberry encloses a spiky black pine, leatherleaf viburnum, and a lacy Japanese maple.  Close by the entranceway, a honeylocust‘s   nearly chartreuse foliage speaks in vivid contrast.  A weeping Norway spruce adds a darker note.  To the right of the entrance, a mature weeping Atlas cedar contrasts the burgundy foliages that repeat throughout the design plan.  Small blue spruce, mahonia and spiky agave accent the color theme.  A low tiered dogwood anchors the corner of the structure.  This is a landscape that relies on color and texture of foliage rather than flowers for its impact.  Well done!  (Michelle Gish and Joyce Hawkins).