Yesterday marked my first official jump into the garden makeover realm. I’ve helped out friends and family before, but that was more “advice” than anything else. This makeover was on a small scale but enough that it required full planning and a full day’s work.

Here’s the rub – it was for a very tough client who I know from past experience can be very demanding and rule with an iron fist. This client is rough around the edges and we’ve had a number of issues in the past. If this job fails, it will haunt me for years to come. This client is … my parents … and it is at the home I grew up in. Alright so maybe I built some false drama, but if this “job” is done wrong it will make for awkward family dinners for years to come; not to mention a big hit to my inheritance.           

Some quick background on the “project” (like making it sound professional):

• Scope – Garden bed wrapping around the front of a 1950’s Cape Cod. All existing plants have been pulled  from the bed due to overgrowth and general “blah-ness”.   
• Zone – Northern NJ – zone 6
• Exposure – partial sun
• Soil – rich and loamy like I’ve never seen before (beyond jealous)
• Budget – there is no budget – we’re talking carte blanche here
• Time frame – one day 
• Client is looking to move within 2 years (side note: due to retirement and to be closer to their children/grandchildren down my way)

ONG was on the road by 6:00 AM Sunday and at the site by 7:15. After downing a bagel (and after New York City, there is no better place to get a bagel – it’s the water, seriously, google it and you’ll see) we surveyed the yard for measurements and potential transplants.    

So here are the “before” photos:

Here were my thoughts upon inspection:

• Railroad ties are to be removed 
• Bed shape needs to be more of a swooping (technical term) curve along the front
• Need a few large evergreens to anchor it all
• Need color and varying textures/leaf shape/color
• Low maintenance (not that my p’s couldn’t handle it – they are in incredible shape at their age)

We headed out to the nursery right at opening and filled up three carts in no time. I gave my parents the low down on each and every tree, shrub or perennial we passed by and I think, just maybe, I impressed them a little. When I am in that mode, I have a definite jump in my step and I feel like this is what I am supposed to do. I’m not quite sure if that means landscape design, horticulture, nursery owner or maybe goofy home gardener who writes too much about it in his blog. Either way, we found each other and it feels real good.

Well, I now give you the results. While they may not be overwhelmingly breath-taking, I think we were all very happy by the end of the day. Either that or my parents didn’t want to knock me off my pedestal. Here they are:

Here you can see the curve in the bed line. We lined the front with a mix of Heuchera and variegated Liriope. I tried to sell them on the Blackout Heucheras, but no dice. The Hosta was a transplant from the backyard. to the right are three Ilex ‘Compacta’.
     

The three taller shrubs are Baptisia Twilite ‘Prairie Blues’ that have real interesting blooms and great leaf shape.
   

A view as the bed wraps around the front. Those are Salvia ‘May Night’. Behind these is an Ilex ‘Blue Prince’ that we dished out some major cash for but it really anchors that area.
 

Three Knockout roses in front of three Boxwoods. The addition of the birdbath made all the difference adding hardscape and more height to the area.

 

My Dad and I at the conclusion of the day. Dirty, sweaty and feeling good about things. You can also see we added another Ilex ‘Blue Prince’ in the background to mirror the other one.

Now, today’s job is a start and I hope to tackle my sister’s yard next. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the day and most importantly, enjoyed the quality time with my parents. I won’t forget the day and know I will look back fondly on it for many years to come. It feels good to give back after everything they’ve done for me my entire life.

Love you Mick and John 

Ciao