Stevensville, MI
The Challenge: This home is in an area developed along the shores of Lake Michigan, although not directly on the lake. In order to ensure the natural surroundings are maintained, homeowners have to comply with an ordinance that states that all residences can have no turf-grass for lawn. Dune grass is the common "lawn", however, our client felt it to be plain and wanted colorful areas that were useable rather than sacrificing their property to dune grass.
FEATURES
Flagstone Walkways
Outcroppings
Natural Plantings
Natural Stone
Seating Area
All Season Interest
HONORS
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) Grand Award for Landscape Design/Build
National Perennial Plant Association Honor Award for Landscape Design
The existing soils were 100% sand and there was already dune grass plantings in the sunnier locations. The front of the house faces North and is set back off of the road approximately 55’. The property was heavily wooded with sassafras and mature oak and from the road to the back of the property, there was a grade difference of approximately 14’. The East side nearest the road is also heavily wooded, demanding a different plant selections than the front of the house, which is full sun.
The Solution: By locating the house closer to the rear of the lot we were able to give the homeowner a sense of arrival when entering the drive. Winding flagstone walkways make all areas of the outside accessible from the house while stone outcroppings retain the natural berms. A soil medium was installed consisting of primarily topsoil with a 6” layer of compost. All layers of soil were tilled together to ensure proper permeation. With the creation of a berm, we were able to “give back” the landscape to the homeowner, with a sense of enclosure and creating a buffer between the road and the house making it appear as if it was further away than it actually is.
Mass plantings of ornamental grasses and long blooming perennials add interest, color, movement, and they change throughout the seasons. Some think it a challenge to have both full shade and full sun in such close proximity to each other. We love the challenge because it allows us to extend our plant palette. We can use certain combinations that simply would not work if the site were strictly full sun or shade. For example, on one side of the drive we have a mass of the large, bold leaf of Ligularia desdemona under the trees. To the outside edge enough sun is provided to use a complimenting texture of the fine grassy leaf of Pennisetum Hameln, and a wider margin with the Hemerocallis. No more than 50 feet away is a mass of Perovskia thriving in the sun with the deep pink hues of Echinacea Magnus and pale pink flowers of Dendranthemum Clara Curtis.
Overall Effect: One of the most dramatic displays of color that changes day to day and gives the homeowner a garden that is easily maintained. With the extensive use of perennials balanced by evergreens and shrubs, we provided our client with a landscape for all seasons that blends into the existing natural area. The extensive use of grasses fuse the landscape into the surroundings and provide movement throughout the year. From the first blossoms of Bergenia and Rhododendendrons in early spring, Iris and Achillea Terra Cotta in the early summer, the landscape explodes into the summer and fall with Persicaria polymorpha, Eupatorium Chocolate and Perovskia. The progressiveness of the landscape is seen with these plants as they grow from nothing in the spring to a solid mass throughout the rest of the year.
This landscape was such an overall success, neighbors soon started removing their dune grass and proceeding with their own attempt to “save their property from the dune grass”… before it was too late!
