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2011 Garden Homes info coming soon 2010 Garden Tour Homeowners Our annual fundraiser centers around the generosity of our homeowners who open their gardens for the weekend to share their love of gardening and in doing so, share their love of children and the enhancement of education. We appreciate their time, talents and willingness to participate in this effort. |
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Ray & Susan Riley
Garden Home No. 2
Ray and Susan Riley’s beautiful La Fraise home sits on three lovely acres with tall pines and sweeping landscape. At the street, your approach is through a brick entry where high urns are planted out in blooms and trailing vines, then on through an alley of Bradford pears to the circular drive. Michael Wright of Changing Seasons has installed here a lush bed with a fountain in the center. It is encircled with Saybrook juniper, a wonderful evergreen with bright yellow color in the summer, sasanquas, knockout roses, low annuals and large accent boulders. This grouping is very colorful, providing year-round interest.
The rock border and two feet of rich soil allows healthy plantings of perennials, purple homestead verbena, snapdragons and grasses. Tall dramatic Italian Cypress have been added which repeat the shape of the columns on the front of the home. The formal landscape has groupings of crepe myrtle and river birch with their beautiful barks.
The homeowners are continually expanding their marvelous landscape design, and a recent addition to the home also allows for new beds of blooming color. A flagstone pathway at the side leads down past loropetalum, gardenia, lantana and daylilies. Michael has also planted lots of bulbs, including daffodils and iris, for future enjoyment.
The landscape design has taken full advantage of the slope of the rear property to build an extensive waterfall feature. The beautiful falls, designed and installed by Michael, flow into the upper level pond and lower koi pond totaling 12,000 gallons of water. Along the natural riverbed are marvelous boulders with moss and small sedums growing in crevices. Ornamental grasses, ferns, variegated liriope, ginger and banana have been planted all along the water’s edge.
An open porch with old brick fireplace is a completely furnished room, perfect for entertaining while enjoying the sound and view of the water below. The Riley’s new addition incorporates a beautiful copper screened porch built out over their extensive outdoor kitchen which even includes a china cabinet and built-in green egg. The homeowners make frequent use of this area for cooking and dining near the soothing sound of the water.
Tablescapes for the Riley home are provided by Persnickety and Per.
Garden Home No. 3
The beautiful home and garden of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Tanguay is located at 116 Overlook Pointe Circle in Overlook Pointe subdivision.
Brown flagstone paths access the yard from the street and garage areas, bordered by Parson juniper. Front beds are well appointed with Asiatic jasmine, pampas grass, Chinese fountain grass, and dwarf palmetto, which add movement to the area. The yard is surrounded by many lovely trees including pindo palms, river birch, Sweetbay magnolias and Southern pine. Many of the pines are surrounded by lovely climbing roses. More than 30 pines had to be removed from the lot initially before they could create the lush centipede carpet that exists today. The yard was the setting for the lovely wedding of the Tanguay’s son and daughter-in-law five years ago.
Two large Japanese magnolias flank the walkway leading up to the gazebo from the house, and sago palms and pindo palms frame the area from the street side. Wax myrtles and eleagnus create a privacy border for the back of the gazebo from the street. Overhead fans circulate spring and summer breezes, and the privacy drapes can be adjusted to ensure that the summer sun does not get too intense. A stone fireplace, tabletop gas fire pit, and separate freestanding heater make the gazebo a cozy place to curl up in any kind of weather. A sound system and large flat screen television hanging from one beam provide all the comforts of home. Because of these features Alan says that they use the gazebo year round, as it is a comfortable place to relax. Solar lighting helps light the area directly around the gazebo. Additional up lighting on several of the tall pines is strategically placed to create a romantic nighttime effect.
A separate seating area is highlighted by a fountain that is also lit at night. The back wall has several different plantings of various heights that add interest. Off the back of the house is an additional patio for cooking, complete with a Viking grill. Several urns house colorful annuals and ferns. A peaceful afternoon or romantic evening could be well spent in this garden oasis.
Tablescapes for the Tanguay home are provided by Fresh Ink and Simply Spaces.
Garden Home No. 4
The attractive home of Mr. and Mrs. John McCommon is
located at 101 Overlook Pointe Circle in Overlook Pointe subdivision.
