Award Winners - Association of Professional Landscape Designers

Summer 2011
2011 International Landscape Design
Award Winners
Interview with our Landscape Designer of the Year:
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD & Suzanne Arca Design
Piet Oudolf Honored With
Award of Distinction
We Define Landscape Design
www.apld.org

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Editor
Jane Berger, APLD
Contributors
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William Healy, APLD
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD
Jeanne Weber
Communications Committee
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Cover and Contents Page Photos:
2011 APLD International Landscape Designer of the Year:
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD & Suzanne Arca Design,
Albany, CA - DiPrisco Meadow Garden Project
located in Lafayette, California
Summer 2011
5 Letter from the Editor
6 Letter from our President
7 Board of Directors
9 2011 International Landscape
Design Award Winners
22 Landscape Designer
of the Year Project
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD &
Suzanne Arca Design - DiPrisco Meadow Garden
24 Interview with our Landscape
Designer of the Year
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD
38 Industry Member Listing
39 2011 International Student
Landscape Design Award Winners
43 Piet Oudolf Honored With
Award of Distinction
on www.apld.org
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Letter from the Editor
Because our International Landscape Design Awards were announced at the APLD
International Design Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, in June, we decided to devote
the summer issue of the magazine – instead of the fall one – to this year’s winners.
It’s especially pleasing, in what are still rough economic times for many, to see
awards for many small gardens and even one for a cost-efficient project. Deputy
Communications Chair Jeanne Weber assisted, as usual, in editing this issue; and
I’d like to thank the design team at headquarters – Communications Director Stacy
Henninger, Communications Associate Alison Evans and Graphic Designer Keith Bell
– for doing such a great job to integrate photos, text, and landscape plans for each
garden.
In recent months, we’ve lost a couple of members of our communications committee
– so if any of you out there with writing, editing or public relations experience
would like to join us, please let us know. The magazine would not exist without our
communications volunteers. And please keep the contributions coming … we’ve got
another great issue coming up in the fall.
Jane Berger, APLD
APLD Communications Chair

Letter from
the President
Dear APLD Members,
Hopefully, by the time you read this letter, the weather system that has beset most
of the country for the past two months, bringing endless rainy days and below
normal temperatures, has transformed itself into one that brings us sunny, warm
weather, thereby energizing everyone. As a result, our phones and emails will be
leaving us messages from old and new clients who are eager to make changes in their
landscapes and want us to help them.
I realize that many of you believed that you could afford neither the money nor the time
to attend our annual conference. I, too, had the worst year of my career as a landscape
designer in 2010 but I hope that your year is starting off as well as mine. The assistance
my clients are asking for is not master plans (don’t I wish!). However, many of my new
clients have asked for mulching and then said that they would welcome any suggestions
I have for their landscapes. As a result, simple maintenance proposals have become
landscape designs and implementations. With this welcome addition of income, many of
you, like me, were able to afford to attend our annual international conference, this year in
Cleveland, June 13-17. This conference was the best ever, thanks to our Program Chair, Dan
Maffei, APLD, and my site committee.
Those of you who have never attended an international conference have no conception of
what you are missing. A conference is so much more than lectures and garden tours. It is
inspiration, sharing of ideas, and problem solving on a level that cannot be achieved locally
because someone is always afraid that you will steal his/her ideas, and learning. Every
conference I have attended has left my brain whirling with ideas that I have eventually
incorporated into my designs. “They” say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
but I don’t want to imitate. I use what I see and hear as the germ of an idea and transmute
it into my own creative design.
Your chapter may or may not be very active in providing programs for you, but no
experience matches that of attending an international conference. I hope that those of
you who came found the time to talk to all of the board members, each of whom has
expertise in a particular subject. Hopefully, that conversation impelled you to join one of
the committees in which you have a particular interest. It is amazing how much you learn
from being on a committee, and the rest of us will benefit from your participation.
Putting aside the fact that I was an award winner, I was very much looking forward to the
awards banquet on the last night of the conference. Kudos to our Awards Chair Bill Healy,
APLD, for putting together the distinguished panel of judges that selected the awardwinning
designs. We have such talented designers in our organization and it is always
gratifying to see them recognized. During the banquet, we saw images of these designs.
In this issue of the magazine, all of you will see and read about these designers and their
projects but if you were in Cleveland, you were able to talk with many of these designers
and pick their brains.
This year, for the first time, the Chapter Symposium was held the day before the
conference began. This symposium is a crucial component of our organization because it
is here that we train our future leaders. Are you one of them? It was my hope that chapter
representatives would stay for the conference, availing themselves of all it had to offer.
Many of you introduced yourselves to me and I was delighted to make your acquaintance.
If you weren’t in Cleveland the week of June 13-17, you missed an event that rocked.
Cleveland and Creativity Rocked!
Perennially,
Join APLD online!
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Landscapedia
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Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD
APLD President
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Board of Directors
President
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD
Bobbie’s Green Thumb LLC
18405 Van Aken Boulevard
Shaker Heights, OH 44122
(216) 752-9449
bobbie@bgthumb.com
President-Elect
Susan Olinger, APLD
Sterling Horticultural Services
110 Bartley Road
Flanders, NJ 07836
(973) 252-0600
susan@sterlinghort.com
Secretary/Treasurer
Debby Ruskin, APLD
Ruskin Gardens Co.
174 Walter Hays Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 853-1665
debby@ruskingardens.com
Advocacy Chair
Laura Kuhn
Laura Kuhn Design Consultation
P.O. Box 468
Arlington, MA 02476
(617) 616-5069
onebirch@comcast.net
Awards Committee Chair
William Healy, APLD
Healy Design, Inc.
4945 Granger Road
Akron, OH 44333
(330) 606-3273
wmhealy@roadrunner.com
Certification Chair
Marti Neely, APLD
Mulhall’s
9811 Sprague Street
Omaha, NE 68134
(402) 963-0763
mneely@mulhalls.com
Communications Chair
Jane Berger, APLD
Garden Design Online
474 Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA 02543
(202) 723-3605
jane@gardendesignonline.com
Education Chair
Vanessa Nagel, APLD
Seasons Garden Design LLC
12517 Northeast 20th Avenue
Vancouver, WA 98686
(360) 546-2746
vanessa@seasonsgardendesign.com
International Program Chair
Danilo Maffei, APLD
maffei landscape design, LLC
202 N. Garfield Street
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 444-9049
maffei.danilo@gmail.com
Sustainability Chair
Toni Bailey
4 Vallingby Circle
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 279-0234
toni@gracefullygreen.com
Sponsorship Committee Chair
Colleen Hamilton
Bloomin’ Landscape Designs
7122 Willey Way
Carmichael, CA 95608
(916) 961-0191
colleen@bloominlandscapedesigns.com
Technology Committee Chair
Susan Cohan, APLD
Susan Cohan Gardens, LLC
69 Hedges Avenue
Chatham, NJ 07928
(973) 665-9260
susan@susancohangardens.com
Immediate Past President
Patricia St. John, APLD
St. John Landscapes
1635 Le Roy Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94709-1106
(510) 848-5673
mpstjohn@sbcglobal.net
Chapter Liaison
Ellen Johnston, APLD
5543 Wateka Drive
Dallas, TX 75209
(469) 628-3321
etj518@aol.com
Membership Committee Chair
Patrick Bones, APLD
Brighton Design, Inc.
1421 Ambassador Street
Building 6, Apartment 108
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(918) 645-7064
brightonlandplan@hotmail.com

The Designer
Call for Submissions
APLD’s Communications Committee is always looking for submissions to The Designer and
article ideas to keep the content of our publication relevant to the landscape design industry.
The next deadline for article submission is
August 8, 2011 for the Fall issue.
Feature articles can range anywhere between 500 to 1500 words and can be about a unique
project, an interesting problem or a design inspiration and philosophy—really, it can be
anything you think your fellow designers would want to read about. Have you written an
article for another magazine? Feel free to tweak that article a little and submit a slightly
different version for The Designer.
All articles MUST be submitted in electronic format (MS Word is preferred). Photos and
images to accompany your article should also be submitted electronically (good quality, hirez
JPGs preferred). Your headshot and a 1-2 sentence bio-line that can include your name,
business, design philosophy, website, etc. (this is just a simple statement to tell readers a
little more about you) should also be sent with your article.
If you have an idea for an article or an article that you would like to submit for inclusion in
The Designer, send an e-mail to the editor, Jane Berger, at jane@gardendesignonline.com
and copy Stacy Henninger (APLD Communications Director) at communications@apld.org,
or feel free to call the office at 717.238.9780 to speak with our communications staff.
Help us make your magazine even better by being a contributing writer yourself!
would like to congratulate the following
newly certified members...
Bill Einhorn, RLA, APLD
LDAW, Landscape Architecture, PC
Carmel, NY
www.ldaw.net
Marilyn Marie Guidroz, APLD
Marilyn’s Garden Design
Valley Center, CA
www.marilynsgarden.com
Adriana Berry, APLD
Adriana Berry Landscape Design
Portland, OR
www.gardenaesthetics.com/Adriana.html

