Success, to us, lies in a garden that feels timeless and quietly assured—one that appears to have always belonged. This project in Lawrence Park is just that: a harmonious blend of history, beauty, and thoughtful design. The homeowners have been lovingly restoring their house to its former glory, and the garden, naturally, was a part of that process. It was a joy to contribute to such a meaningful transformation, working alongside clients who are not only passionate about their home, but also deeply appreciative stewards of its landscape.
With the client’s preferences thoughtfully in mind, we set about reimagining the two raised front garden beds that sit gracefully beneath the windows. Our aim was to create something charming and entirely in keeping with the home’s character—a planting scheme that might feel as though it had always been there, quietly maturing over time rather than newly introduced.
Drawing inspiration from the looseness, informality, and quiet ease of traditional English gardens, the design embraces a classic sensibility. At the same time, it remains grounded in practicality—thoughtfully attuned to the site’s particular light conditions. We steered clear of anything too experimental, instead favouring tried-and-true plant choices that offer interest through every season.
Gone are the days of stiff, formal hedging. Instead, we layered in soft perennial blooms—like the delicate September Charm anemone and limey Gold Heart bleeding hearts—that add seasonal colour and gently soften the steady presence of spruce topiaries. These evergreens provide structure and year-round interest, and fortunately, the chosen dwarf spruce is a slow grower, making it an ideal fit for the space and the homeowners’ enthusiasm for maintaining its elegant shape.
To replace the boxwood hedging around the birdbath—removed to prevent the spread of gypsy moth infection—we introduced resilient yews, offering both texture and a renewed sense of vitality to the composition. Beneath the raised beds, we added a lush underplanting of Berry Smoothie heuchera. Its rich, aubergine foliage echoes the subtle tones in the home’s stonework, tying the garden and architecture together with quiet refinement.
Practical details matter, too: a finishing layer of reddish-brown wood chips improves moisture retention through the summer heat and offers protection in winter as the plantings establish. A discreet irrigation system was installed prior to keep everything flourishing with consistency and ease.
To complete the project, the front pots were planted with frothy euphorbia and soft, peach-toned begonias—uplifting, elegant selections that lend a subtle yet striking contrast, bringing the entire front of house to life.