John and Donna McCommon have effectively used every inch of their lot, leaving very little grass. They love the sight and sound of moving water, so they decided to incorporate the effect of a mountain stream into their landscape plan running the entire length and side of their backyard. They have effectively used varying elevations to create three distinct step pools, complete with mountain stones and fish. Fountains and waterfalls keep the water in constant motion. Donna says that she and John thoroughly enjoy watching their grandchildren feed the fish.
A large wooden L-shaped deck runs the length of the back and side of the home, incorporating three eating areas with a large Green Egg grill for outdoor entertaining. A chiminea is also a useful addition for chilly nights. A large Mexican sun graces one wall of the deck and other ironwork statuary, including giant frogs, grasshoppers and peacocks, add whimsical touches to the outdoor living room. Wind chimes and pinwheels also add music and color to the unique space. Donna states that the garden is never without a lovely breeze. Several feeders are located throughout the garden to attract all varieties of local and migratory birds. Carolina and Confederate jasmine bring fragrance and interest to the area on the side wall next to the drive. It is a complete sensory experience.
Weaving through the garden is a lovely Old Jackson brick path that matches the home’s exterior. Large wax myrtles, crape myrtles and cedars frame the entrance to the home with red oleander and Lady Banks roses flanking the sides. English ivy creeps over the back wall, next to river birch and Sweetbay magnolia trees. Watermelon azaleas are spread throughout, and hold special meaning for Donna, as they were one of her father’s favorites. Loropetalum, butterfly bush, hydrangeas, Indian hawthorn, nandina, variegated hostas and lantana, fatsia, spirea, lily of the valley, and iron plant add foliage and color around the deck and water feature. Seasonal color can be changed throughout the spring and summer with a variety of container gardens. This is one garden where you will want to stop, close your eyes, feel the breeze, listen to the music of water falling over the rocks in the stream, and smell the fragrant blooms. The design of the garden was created by Donna McCommon and planted with assistance from her sister, Mary Sanders. Madison Planting and Design Group assists with current plantings. It is the perfect retreat for busy people on the go.
Tablescapes for the McCommon home are provided by Merriment and Simply Spaces.
Garden Home No. 5
This gracious Dinsmor home features a garden that reflects the talents and expertise of the owner, Rosemary Grantham, a master gardener herself. With the original landscape designed by Overton Moore, this setting is truly a gardener’s haven. Rosemary describes her personal space as an ‘Old English Garden’ complete with fountains, bird feeders and lovely flowers that make beautiful cut arrangements that she shares with her church, Christ United Methodist.
The entire back of the property is enclosed with brick columns and a black wrought-iron fence covered in baby blanket roses. Outside the fence is a hedge of elaeagnus with oak leaf hydrangea and crape myrtle. The back of her garden is screened with tall magnolias and wax myrtle to form this wonderful private space. A walking trail through Dinsmor development passes near the fence where Rosemary has planted wildflowers and daylilies for all to enjoy.
The home features two wonderful pergolas covered in mature climbing New Dawn roses at each end of a slate deck where annual-filled planters and seating provide a lovely area for entertaining. Her borders are magnificent here and she is continually adding new flowers to her landscape such as the lovely pots of baby blanket roses and blue Nikko hydrangea. She enjoys having something in bloom year round. According to Rosemary, this beautiful haven “gives her peace,” and is a personal retreat, perfect for a master gardener.
Tablescapes for the Grantham home are provided by Petals & Pails, Inside Out, and Madison Fireplace & Patio.
Garden Home No. 6
An inviting flagstone path beckons visitors to the beautiful garden of Jim and Charlene Keith. This path leads through a garden gate into a welcoming surprise - a marvelous extended outside living area. Flowing lines created by wood, stone walls, concrete forms, greenery, floral groupings, hardscape and softscape meet the eye. The soothing sound of falling water greets visitors before the source becomes visible from the hillside. Within a confined backyard garden room, you find enchantment, comfort and beauty - all of which invite one to relax and enjoy.
One of the homeowners’ favorite design elements is the round deck. As the owners watched the pie-shaped wooden deck rising from the ground during construction, they were very pleased and realized they were in good hands. The quality of the design and construction is apparent in the precision of the cuts and the craftsmanship of the unique design. Tour-goers also will enjoy the hardscape of concrete against stone holding walls and the pleasing, repeating design of the curves of both stone and concrete. Above is the focal point from the home during all seasons: a spectacular waterfall. Cascading down a steep hillside through a rocky stream lined with autumn ferns, this water feature is a lively, yet relaxing addition that satisfies all the senses. The Keith’s garden invites one to sit down under the deep overhang of the porch, relax on the lush outdoor furniture, and enjoy the beauty before you.
