The round portal of the “Arch Garden” leads to raised planters and a unique specimen tree.
BLURRING THE LINES, BLENDING THE SPACES Written By Joan Lerch / Photography By Alise O’Brien
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” –Cicero This often-referenced observation from the ancient Roman statesman might not be his exact words, but the philosophy rings true. And when the library has a view to a private Zen garden, with a transcendent soundtrack from a nearby waterfall, why would you ever want to leave? From the earliest conversations about the creation of this custom home built by Johnson Development, Co., the outdoor spaces were an important component of the entire project, explains designer Kelly Johnson, owner of Kelly Johnson Design. While some features were added as the house evolved, there were a few 66 slmag.net
must-haves from the beginning. “The owners had a wish list of things they wanted, and they specifically asked for a putting green, a firepit, and a separate verandah off of the master bedroom.” The spectacular custom waterfall was not part of the original concept, however. Explaining how it came to be, the designer says, “They were adamant about not having a swimming pool, but the outdoor space needed a focal point. The home’s large windows, which bring the inside and outside together, are an integral part of the design, so a water feature seemed to be a natural fit.” With that in mind, Johnson set out to find just the right element. After researching photos of fountains, waterfalls and reflecting basins, the designer combined elements from more than a dozen