2 011
international landscape
design awards
our winners
We Define Landscape Design

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Planting Design Merit Award
O’Keefe Residence – Berkeley, California
Lesley Turner/LTLA Design, Berkeley, California
During the winter rains of 1998, this site took on a concentrated
flow of water, causing a landslide which destroyed the residence
and the street below it to collapse. The city restored the washed out
street and constructed a large, overbearing retaining wall and railing
above the property. A new home was built with a series of steps and
walkways up to the street, but it was never landscaped. My clients
purchased the home for resale investment, understanding that
there were new city requirements for drought-tolerant plantings
to minimize the need for irrigation and reduce the risk of future
landslides.
The project site, located in the Berkeley, California, hills, is set down
off the street between the house and a large retaining wall the city
built when the road was reconstructed. From the street there is
a view into the front yard and a view straight out over the house
to the San Francisco bay. The empty lot adjacent to the property
has 70 foot high Eucalyptus trees that cast a shadow over half the
front yard in the early morning. It is a steep, south-facing slope, and
the soil is held by hemp erosion control netting, which we did not
remove.
The clients wanted a beautiful landscape to help them sell the
property in two years’ time. (At the height of the recession, they
succeeded.) The need for a private outdoor space was obvious,
since people walking by could look down into their front yard.
My goal was to make an attractive garden for viewing from the inside
of the house; smoothly incorporate the borrowed adjacent lot with
its tall Eucalyptus and natives; and step down the height of shrubs
until the area opened up and felt like a “mountain meadow” with
smaller plants. To screen out the huge retaining wall at street level
and create a warm, sunny spot where the clients could sit outside
in private, we planted a drift of lavender and grasses up the slope
along with California natives, vines, grasses and other accents.
The side of the property was too steep for a fence, so we created a
transition to bring down the scale of the large Eucalyptus near the
property line. We used California natives and other Mediterranean
plants to stabilize the slope, since they wouldn’t need much summer
irrigation or soil amendments. I concentrated on drought-tolerant
species and planned for faster growing specimens to provide
interest until the California natives fully matured. I installed a drip
irrigation system.
From inside, I outlined the parameters of interesting views with
stakes on the hillside and took a survey that included the location
of these stakes so that my plan would show which areas were
visible from the house. The client expressed a desire for grasses
and ruled out any red flowering plants, so I concentrated on leaf
colors and textures. I planted some faster growing lavanteras for
short-term interest and set boulders into the hillside to suggest rock
outcroppings.
Judges’ comments: Impressive use of plants to hold a very
steep slope and to sink the existing hardscape into a delightful
tangle of soft textures and colors – the fact that the landscape
contributed to a successful property sale is no surprise.
10

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ Comments: Knew I was going to like this when I
opened the planting list – magazine quality and execution -
designing collectors’ gardens are often the most difficult, as
taming chaos is the biggest challenge.
Now, a new stucco wall matches the existing walls on
site and forms two distinct spaces: the “motor court”
and the “entry garden.” A set of antique doors and a
new sconce light call out the way to the front door. The
gate in the existing side patio wall was replaced with an
antique iron screen to eliminate access from the parking
area. The motor court side of the new wall serves as
a “gallery wall.” It’s draped with vines and forms the
backdrop for dramatic pots with sculptural plantings.
Photo Credit: Holly Lepere Photography at Lepere Photography
Residential
Merit Award
Hidden Valley Residence –
Santa Barbara, California
Grace Design Associates, Inc.,
Santa Barbara, California
“Help! My husband just put a parking lot in my front yard!” Those were the first
words out of the client’s mouth. Construction on a new garage, carport, drive and
parking area was complete, but my client wanted her garden back, and her only
request was a specific color palette and “some fruit trees.”
A walk through the site revealed a lot of needs: a new entry approach; a sitting
area to enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains from the front yard; and
screening for the front yard parking area. The existing veranda needed something
to wed it to the structure and we also decided to find appropriate locations for the
client’s collection of fabulous statuary, furniture, and pottery.
Three new olive trees join an existing one in the side
patio area. Staggered along both sides of the new wall,
they soften and cool the bright motor court. A shared
“roof” unifies the side patio, the motor court and the
entry garden. One olive was planted on a landscape
mound; another was planted in an oversized pot, and
the third was planted at grade. The varied planting
height breaks the line of the canopies, adding interest
and depth while enhancing drainage.
A new walk establishes a clear and comfortable route
from the antique gates to the front door. The stone for
the path matches the existing stone on the veranda,
and a secondary path to the street is made of the same
stone. A stone bench is nestled in the embrace of a
sweeping stand of pre-existing yuccas - it doubles as a
retaining wall to level the front yard, provides seating
and adds drama and a sense of place. An odd remnant of
stone paving truncated by the recent construction was
converted into a quiet sitting area for one. The owner’s
chinoiserie cabinet was placed on the veranda. The
wood posts, beams, rafters and ceiling of the veranda
were painted with colors and decorative scenes to match
the chinoiserie piece, knitting the house, the veranda
and the furnishings together seamlessly. Plantings
conform to the color palette requested by the owner. A
new orchard/statue garden replaces two unused lawns
on the west side of the property and accommodates
the client’s request for “a few fruit trees” – as well as
housing her art collection and future finds.
11

Photo Credit: Patricia St. John, APLD
Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ comments: Amazing transformation for the price – good
proportions and clean lines – the designer did everything possible to
repurpose and rework what was there, while opening up and improving
everything about the space – masterfully conceived – bravo!
Cost Efficient Project Merit Award
East Meets West – Berkeley, California
Patricia St. John, APLD/St. John Landscapes, San Jose, California
My client was born in Shanghai, China and wanted to redesign
his mid-century ranch home to echo a spirit of modern, simple,
understated elegance that he experienced growing up in China.
The site was south-facing and flat, with a creek flowing beyond the
back yard fence. There was an existing deck with a rickety wooden
overhead structure, and the back yard was divided by a low fence,
with concrete beyond the deck and a lawn in the other half.
The client wanted a garden to match the interior aesthetic, and a
garden where he could entertain 10 to 20 people at a time. The
interior designer was installing a 14 foot high folding glass door/
window to easily access the back yard from the dining room and
living room. Because the interior work would take most of the client’s
budget, he wanted the garden project to be relatively inexpensive.
The client also wanted to reuse as many materials as possible from
the present garden, so low-budget and environmentally responsible
decisions went hand in hand. The total cost for the back yard
landscaping was $15,500.
The design intent was to seamlessly connect the garden with the
home, paying special attention to the access and views from inside
the residence. In keeping with simplicity and clean lines, simple
plantings were appropriate: grasses! It was important to open up
a view of the creek that flows beyond the back yard fence, and
we also wanted to expand the visual impact of the back yard. The
secondarily important area, to the west, just had lawn replaced with
a gravel ‘Zen’ garden.
We rebuilt the deck, using existing piers and joist where possible,
flipped over the deck boards and applied new stain. The deck
connects to hardwood floors inside and the dining room table can
be wheeled outside for summer entertaining. We kept the posts
from the old arbor, built new beams and strung up five-foot wide,
retractable nylon “sails’” that span an expanse of 25 feet. The sails
cost $115 each. We also re-used rafters from the old arbor to build
steps from the deck to the back yard, saw-cut the existing concrete
into three-foot wide strips and filled the space between them with
grasses and black La Paz rock. (We left the expansion joint boards in
the old concrete—they created an interesting abstract pattern.) We
also retained the existing back fence, but cut out pairs of “windows”
to open the view to the creek and outlying vegetation.
Simple plantings were used throughout: clumping bamboo, used as
a screen along the side fence, Carex divulsa in strips along concrete,
Chondropetalum tectorum in random spaces, and Lomandra
longifolia, an evergreen, drought-tolerant grass along the back fence
to relate to the grasses beyond the fence. Various ceramic balls were
placed in the garden, and pots on the deck add punches of color.
12