Gardeners will enjoy the use of compact nandina, grey juniper, primrose, agapanthus, dwarf sasanqua camellia, various azaleas, forsythia, and sweet olive. These are the Southern plantings of our grandparents that have endured the test of time and have truly been reclaimed by our generation.
This garden room has extended the entertaining area for Jim and Charlene. The Keiths feel that not only has their existing living space been doubled, but the enjoyment of their home and garden has doubled as well. From early morning until late afternoon, this area is used in all seasons of the year. The round, raised deck holds a fire pit during cold weather which is replaced with a table for serving and eating during warmer times.
The ambiance of this garden room changes completely when the sun sets. Carefully placed lighting accents the waterfall, the tall trees, walls, indentions and plantings, making entertaining in this area enchanting with nightfall. From morning to night, through all four seasons, this garden room is a haven for the homeowners and will surely be a delight for tour-goers as well.
Tablescapes for the Keith home are provided by Olive Branch and Carter Louise Antiques. Landscape design by Madison Planting & Design Group.
Garden Home No. 7
Dr. Sampat and Udaya Shivangi’s lovely French manor home is sited well back from the street entrance to take full advantage of its view of Bridgewater Lake. The 1-acre lot has many large original trees in the front where sweeping beds of azalea, wood fern, palmetto and camellia grace the property. Their landscape architect, Robert Riddell, has designed a wonderful landscape around the custom home, with its distinctive stone castle tower, which the Shivangis added just one year ago.
The lovely stairways leading down from the glass walls and doorways to the pool are a marvelous feature of this landscape design. The pool area with its large columns and symmetry is quite delightful. Six beautiful graduated jade-colored containers are filled with plantings such as bottlebrush and Japanese maple, a favorite of the homeowner, and are displayed here to fine effect.
Many additional features of this wonderful home and grounds are enjoyed by the homeowners, perfect for entertaining their guests and will be ready for their daughter’s future wedding planned here.
Tablescapes for the Shivangi home are provided by Mississippi Outdoor Kitchens, Plantation Interiors, and Relish. Landscape design by Lakeland Yard & Garden.
Garden Home No. 8
This wonderful European style house with Spanish barrel tile roof has been home to the Holloways for less than two years. Upon purchase, they desired to totally transform the grounds, and working with landscape architect Michael Gibson, the results are impressive. Their formal entry features natural stone travertine paving with limestone columns and balustrade. A charcoal-colored concrete driveway meets an imported marble motor court with a porte-cochere on the right, a specific request of the homeowners.
A symmetrical formal planting encloses the motor court with Parson’s juniper, boxwood, Sweetbay magnolia and marvelous Hetzi columnar juniper accents. Annual color at the base of the stone wall provides curb appeal at the lower terrace, while beds on the upper level repeat in color, surrounding this truly functional and lovely motor court. A striking pair of ram’s head urns on pedestals displays tall juniper topiaries with ivy at the front door.
As you pass through the porte-cochere and on to the friends’ entrance, a less formal feeling greets one in this side garden. Different terrace levels created with natural Arkansas fieldstone enhance the beauty while providing deep perennial beds of rich soil. Mrs. Holloway enjoys all aspects of gardening - pruning, planting, and even weeding - and she planned her office to overlook the perennial garden here. A special feature of this side garden is the rustic arbor of massive columns and arches leading to the dining room. The path underfoot incorporates a wonderful serpentine design in dwarf mondo with its rich green against the stonework. You will see a pair of beautiful bronze greyhounds here, as well as a pair of bronze giraffes among the hydrangeas and ferns. Knockout roses, daylilies and an iron trellis with Confederate jasmine and Carolina jessamine add to the beauty.
The design in both hardscape and plantings of this property allow the utmost in entertaining and enjoyment for these homeowners. Landscape architect, Michael Gibson, ASLA, and landscape contractor, Shane Carter, have given the Holloways a landscape to treasure.
Tablescapes for the Holloway home are provided by Plantation Interiors, Fresh Cut, Latitudes and Jodie Badon.