GARDENS: When Dreams Become a Reality

GARDENS

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1 A stunning Pearl Crescent butterfly takes pause upon vibrant purple Allium Millennium, which was selected for its lengthy blooming season and because it’s a favorite among pollinators.

2 A regal cast stone planter holds bright reddish-orange Kangaroo Paw and White Vinca, sitting atop one of the poolside columns crafted using Belgard hardscape with a distinctive rough-hewn look, while a lively Little Lime hydrangea is just visible in the background.

3 A plume of Indian Steel grass is illuminated by a ray of afternoon sunlight. 4 This view of the backyard oasis shows the brilliant axis created by the master plan, which was designed and implemented by Andrea Wilson Mueller, CPLD of Inside Out Landscape Design. The expansive swimming pool is surrounded by Belgard decking and centered on the garage, which also offers space for pool storage, while the central walkway, arbor and cutout planters lead the eye toward the new driveway and provide a connection between the existing porch and new garage. Plantings visible here include chokeberry, elderberry, Degroot’s Spire arborvitae, catmint, Northwind switchgrass, giant coneflower, Indian Steel grass, Little Bluestem grass, geraniums, Threadleaf bluestar and Pennsylvania sedge, along with a wide variety of herbs in the cutouts, which are easy to access from the kitchen.

When Reality Dreams Become A

By Kirsten E Silven Photography by Walt Roycraft 4

When Andrea Wilson Mueller of Inside Out Landscape Design began working on this project near Versailles, Kentucky, in late 2016 the property was essentially a blank slate. The goal was to create versatile, functional and—of course—aesthetically pleasing exterior spaces that would serve the family for many years to come, including the addition of a swimming pool, garage, new driveway, hardscape, landscape lighting, plantings and a screened-in second floor porch.

“We added the new garage, carefully placing it along an axis with the new pool,” shared Mueller. “There is also a central walkway, arbor and cutout planters in the decking that lead from the new driveway to the existing porch.”

A grade change demanded proper drainage, which was smartly tucked in along the base of the wall that lies between the house and pool, giving rainwater somewhere to go without creating a distraction for the eye. Plantings throughout the garden include a wide variety of pollinator friendly choices, such as chokeberry, elderberry, Degroot’s Spire arborvitae, catmint, Northwind switchgrass, giant coneflower, Indian Steel grass, Little Bluestem grass, geraniums, Threadleaf bluestar and Pennsylvania sedge, along with plenty of herbs in the cutout planters, which are easy to access from the kitchen inside.

“We used a powder coated metal arbor to add visual interest and provide a connection with the entrance to the new driveway,” Mueller added.

Inspired by the gardens and inviting outdoor living spaces seen by the homeowner’s on multiple trips to Europe, the design cleverly incorporates various outdoor “rooms,” which manage to offer a degree of separation but still remain interconnected. The end result is a dream come true, in a multi-faceted outdoor living area that offers plenty of space to relax and entertain while simply enjoying precious time and good old-fashioned fun in the sun with friends and family.

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5 Centered on the pool and cutout garden, this sundial is nestled among Lamb’s Ear, Threadleaf bluestar, Indian Steel grass, catmint, Northwind switchgrass and Iron Butterfly ironweed.

6 A resident feline friend skulks along the pool wall, with catmint, Threadleaf bluestar, Little Lime hydrangea, purple Allium Millennium and Allium Forescate just visible in the background.

7 This view of the pool and residence gives a glimpse of the bucolic surroundings and acreage that serves as an idyllic backdrop for the home and its ample outdoor living spaces, which include a two-story porch with a screened-in second floor.

8 A proven favorite among pollinators, the purple blooms of this Allium Millennium provide a delectable respite for a brilliant Pearl Crescent butterfly.

9 The Lamb’s Ear, purple Allium Millennium and Little Lime hydrangea visible here were selected for their pollinator appeal, tolerance for full sun and overall hardiness, which includes a long bloom time.

GARDEN CREDITS š›

Hardscape, Lighting, Landscape, Planters, Design & Installation: Inside Out Landscape Design Pool Design: Inside Out Landscape Design

Pool Installation: Geddes Pools

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