Non-Residential Merit Award
Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head – Bangalore, India
Jolly John/Shibanee & Kamal Architects, Bangalore, India
Summer 2011 I apld.org
The site for this project was a new construction site with cement
and concrete rubble, construction waste, ill-drained soil and just
about everything bad for landscaping. There were shaded areas,
sunny areas, frequently treaded areas, play areas, recreational areas
and quiet zones.
To some people, landscape spaces are meant only for aesthetics;
to others, they’re meant for utility or as a space to relax, or for
community interaction or a place to spend time with children. It was
a challenge to keep all of these in mind and strike a balance to meet
every such need. A small herb garden space catered to the herb
requirements. They were annuals.
The aim was to design spaces with a blend of soft and hard
landscapes, water features, swimming pools tucked in green spaces,
artifacts, seating spaces and most of all a play areas with hundreds
of plants. The plants were chosen for their hardiness; their ability to
cover ground, the shapes; the colors of the leaves, the hues and their
creeping nature. It was indeed bringing horticulture into design so
that residents could live in harmony with nature in carefully thought
out spaces.
The spaces were also meant to complement the brick building,
which had arches, tall trellises, bare concrete surfaces, and pergolas
that were both free standing and part of the building.
There was an entire area of 62,000 square feet to landscape –
common space that was spread between and around five residential
apartment blocks with 120 dwelling units. The boundary of the
project was to serve as a privacy cover from neighboring buildings,
and also reduce the sound of and dust from a public road by planting
creepers, tall trees, and shrubs.
We incorporated a “green” sewerage plant for irrigation
requirements, the usage of which was optimized with sprinklers
and drippers. The drainage was connected to a nearby storm water
drain. We also specified the use of non-toxic organic pesticides,
organic manure, and compost from the property itself. Locally
available natural stones were used for pathways, seats and artifacts.
A bamboo plantation preserves the ecosystem, purifies the air,
is care free and long living. Trees and shrubs line the property to
counter pollution.
There were huge rocks which had to blend with the landscapes. The
wall near the pool, which was shared with a neighbor, was not high
enough for privacy, and so we screened it with casuarina trees.
The building had huge expansion joints, and the landscaping had to
be on a podium slab. These spaces were designed with shade-loving
plants. With the bamboo screen, we provided privacy for bedrooms
that opened into the landscaped and for people who desired a quiet
strolling area for exercise.
Judges’ Comments: : A great treatment of an imposing structure – this shows how
a garden can help establish a huge living complex as a home – the use of plants is
stunning – the design explodes the space vertically.
Photo Credit: Mr. S. Umashankar
13

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Residential Merit Award
Southwest Retreat – Tucson, Arizona
Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery, Boxhill Landscape Design, Tucson, Arizona
This Zone 9 natural desert site had been highly disturbed by
the construction of a guest house and pool on the property. The
construction company involved had filed for bankruptcy and left the
clients with these projects only partially constructed. The clients
own an outdoor adventure company, and they wanted a design
that combined functionality, fun, and a place to unwind. Being
environmentally conscious they were adamant about eliminating all
turf. They requested a new twist on Southwest style, with multileveled
outdoor areas, natural southwest native desert landscaping
and incorporating low water and aspects of permaculture. All the
areas that could be planted, plus lighting design, outdoor seating,
a fire feature and a redesign for the pool “big enough so the kids
could roll a kayak” (direct quote) was requested. The guest house
and outdoor covered patio of the main house needed to be finished.
Budget was not an issue.
To create a relaxed Southwest wonderland full of private spaces and
native plants, living space was created around the main house and
then again around the guest house. For all the space in between
walking paths to these little areas was built with desert plants
throughout and waves of mass plantings. Ninety percent of the
plants used were local desert agaves, cacti and desert bloomers.
A natural slope that already existed that moved water away from
the house and the land was graded to direct the flow through small
dry stream beds toward the vegetation. The landscape design
was executed in a Southwestern style, with African and Mexican
elements. A plan for the exterior design was created as well. Every
accessory, all outdoor fabric, furniture was selected, and each piece
of art designed and each artist personally chosen. I executed the
wrought iron designs and the welder made those drawings come
alive. This place is truly a desert wonderland.
All lighting meets the Dark Skies code, which is a requirement for
center areas in Tucson. The plants that were on irrigation were
weaned off in the last few years and only a few pots remained
irrigated.
I was involved in every aspect of this project from start to finish,
from design through installation. Each tree, each boulder and each
plant were hand placed.
Judges’ comments: The soft areas between the hardscapes are
beautifully done – the plantings created nice routing through and
to wonderful views – nice attention to sustainability issues.
14
Photo Credit: Sunset Magazine

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ Comments: The scene of Thailand is set brilliantly, with full and lush structural
plantings that hold the house and garden – notwithstanding the client’s desire to have one
of every, this project showed great structural planting - client must be delighted.
Residential Merit Award
Strasz Residence – Delray Beach, Florida
Botanical Visions, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida
This residence is located in Highland Beach, Florida, situated on a
canal that leads directly to the Intracoastal Waterway. The existing
landscaping was very sparse, consisting of only a few palm trees,
old, unattractive hedges, and unhealthy, large grassy areas.
The client originally intended to tear down the home to build a new,
larger, more modern home, but due to timing and the economy, he
decided to drastically renovate the property instead. His stressful
corporate life included travel and working indoors so it was
important to him to have a lush and very usable outdoor space for
relaxing and entertaining. Above all, he wished to add as many palm
trees as possible, along with flowering and large-leafed tropical
plants to remind him of his trips to Thailand. He also wanted to
renovate the pool, increase the patio space, incorporate a secluded
spa and create more areas for outdoor entertaining. He desired a
more attractive view from the back windows and pool by blocking
the view of homes across the canal yet he wanted to maintain his
views of the water.
Our primary objective was to incorporate as many palms and underplantings
as possible yet maintain a sense of order and usable open
spaces. We wanted the patio spaces around the pool to be usable
and welcoming yet somewhat private as well. We specified palms
at various heights with both pinnate and palmate fronds for varying
textures. The palm species that were chosen will ensure that the
heights remain staggered into the future. We also wanted some
of the palms to have heavily textured trunks so that they would
become focal points at night with lighting.
We specified a tumbled marble containing various shades of brown
and cream as a common hardscape throughout the property. The
marble replaced the original asphalt of the circular driveway and
was used in place of the original pool coping, pool tile, and concrete
paver patio. We also added marble curvilinear pathways down the
two sides of the home. The wavy walkways create the impression of
more distance and provide opportunities for small focal points and
changing views along the path. We increased the size of the back
patio and created curvilinear patio borders, pool planters and raised
seating areas. We widened the seawall with the same tumbled
marble to extend the usable space toward the canal.
We enveloped the spa with a trellis for passion vines which would
attract butterflies and offer stunning flowers. A curving coconut
palm leaning over the pool was incorporated as a focal point to
soften the view toward the home from the garden seating areas and
the dock. Many orchids were attached to the trunks of the palms
for eye-level interest and additional color and fragrant plants were
also utilized.
Our drawing for this project was a rough guideline of our vision
which we modified on site by enhancing it with additional plantings
and rearranging it according to our new ideas and our client’s
preferences.
15

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Photo Credit: Reuben Huffman, APLD
Judges’ comments: : The angled design is refreshing, and the staggered screens with
Sumac work – really an extraordinary job of attractively fitting a lot into a little space.
Residential Merit Award
The Angled Approach – Dayton, Ohio
Fullmer’s Landscaping, Inc./Reuben Huffman, APLD, Dayton, Ohio
Our client’s home is on the end of several co-joined houses on a
south-facing slope with large trees shading the rear property line.
The front of the house is generally sunny and well-drained. Large
junipers hid some of the windows and the surrounding landscape
was very sporadic, spotty in plant placement, and lacking “flow” or
cohesiveness. A narrow walk of pavers curved up to the front door.
It is quite shady behind the house, and the hill slopes down
toward the rear walls of the home. A narrow deck was built into
the hillside, running parallel with the back of the house and giving
the overall impression of a dark, narrow hallway. The deck was split
into two levels and the wood was wearing out, both physically and
aesthetically.
Our client wanted a revised patio area with a built in grill/outdoor
kitchen space. The interior living areas face the backyard, so they
also wanted to connect the inside and outside attractively and
create some sort of focal point to be viewed from their living room.
Also on the list was an update in the front of the house and a gate
for back yard entry.
My intention was to create a fresh look which would tie the home
to the landscape, enhance the curb appeal, and create a usable,
enjoyable outdoor living area that felt like a natural extension of the
home.
We gave the front walkway some structure by adding a soldier
course border of pavers backed by a crisp boxwood hedge. We
revised the rockwork retaining wall and added access from the front
walk to the lawn. These items -- the walkway, the hedge, and the
embedded limestone -- provide a sturdy, somewhat rigid backbone
so that the front landscape “flows” in layered waves of plantings.
For initial curb appeal, we planted masses of salmon impatiens
punctuated by repeating drifts of feather reed grass, hemmed
in with a skirt of Sedum kamschaticum. To make the most of the
narrow rear yard, we took an angled approach to the design. We
were hemmed in by a hillside and a close setback line. The far corner
of our client’s bedroom is the beginning of the neighbor’s house, so
space for screening was limited as well. By rotating the framework
of the design on a 45 degree angle, we created a sense of larger
space, and in this view, three distinct rooms emerge: the focal point
copper disc fountain directly in line from the living room; the grilling
center; and the sunken spa outside the master bedroom doors.
Criss-crossing bands of travertine pavers form a grid which “snaps”
in place with these various features and establishes the orientation
of the spaces.
I revisited the site a few months after completion and made some
additional suggestions for plantings. The furniture and garden
ornaments were selected by the homeowner; our company selected
and planted the containers.
16

Small Gardens Merit Award
Desert Jewelbox – Tucson, Arizona
Kathryn Prideaux, APLD, Prideaux Design, Tucson, Arizona
Summer 2011 I apld.org
The site is a townhome with shared walls on each side and faces the
green of a golf course, with beautiful views of the entire course and
city lights beyond. The existing flagstone patio had been patched
and was in poor condition. The built-in bench was not functional for
the client. The patio space is approximately 24’x48’ with an overall
main space under 1000 square feet.
In this limited space, the homeowners dreamed of the following
features: spool (spa/pool), fire-pit, outdoor kitchen, dining area,
sitting area, sunning area and nap bench. This would require a
complete remodel of space.
The design process was akin to putting together the pieces of a
1000-piece puzzle on a tiny tray-table! The simplicity of the solution
comes from the shared use of space: the walls of the pool also define
the adjoining out-door rooms. Each space functions independently
but can be enjoyed simultaneously. Walls and divisions are low,
allowing conversations and people to flow freely.
The homeowner provided multi-colored outdoor fabric as the color
inspiration for the space. Careful use of this vibrant palette makes
it a visual feast. In the sometimes stark and arid landscape of the
desert, these colors are a welcome reprieve. The intense ice blue of
the ceramic tile has an instant cooling effect.
We decided to incorporate plant material in multiple groupings of
pottery. Each plant was hand selected to for maximum impact. Two
of the walls were trellised and overflow with evergreen vines. The
colorful blooms of the plants and cactus range from reds to oranges.
Along the slope outside the wall, a cactus barrier was created
using prickly pear and cholla varieties. This barrier meets the code
requirements for the pool barrier and further adds to the native
desert landscape beyond the wall.
The overall aesthetic of the space is a modern interpretation of
traditional hacienda style. Many of the materials are traditionally
used in the southwest, but in conjunction with clean lines and
simple forms, this approach is a fresh twist on the expected. This
finished space allows for truly gracious outdoor living in the Arizona
desert. The size of the space and the gems contained within create
a “Desert Jewel Box.”
Sustainability and environmental awareness were considered
throughout the process. Passive water harvesting was utilized
throughout; a new irrigation system was installed with drip irrigation
only providing enough water specific to each plant; a native plant
palette was incorporated allowing for less maintenance and less
water consumption; the cactus barrier is watered through roof
runoff that is diverted under the patio and into the native desert
beyond the wall; local materials were selected for finishes.
I assisted throughout the construction project and was on site often,
overseeing implementation of the plans. I was responsible for the
selection of all details, including pottery, furniture, lighting, pillows
and cushions, custom lamp, artwork and accessories.
Judges’ Comments: Amazing living space - Although the ice blue and orange tiles, though taken
from the clients’ material, would not be my first choice against the rough stone walls, it grows on me
as I think about the dry heat of their desert – plantings simple and effective - very professional.
Photo Credit: Balfour Walker
17

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Small Gardens Merit Award
Garnet Residence – Martinez, California
Colin Miller Design Studio, Martinez, California
This site was a typical tract home development, with a flat sliver of
a back yard that was fenced on all sides, although it did back into
open space. The clients wanted to open up their tight, narrow back
yard as much as possible and create a sanctuary to escape from the
economic stresses and reconnect with nature.
The major aim of the design was to create a back yard that connected
to the adjacent open space, borrowing the hillside view that was
previously dissected by a board on board fence.
A planting palette that mimics the native vegetation further blurs
the boundary line and extends the backyard into the hillside. A water
feature was installed to mask the dense suburban noises and create
tranquility with aquatic life and soothing notes of falling water.
A new outdoor living space was created, with silver-grey Brazilian
slate flooring and a smooth integral pewter-colored concrete wall
that defines and retains the earth around it. A water feature is the
backdrop to this outdoor room. The flooring material extends onto
the vertical plane, covering a wall that houses three playful stainless
steel spouts that spill water into a large basin. Koi, goldfish and
water plants comprise a new mini ecosystem and provide a focal
point and meditative environment. The integral colored concrete
wall begins at the main water feature and weaves to the southwest
corner of the yard where water once again emerges out of a four
inch stainless steel channel, reinforcing the idea that this garden
backs up against a natural spring.
The stainless steel channel also provides children with an
opportunity to safely play by floating toy boats down the channel. At
the northeastern end of the integral colored concrete wall, a warm
western red cedar bench is set perpendicular to the water feature,
maximizing seating space in the limited size garden. Natural rusting
Cor-ten steel fencing adds a layer of interest throughout the garden
and softens the six foot high surrounding fence. It also carries the
eye from the ground plane up past the fence lines into the horizon.
The cor-ten steel also acts as a ribbon, tying the multiple spaces
together in this garden. The plant palette uses grasses and rushes to
echo the feeling of a natural water source. Plants were also installed
outside of the wire fence to connect the new landscape to the
existing open space; this was successfully done by using perennials
and grasses whose foliage matches that of the native hillside,
blurring the boundary line of the garden and aesthetically extending
the backyard up into the adjacent open space.
The pre-existing concrete sub-slab in the southwestern corner of the
yard was left in place and overlaid with new random cut flagstone.
An existing concrete scrap wall was disassembled and the material
was re-used to create a new retaining wall behind the new open
wire fence.
Judges’ comments: The brief sets out clear goals and client requirements
- crisp mix of contemporary materials and simple planting - a good design
that communicates well with the property and landscape beyond –
evenings at the house would hardly seem confining now.
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Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ Comments: Creating the thick enclosing arms with walls allowed the
designer to bring both privacy and utility into this space – the walls are pulled back
from the street to allow plantings on the other side, giving something back to the
neighbors – the intimacy and fullness of the new garden are very appealing.
Small Gardens Merit Award
Leporini Courtyard – Tucson, Arizona
Rachel Gioannini, APLD/Casa Serena Landscape Designs, Tucson, Arizona
The front yard at the Leporini residence was no different than any
other home on the block: a few non-descript plants and a straight
walkway. What they wanted was an inviting entry, a safe place for
their kids, and a beautiful, colorful spot to enjoy the evening. They
also wanted to incorporate a small table and chairs and a small
fountain they had already purchased. With two small kids at home,
time to devote to landscape upkeep was minimal, so plants would
need to be hardy and low maintenance.
A low wall was added to create a sense of privacy and seclusion,
and a new walkway leads visitors past the water feature. The wall
was thoughtfully designed around an existing native saguaro and
a mature acacia tree. A small flagstone seating area was added
with a view to the mountains, shaded in the mornings by the tree.
Small bits of broken ceramic tiles were placed in the concrete joints
between the flagstones for a touch of whimsy. Flowering perennials
and tall vines create a warm welcome to the home. A unique gate
gives the home individuality, distinguishing it from the neighbors.
Glass “stones” were imbedded in the concrete walkway for another
special touch. Indigenous Catalina boulders were specified to mimic
the natural surrounding desert.
One problem to address was the runoff from the roof, and how to
move the water away from the foundation of the home. We added
a sleeve under a new concrete walkway to move the runoff away
from the home. A detention basin was created on the south side
of the walkway so the plants can take advantage of our infrequent
desert rains. Weep holes were built into the new courtyard wall to
carry excess water off site.
The home is located in a microclimate that can be colder than
other areas of the Tucson valley. The wife is from Puerto Rico and
requested lots of colorful plants to make her feel at home, as well
as to attract lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. Instead of trying
to use tropical plants, a colorful native palette including damianita,
pink guara and autumn sage was used to accommodate her request.
A water budget was created to allow for some higher-water-use
plants, balanced by low-water-use desert natives. Snail vine was
used to help cool down a south-facing wall and diffuse the light
coming into the dining room.
Outside the new courtyard walls, hardy succulents and grasses were
used to break up the plane of the wall and provide interest from the
street. Colorful Easter egg plants flank the gate entry.
Low voltage lighting was used to highlight different areas and provide
safety. Up lights illuminate the trees while path lights guide guests
to the door. Copper, a native resource, was used for the fixtures and
will continue to form a patina as the years go on.
The end result is a space the family loves to spend time in with color
and wildlife to enjoy.
19

Photo Credit: Patricia St. John, APLD
Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ comments: : A clear and confident design for this small space – enjoyed
reading how the designer’s concept related to the client’s interests - perfect
choice of tile, plants, and surrounding color to bring in light, and make a tiny
space feel open and inviting.
Small Gardens Merit Award
Pocket-Sized Courtyard – Berkeley, California
Patricia St. John, APLD/St. John Landscapes, Berkeley, California
A fabulous site located on a steep slope in the Berkeley hills had
breath-taking views of the San Francisco Bay, but the small, enclosed
courtyard in the center of the residence was the only level space
that could be used for a garden. It had an ugly concrete floor and
scattered plantings that offered little horticultural interest. The
clients wanted a garden that could be used for entertaining – an area
that would include space for a barbeque and also offer relaxation
with pleasing views of the patio from inside the house and from
the entry. The courtyard was only 360 square feet, with walls that
were two stories high. Minimal sunlight reached the ground, but
nevertheless the clients wanted lush, low-maintenance plantings of
varied texture that would provide plenty of interest, although they
were not particularly desirous of flowers.
During conversations with the clients, it was clear from photographs
of their travels on the dining room walls that they loved the rocks,
canyons, water, and vegetation of the native California landscape.
I decided that the best solution to meet their desires would be a
multi-level courtyard to complement the mid-century modern
look of the wood-clad mid-century modern style ranch house. The
main design intent was was to seamlessly connect the garden with
the home, while paying special attention to access and views. I
also thought it should be attractive when seen from second story
bedrooms, with plantings and a design that would capture the look
and the feeling of the travel photos inside the residence.
First, I used a grid to lay out the pattern for the tile work on the
patio floor, the seating, and planting areas of the tiny courtyard.
The existing concrete base was removed, along with most of the
plantings, although I decided to transplant an attractive laceleaf
Japanese maple, a Camellia sasanqua, a “mystery” grass and
a couple of shade-tolerant roses. A raised planting bed was
constructed of native ‘Cabernet’ stone that is reminiscent of the
stone in the clients’ travel photographs. The 20 inch high walls of
the planting bed now serve as a seat wall that can accommodate
additional visitors when the clients entertain. There is a small
seating area with two chairs and a table, and a small fountain was
located in a ground-level planting bed to lend an extra dimension of
sound and movement to the enclosed space.
Because of the lack of sunlight, the plant palette includes mostly
shade plants: ferns and hardy geraniums, bleeding heart and
foxgloves, lily turf, mondo grass, stonecrop and violas. The planting
design includes two lovely Japanese maples, along with a weeping
blue atlas cedar. The courtyard is now a space of beauty attractive
to birds and beneficial insects. It gives the homeowners a true
experience with nature and a beautiful, restful garden in the only
level outdoor area that is accessible from the house.
20

Small Gardens Merit Award
Zerick Residence – New Albany, Ohio
Nicholas McCullough/ McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery, New Albany, Ohio
Summer 2011 I apld.org
The client of this garden is an eccentric brain surgeon with a modern
sense of style. Recently divorced, this house and garden was his
return to bachelorhood. With this project there were three major
requests from the client. First, he wanted visual privacy from the
adjoining neighbor’s property. Second, he wanted to add an area
where he can entertain in the evening and third, to create a cool
garden that goes hand and hand with his modern style.
The intent of this design was to successfully accomplish the three
requests set forth by the homeowner without sacrificing form and
function. The first request of privacy was accomplished with a
tightly clipped hedge that was selected so it would not outgrow the
space over the long term, but still conceal the patio area during the
summer months when it is in use. The second request of evening
entertaining was accomplished by adding a fireplace, landscape
lighting, and a water feature to create an ambiance conducive to
an evening party. Third, the modern garden was accomplished
by paying attention to the flow and view to create a seamless
experience from the interior to the exterior. A simple plant palette
was used with more emphasis on masses and blocking unsightly
views.
The garden is situated in a small suburban neighborhood with
gardens ranging in size from about 1200 to 3000 square feet. Due
to the tight space of this 1500 square foot garden, access to the site
is very limited and was a major consideration from the onset of the
design process. That being said, all materials had to be moved in
by hand. The scope of the project included a bluestone/limestone
patio. A split face limestone garden wall and a brick fireplace tie
in to the architecture of the home. A tightly trimmed hedge of
Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontain’, a more compact version of the
upright European hornbeam, lends an air of privacy with a modern
twist. Areas set aside for container plantings add bold summer color.
Finally, a modern grass pathway was installed so the homeowner
can easily travel between the garage and the patio.
Our main environmental concern on this project was to catch water
runoff from the patio. We accomplished this by routing water
coming off the patio to the root zone of the carpinus where the
water can soak into the roots or eventually percolate through to a
sod waterway adjoining the rear of the property.
There were few pre-existing plantings on this site before the design
work was started. The site consisted of approximately a dozen
climbing hydrangeas which were struggling along, one tricolor
beech, and a handful of assorted perennials. The rest of the area
was covered in turf grass. The construction was performed by our
own landscape construction team. All aspects of the installation
were performed by us except the landscape lighting, which was
installed by a certified electrician.
Judges’ Comments: : A good use of space – like the plantings which show good plant
knowledge - handsome use of hardscape and ornaments in small space - principles
of continuity and change well displayed – implementation of a high standard.
21

Landscape Designer of the Year

Residential Gold Award
DiPrisco Meadow Garden – Lafayette, California
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD & Suzanne Arca Design, Albany, California
Summer 2011 I apld.org
The clients, a couple with two children and a third
on the way, wished to have a naturalistic garden
that was drought tolerant and incorporated
California native and compatible Mediterranean
species. They also requested that it be low
maintenance, and be built and maintained
sustainably. Given its size, the project also
required responsible attention to phasing. We
knew that the project would involve sub-projects
that would include: structural renovations to the
pool house, the addition of a farm/vegetable
area, and improvements to an existing swimming
pool, which required strict attention to budgetary
constraints and the creation of livable space for the
period between phases.
The first priority was to downsize the lawn strips
and the asphalt areas; to connect the ornamental
plantings with the food gardens to create a flow of
texture, color and edibility; to combine elements
to create spectacular exterior views from inside
the house; to make natural connections between
the existing terrain, grasses and drifts of native
plant and accents of Mediterranean species; and
to merge the new with the existing hardscape,
creating continuity and cohesiveness, and
anticipate future phases.
23

Summer 2011 I apld.org
The design included two arbors to be built later, steel headers
specified to confine a buff gravel and slate pathway system softened
with groundcover. Playa boulders, Sunburst pebbles and other larger
rocks were combined with buff Lodi gravel to create a naturalistic
companion ground plane to the meadow lawns and rustic plant
palette. The main paths are Mariposa slate with tinted mortar
joints gracefully cut into existing brick porches. On completion of
the design phase, the installation was carefully phased for future
construction. Drainage work was done to mitigate the issues of
poor soil percolation and run-off from the long asphalt entry drive.
One hundred and ten low-voltage LED lights were installed with five
transformers and a remote control system. The irrigation system is
24 valves with a combination of drip in-line emitter, micro-spray and
low-flow rotating spray popups. The “farm” consists of ten boxes
constructed of select heart redwood, capped for seating, lined with
screen at the bottom and stained on the outside surface. Cable
and post trellises were installed for the berries and grapes and a
matching tool rack and redwood potting bench were built in the
vegetable garden area. Plantings were installed in phases as some of
the fruit trees, vegetables and bulbs were only available seasonally.
The natives, grasses, and drought tolerant turf areas are all low
water users. A water feature consisting of a bubbling rustic urn lit
at night under a grand old Sambucus tree was placed in the family’s
kitchen patio.
We made every attempt to follow the principles of Bay-Friendly
Landscape practices and the design considers micro-climates, local
flora, and fauna, and soil tests for appropriate drainage and cultural
requirements. Compost bins, selective pruning and thoughtful plant
selection limits excessive waste to landfills.
We have worked to conserve water and facilitated drought-resistant
conditions through a regimen of mulching and composting, aerating,
and removing lawns. We demolished the majority of the asphalt
driveway, still allowing the client sufficient access to their garage
and house entries, resulting in increased permeable surface area for
on-site water percolation. We strove to create an environment that
wed the natural Lafayette backdrop of Oak woodland and scrub with
sustainable plantings that require low water use and maintenance.
24

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ comments: Stunning masterpiece, deft transformation from
a suburban landscape to a sustainable, sophisticated and natural
design – love the sweeping curves and pea stone against it – simple,
yet imaginative compositions – beautiful at night – shows restrained
sophistication.
25

Interview with our Landscape Designer of the Year:
Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD
By: William Healy, APLD (APLD Awards Chair)
Suzanne’s website, Suzannearcadesign.com, states that
“transformational design is in the details.” This statement is
beautifully supported by this project. Her construction company
first removed a considerable amount of asphalt, still leaving
sufficient traffic flow for the family’s needs. She corrected massive
drainage issues. Broken drains were unearthed and a series of
bioswales were constructed so that the property now holds its
water well. The backyard was covered in ivy, which Suzanne
attacked assiduously with sheet mulch. As she termed it, she
was “kind of persistent.” She has a good relationship with a local
cardboard company and often uses sheet mulching in her projects.
The ivy was covered with 250 foot lengths of cardboard that was
then covered with a deep layer of mulch, and after a few years the
ivy has been eradicated.
Suzanne helped the client choose new colors for the house, which
became warm beige trimmed with shutters of a light sage. The
home’s new colors were highlighted with energetic planting areas
consisting of a Mediterranean palette that blended California native
and Australian plants. Areas of differing grasses were punctuated
with Phormiums, and many edibles were carefully added to the
mix. A large California sycamore was craned in to anchor an area.
The amount of lawn area was greatly reduced, but she did keep a
newly shaped lawn spot for client’s children. A planting was added
by the only original aspect of the yard that Suzanne actually liked
– a rustic stone wall. She stated that as soon as she saw it she felt
that “the inspirational wall needed a complementary planting.”
Suzanne did not use hardscape as a way to merely avoid muddy feet,
but expertly created a ribbon of changing pavements consisting of
buff gravel, mariposa slate, and playa boulders. The color, form,
and texture of the pavements wonderfully complement the new
colors of the home and are laid in strong curves, which along with
the new curves of the beds, add a dynamic flow that seems to
warmly tie the design together. The cohesive blend of interest and
repose -- dynamics and restraint -- scored well with the judges.
As chair of the APLD awards committee, I recently had the pleasure to
interview Suzanne Arca, ASLA, CLCA, APLD, who received the 2011 APLD
International Landscape Designer of the Year Award in this year’s judging.
Her submission rose to the top of a very strong pool of entries. This year’s
panel of judges all agreed that the project deftly transformed a typical
suburban yard into a sophisticated and sustainable design. They called it a
masterpiece with sweeping walks that flowed well through areas of genius
planting design.
In my conversation with Suzanne, I Learned more about the existing
conditions of the site, which increased my own appreciation for the scope
of this makeover. The home was a typical ranch style house in the Oak
foothill area east of San Francisco that was oddly decorated in a seemingly
Western Reserve fashion with white siding, black shutters, boxwood
hedging, and prissy lawns. Asphalt pavement dominated so much of the
front yard that the client felt it was like a sad entrance to a motel.
Suzanne always chooses plants and materials precisely. She
carefully searches for the nuances offered by blending the three
basic elements in all materials – color, form, and texture. Her
blends are indeed well thought out, for they showed well in this
grand award winning project.
Suzanne’s life has also been a careful blending of the areas related
to what she feels is an exciting field of landscape design –art,
design, horticulture, engineering and construction. Her beliefs are
exemplified by the fact that she is both a landscape architect and
designer, and is a member of ASLA, CLCA, and APLD.
Further showing her interest and commitment to this vocation, in
addition to owning a design/build business, she teaches design at
the local university, presents to garden groups, and is a present
board member of the East Bay APLD chapter.
Congratulations to Suzanne Arca for receiving the award of APLD
International Landscape Designer of 2011.

Beautiful spaces. Intelligent design. Experienced professionals.
We define landscape design!
Find YOUR landscape designer at www.apld.org.

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Residential Gold Award
Le Petit Chalet – Southwest Harbor, Maine
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design, Melrose, Massachusetts
This three-acre parcel that shares its northwestern boundary with
Acadia National Park on Maine’s Mt. Desert Island is in hardiness
zone 5a. Nestled at the base of the 690’ Flying Mountain, a newlyconstructed
home joins an antique summer cottage sited less than
75’ from the eastern edge of Somes Sound, a majestic deepwater
fjord. It boasts spectacular panoramic views, with massive stands
of mature spruce, cedar, and pine dominating the surrounding
woodlands, and a bounty of indigenous wildlife inhabits the land.
Lush carpets of native mosses, lichens, and ferns help stabilize
the dramatic topography which endures intense weather, and the
evolving vegetative cover fairly thrives in this rocky, verdant region
of Downeast Maine.
The exceptional site presented extraordinary challenges. Despite
stabilization efforts during construction, severe weather events
caused extreme soil erosion across 22,000 s.f. of the property.
Hurricane-force winds toppled century-old trees, uprooting
thick, protective layers of existing vegetation. Extensive site-wide
disturbances destroyed the extant biodiversity; the existing landscape
was left stark and exposed. The area immediately surrounding the
buildings was void of character and provided no protection from the
elements. With no identifiable microclimates the landscape clearly
lacked valuable and necessary plant communities.
Trying to regenerate fragmented native plant communities and
restore damaged site systems within the context of one of the nation’s
most celebrated national parks presented the dual challenges of
developing a plan that could efficiently move stormwater away from
the buildings, and of crafting durable and memorable outdoor spaces
that captured the spirit of Acadia. New plantings had to provide
enclosure and protection from harsh seasonal elements without
blocking views. Restored wildlife patterns had to be evident, and
sustainable land management practices introduced.
The client immediately committed to repairing and restoring as
many damaged site systems as possible. Solid grading and landform
strategies were developed to divert stormwater away from the
house in ways that responded to adjacent topographic conditions.
Subsurface infrastructure had to handle upwards of three inches of
rain in 24 hours. The site was to be revegetated with low-maintenance
plantings that would help restore lost and depleted soils and a plan
was developed that would encourage local wildlife to return to the
site.
Sound planting concepts based on successional growth principles
guided the installation of the master plan for the oceanside property.
Large colonies of sweet fern, low bush blueberry, and hay scented
fern blanket newly graded landforms and blend seamlessly into the
dynamic woodlands of Acadia. Extensive stormwater management
solutions are carefully integrated into the new landscape including
a 175’ stormwater infiltration trench that collects runoff from Flying
Mountain and filters it through layers of crushed stone and sand,
returning it to the local watershed. Downspouts and catch basins
direct water into drywells, and the absorbent qualities of the property
are celebrated through meaningful landscape experiences.
Judges’ comments: Interesting and exciting brief, clear and concise –lots of
great stone masonry and great environmental sensitivity– planting shows
both boldness and restraint – the garden seems part of the natural habitat –
very professional.
28

Summer 2011 I apld.org
A delightful variety of spaces of different scales relate well to
the topography, and the footprint of the existing house appears
purposefully located. Guests are encouraged to move about and
explore the natural and built features of the garden. Individual
spaces can host intimate gatherings or flow freely into one another
to accommodate larger groups. Various path types direct circulation
through each of the spaces, weaving thoughtfully about the
landscape to provide access to unique moments on the property.
Interior and exterior connections are clearly defined.
An authentic palette of local materials specified by the designer
with exquisitely executed masonry gives the garden a unified and
established feel. Lichen-encrusted stone retaining walls define
edges, thresholds, and overlooks. Thick slabs of salvaged granite
embedded in the earth provide gathering terraces and pathways.
A casual sitting circle rests within a newly established colony of
bayberry and winter berry, and a spectacular pine tree is preserved.
Newly defined vegetation communities on the property have begun
to shape a healthy, ecologically balanced landscape that stretches
beyond site boundaries.
Existing wildlife patterns were preserved and enhanced. Sediment
no longer erodes into the sensitive coastal ecosystem. The project
has significantly improved the aesthetic quality and visual character
of this property, and the client has formed an even stronger bond
to the land.
The project grew out of a spirit of collaboration between the
designer and the client. The role of the designer included poststorm
stabilizing of the site; analysis and assessment of all existing
conditions and vegetation systems; the generation of character and
precedent studies; the design of the site master plan and stormwater
management concepts; preparation of construction drawings; the
coordination of bids; material selection and selection of garden
ornaments; oversight of all forestry management operations; the
enlistment of multiple sub-consultants; and the direction of the post
construction property maintenance.
Photo Credit: Matthew Cunningham
29

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Residential Gold Award
Innisfree – Middleburg, VA
W Gary Smith Design, Austin, Texas
My clients, Wayne and Beth, engaged me to redesign their 100 acre
Virginia property with distant views to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The site consisted of a worn-out cornfield, 15 acres of woodland
along hedgerows, invasive shrubs and vines, and Civil War-era stone
walls throughout. The design was to include a good location for a
new house and parking court, paddocks for horses, family gathering
areas, strolling pathways, wildlife habitats, areas for gardening, and
as much “do it yourself” planting as possible.
Wayne and Beth wanted “to live in a wildlife sanctuary in a naturallooking
old farm setting, unobtrusive from the road and friendly
to all living beings.” They also wanted to preserve and enhance
the views, and have a place that would attract their grandsons for
long weekends and vacations. Innisfree is in the middle of Virginia
Hunt Country, and while Beth and Wayne’s interior design aesthetic
matches the formality and elegance of the neighbors, their outdoor
aesthetic is the inverse of formality. We call it “studied abandon.”
Much of Innisfree looks like it is not maintained, but in fact, it is
carefully tended.
Master planning began with discovering and naming all the special
events in the landscape. We connected them with “The Daily Jaunt,”
a soft pathway of mowed turf or wood chips. The “Eastern Deciduous
Forest Allée,” a formal colonnade of mixed tree species, marks the
entrance from Atoka Road. The house is approached through “The
Cut” where the driveway carves through a subtle earth mound
that is covered with pin oaks and a dense thicket of shrubs and
wildflowers. People think it looks messy, but it’s Beth’s masterpiece
of studied abandon. The “Parking Court” is architectural in character,
with simple formal geometry. The rest of the garden is wild. The
“Abandoned Patio” looks particularly rustic. “Sam’s Grove,” named
for one of the grandsons, surrounds a stone “Fire Circle” by the pond,
and is a favorite spot for breakfasts and fishing.
The “Back 40” is a purple-top grass meadow with mowed paths for
horseback riding, adjacent to the “Sycamore Slope.” The “Wildflower
Meadow” is 20 acres. Although the clients have been battling nonnative
fescues for years, now the native bluestems and Indian grass
are starting to gain a foothold. Passing motorists often stop to admire
a big showy patch of native sunflowers near Atoka Road. “Beth’s
Hedgerow” is a huge success. She’s planted hundreds of woody
whips, and with masses of mature pines and hollies at either end, it’s
a haven for birds, insects, and small mammals.
30

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ comments: A dream project, thoughtfully, creatively,
and admirably executed - one of a kind and beautifully done -
compelling naturalistic feeling, demonstrating the best in client/
designer collaboration – great restraint shown, though no
denying the design creativity.
To preserve and enhance views, we cleared non-native brush out
of hedgerows and along woodland edges. It was a huge amount of
work, but it now looks like it’s always been that way. For example,
in winter “The Scrim” offers beautiful silhouettes of mature
sassafras trees against the sky. Wayne invented one of my favorite
landform-enhancing details: paddock fences installed in curving
lines to accentuate the subtly mounded fields. Some areas such as
“Wayne’s Arboretum” and the “Confederate Woods” are yet to be
implemented.
We used 99.9% native plants – all in ecological associations, naturalistic
clumps and islands, large single-species masses to create drama.
Plant palettes were matched to specific growing conditions at each
location, and ecologically sustainable management and maintenance
practices are used throughout. (Wayne and Beth are native Texans
but have lived in the D.C. area since the early 1960’s. They were close
friends with Lady Bird Johnson and are board members at the Lady
Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, Texas).
I met Wayne and Beth at a native plant conference and have been
working with them on Innisfree for almost 10 years. It’s a true
collaboration between landscape designer, client, and site. Working
directly from the master plan, we don’t make detailed planting plans.
We discuss plant palettes for each area, and I outline plant beds
with garden hoses, stake the locations for specific plants, and use
surveyors’ flags to mark the route of turf pathways in the meadows.
They’ve planted thousands of woody plants, native grasses and
wildflowers with their own hands. Walls, paving and other stonework
was done by local craftsmen, without detailed construction drawings,
and we use locally quarried stone to compliment the historic walls.
The swimming pool near the house is by others, as are the stable,
paddocks and the guesthouse, where the clients lived while the main
house was under construction.
31

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Small Gardens Gold Award
South End Courtyard – Boston, Massachusetts
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design, Melrose, Massachusetts
This 415-square foot garden-level courtyard is located in the heart
of Boston’s South End, one of the City’s most densely populated
neighborhoods. Five- to six-story residential brick row houses tower
above the space, providing a rich, urban backdrop. Surrounding
buildings block much of the direct sun, forming a sheltered space in
a hectic city.
The neighborhood was built upon a former tidal marsh between
1830 and 1870, and drainage patterns are long established. Antique
cobblestone pavers with mossy joints pave the garden. An existing
wall of pressure-treated timber retains two parking spots elevated
three feet above the courtyard. Storage opportunities were minimal,
and the wood enclosure fence surrounding the property was rotting
and weak.
Every possible inch of the garden is claimed. Firewood, air
conditioning, a central vacuum unit, a BBQ grill, and recycling are
integrated into an enclosed wood structure that forms one edge
of the garden. Sheets of corrugated galvanized steel cover existing
timber retaining walls that form terraced planting beds. Lush
cascades of bright hakonechloa grass mix with thick, ruffled leaves
of ‘Palace Purple’ heuchera and thrive in the shady courtyard. Edges
are softened, and a low-maintenance display of color and texture
punctuate the space.
Restorations to a previously unoccupied building on the southeastern
edge of the property triggered a number of boundary questions
for the client. Access through the courtyard was originally limited
to residents of only two condominiums via an existing timber and
cobblestone staircase. The space had been appropriated for years,
until the discovery of a permanent easement: neighbors on both sides
of the pathway were permitted to use the corridor to access their
properties. Maintenance concerns prompted lengthy discussions
on how to treat the space. Construction activity and debris from
the adjacent property started filling the once quiet and private little
urban garden.
The purpose of the project was to unify and enclose the house
entrance and courtyard and claim every inch of space that belonged
to the owner. The client wanted a clean and minimal outdoor space,
while respecting its historic urban context. Privacy was to be restored
and the garden had to blend seamlessly with the interior of the house.
The client sought a garden that was durable and easy to maintain,
along with new, efficient storage solutions.
The new design includes a contemporary urban courtyard in the
heart of Boston’s South End that redefines a residential lifestyle, as
traditional and contemporary materials merge to create a meaningful
and durable garden. Tightly crafted steel-frame and whitewashed
wood walls carefully define boundaries, forming interesting geometric
patterns that visually extend the volume of the courtyard. Utilitarian
details and creative storage ideas guide efficient use of limited space.
32

A salvaged Maine granite pier rises from the earth with rugged
precision to form the pedestal of a table. Custom fabricated
steel brackets inspired by new garden furniture were designed
to fit over the granite and are completely removable. Topped
with a custom piece of tempered glass 44 inches in diameter,
the table becomes the heart of the garden. Movable aluminum
chairs are scattered on the antique granite cobblestone terrace.
Verdant joints of native mosses create a soft carpet.
Summer 2011 I apld.org
A tall yet narrow wall traces the eastern edge of the courtyard,
providing separation from a frequently used corridor. A
sliding steel door hangs from the wall’s frame, creating a crisp
architectural threshold as it glides open. Marble, lead, and
copper planters showcase plants with interesting seasonal
characteristics throughout the year. Interior and exterior spaces
are connected, and the garden greatly expands the client’s
urban living space.
The plant palette requires little moisture, and native mosses
salvaged from an adjacent construction site were tucked
between existing cobblestone joints. The hardscaping remains
in place, and the wide joints are porous, allowing rainwater
to return to the local watershed. The project has significantly
improved the aesthetic quality and visual character of this
property.
The project grew out of a spirit of collaboration between the
designer and the client. Together, we analyzed and assessed all
existing conditions; generated character and precedent studies;
designed the master plan; prepared construction drawings;
selected materials; coordinated multiple sub-consultants;
assisted with the management of construction; selected plants,
lighting fixtures, and garden ornaments; designed the industrial
elements of the table; and guided property maintenance.
Judges’ comments: Good solution to a rather uninspiring neighborhood -
clear and confident – nice minimalistic design that mixes the old and new
– the designer brilliantly solved a number of impossible problems, creating
architecturally-arresting walls that bring this tiny space in an historic area
of Boston into the contemporary world.
Photo Credit: Matthew Cunningham
33

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Show Gardens Merit Award
Your Hidden Garden Discovered: Collaborate with a Designer
Northwest Flower and Garden Show, 2010
Daniel Lowery, APLD; Barbara Lycett, APLD; Susie Thompson; Octavia Chambliss;
Seattle, Washington
The garden display was an exhibit at the second largest garden show
in the United States which showcased more than 20 display gardens
at the State’s Convention Center.
The 25 x 50 foot display garden was constructed over a tightlyscheduled
three day period inside the convention center in a
cavernous room featuring a concrete floor and a 22 foot high ceiling.
Exhibitors were assigned a floor location based on the size of their
display. Room temperatures ranged between 57 and 63 degrees.
Theatrical stage lighting at the ceiling level illuminated the display
gardens, in addition to the low voltage lighting included in the
garden. Otherwise, there was almost no ambient lighting.
There were two levels of requirements. First, the designer’s state
chapter of APLD wanted to advocate the importance and benefits of
professional landscape design and also demonstrate the talents and
abilities of local chapter members. Second, the owners of the show
requested a garden design appropriate for a multi-family dwelling,
featuring a public patio divided into smaller, more intimate garden
spaces.
The overall design intent was to provide “Show Garden Drama”
using, warm, rich color, intimate space and lighting, and exciting use
of unusual materials.
In a very small display space, we created a dining/consultation area
and a separate, intimate seating area overlooking a pond and garden.
We used Rusty Manchu Caviar limestone for the walls. Named for
the color, region of origin and unique characteristics, this limestone’s
“caviar” quality refers to the tiny fossils that read as small brown/
rust circles.
Lumicor panels of a richly colored, locally sourced architectural resin
created magic in this garden. Used vertically, the chartreuse panels
provided a backlit wall panel reminiscent of a warm spring evening.
Used horizontally, one panel transformed the surface of the “water”
feature. The green glow of the pond mimicked the algae-filled
waters of Chinese-style gardens.
Members of the APLD state chapter offered free 15-minute design
consultations inside the display garden’s terrace. Show attendees
could set up appointments for the consultations online on the
garden show website or by signing up for an appointment on site.
This was enormously popular and successful, as we scheduled more
than 120 consultations.
A beautiful and discretely displayed slide show was created featuring
the best work of our local chapter, with before and after pictures of
local gardens and a few close-up photographs of plants or hardscape
featured in each design.
Our planting design featured a creative display of hardy plants as they
appear locally in February, highlighting warm colors, harmonious
arrangement, and coordination with colors and texture of hardscape.
The designer in this case was a team of four APLD members, each
of whom brought in a cadre of supporting vendors, contractors and
artists, and each of whom bore the financial responsibility without
any support from the local chapter of APLD or APLD national. The
teamwork felt like harmonic convergence.
Judges’ comments: Intelligent and creative – love the collaborative
nature of this project - impressively cohesive, given number of designers -
wonderful lighting adds elegance often lacking in show garden
34
Photo Credit: Marc Carter

Photo Credit: W Gary Smith
Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ Comments: An exciting exhibition, perfectly conceived and perfectly
executed – the beech alle, floating gardens, and hidden valley are memorable -
what a difference it makes to this venerable institution that needed something
special to pull it into the public’s eye
Specialty Projects Merit Award
Art Goes Wild – Framingham, Massachusetts
W Gary Smith Design, Austin, Texas
The New England Wild Flower Society has long been a leader in
promoting native plants in garden design, environmental restoration
and conservation. With “Art Goes Wild: Innovations with Native
Plants,” NEWFS wanted to provide an opportunity to extend the
garden’s mission into the world of fine art, attracting a whole new
audience to Garden in the Woods as well as inviting past visitors to
return.
The design intent was to demonstrate innovative and creative ways
of using native plants in the landscape and provide an alternative
to the traditional “habitat” model for gardening with native plants.
We created a sequence of site-specific sculptural installations using
live native plants along with materials harvested from native plants.
The design for each installation was to be inspired by its natural
setting; however, unlike most native-plant landscapes, each had to
look more like a work of human creativity than a work of nature.
The “Beech Colonnade” formed the entrance to the exhibition, an
allée of bundled beech branches complementing an adjacent natural
grove of American beeches. “Floating Gardens” were floating “dish
gardens” anchored to the pond bottom, moving slightly in the
breeze. Echoing the forms of adjacent lily pads, they suggested
“stepping stones” that led the eye out from the shore. “Yin-Yang”
had a Zen circle of white pine stems in the center of a patch of ferns
and, on the opposite side of the pathway, a circle of ferns in a patch
of white pine stems. “Flying Saucers” was another sequence of dish
gardens, planted with wildflowers and native grasses, raised on stilts
and appearing to soar through the air above a wildflower meadow.
“Hidden Valley” used branches that had fallen to the forest floor,
collected and arranged in a serpentine line that flowed through
the verticals of tree trunks. “Gathering of Grass” had 300 bundles
of native grasses – one full plant per bundle – drifting among the
rocks within the Rare Plant Garden. In addition, special exhibit areas
showed homeowners how to garden more creatively with native
plants at home, and an interactive play area gave children a place to
make their own sculptures. “Floating Gardens” and “Hidden Valley”
have been kept as permanent exhibits at Garden in the Woods.
The exhibition demonstrated how works of art could serve an
ecological purpose. For example, the “Floating Gardens” provide
additional edge habitat for wildlife, and the plants cleansed the
pond’s water by absorbing excess nitrogen and phosphorous
that comes from the over-fertilized lawns in the surrounding
neighborhood. And the wildlife loved it – a duck built a nest on one
of the floating gardens, and raised a brood of four ducklings.
The designer led a diverse team of NEWFS staff and volunteers
in brainstorming ideas, created a master plan for the exhibition,
and directed staff and volunteers in implementing each sculptural
installation. The specific form of each individual artwork came from
the imagination of the designer, with technical assistance from the
staff.
Garden in the Woods Director Scott LaFleur: “What was different
about this exhibit was that it was all about the plants. It wasn’t just
putting on a show to increase the number of visitors. The whole
thing was totally related to our conservation mission.”
35

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Judges’ comments: Great to see a modest property with such a
handsome planting solution – to pull in the driveway and see such an
exciting garden must be a joy.
Specialty Projects Merit Award
Bhushan Property – Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Bobbie’s Green Thumb, Shaker Heights, Ohio
The client was a woman in her 60’s who is somewhat physically
handicapped as a result of a car accident. In a space that was
stark, unusable, and a bit of an eyesore, in a Cleveland suburb, she
wanted a welcoming, colorful, ever-changing, usable landscape
with minimal maintenance that could utilize as many existing site
materials as possible.
This relatively small property had a typical L-shaped front walk that
was totally obscured by overgrown Taxus and only a temporary back
walk. Other than one existing tree, there was poor turf in the front,
and in back there was bare soil and an assortment of junk. The front
walk and back walks were reconfigured into wide sweeps so that in
front, there is unfettered access from either side of the property to
the front door while journeying through the landscape.
In the back, the curvilinear theme of the front walk was continued
with a wide sweeping walk to the back staircase to allow for easy
conveyance of groceries and packages plus an arc and tangent
concrete patio. The dimensions of the patio were sized to those
of a small canvas gazebo that the client had previously purchased.
Although the back staircases were redesigned, budgetary constraints
have left that work to the future, so the back walk only leads to
what will eventually become the sole staircase. The client now loves
to look out the windows, spend time on the patio, and welcome
visitors.
To create a low maintenance, deer resistant, sustainable landscape,
I selected plants that would be tough enough to withstand the
vagaries of Cleveland weather and that are varied in texture,
form, height, and seasons of interest. The plant palette includes
perennials, grasses, deciduous and evergreen shrubs and a few
trees. Several genera are repeated in front and back in order to
create a unified landscape. Some plants, such as the silver stemmed
Perovskia, were chosen because they echo the color of the house
paint. The grasses are beautiful in all seasons, particularly when
blowing in the Cleveland winds. Many of the chosen plants have
beautiful fall color and/or bloom such as Amsonia hubrichtii,
Perovskia, Sedum ‘Angelina’, Physocarpus ‘Diablo’, and Heptacodium
miconiodes. Although only drought resistant plants were used, this
landscape does not look like a desert landscape but one that has a
strong sense of place because several plants are commonly used in
this area.
In front, a large boulder unearthed during construction is used as a
focal point amid a bed of Amsonia. The new front walk is permeable,
with existing stone from the back now set into gravel. Although
the back walk and patio are concrete, the soil has been graded so
that runoff flows to the back of the property where much of it is
absorbed by a heavily mulched area between the garages. Little
water is now being used to maintain this xeriscape, and habitat has
been created where, formerly, there was none.
36

Specialty Projects Merit Award
Genny’s Garden – Carbondale, Colorado
Geneviéve Joëlle Villamizar, evolving…gardens & grounds design,
Carbondale, Colorado
Summer 2011 I apld.org
Located across from the Platinum LEED-certified Recreation Center,
the Thunder River Theater and Town Hall, Genny’s Garden (GG) is en
route to Carbondale’s historic downtown core. It’s on a street corner
in a right-of-way in front of a run-down historic log cabin from the
turn of the century.
The town was open to a water-wise low maintenance alternative to
turf grass in the right-of-way. Our design intent was to demonstrate
a xeric, ornamental interpretation of Colorado’s natural landscape
and bring life and vibrancy to a neglected street corner. The design
had to honor the historic cabin but grow with the busy modern
intersection on which it lies. We wanted it to reflect the cultural
roots of this self-described “funky little mountain town” using only
resilient, regional and adapted plants in a lush, informal easy-tomaintain
display. This is a pocket refuge able to withstand the rigors
of this particular corner with its intense foot/bicycle/dog use and
heavy vehicle/bus traffic.
As a gift to the community, it’s a space of delight on a well-trod path
between neighborhoods, a community college, the civic district and
old town area. A footpath bisects the garden, highlighting water and
inviting direct engagement between visitors and Genny’s Garden.
Three distinct “zones” within the garden allow for different plant
communities. Plants were selected for their enduring qualities, ease
of maintenance and multi-season appeal.
The full sun hell strip between the sidewalk and street has native and
ornamental grasses, a mix of taller sedums, and low water perennials
and shrubs. The dry garden on the corner gets afternoon shade, and
a berm helps privatize the cabin. Here, Russian sage, rabbit brush, a
sweep of ‘Pawnee Buttes’ sandcherries and a ‘Hillside Creeper’ pine
anchor a mix of big and little bluestem, panic grass, festucas and
wildflowers to attract birds and desirable insects. Along the ditch
is a third zone perfect for moisture loving, shade tolerant plants
that transition back into a drier mix of grasses and wildflowers in
an informal manner. This area blends into the rustic fence and yard
of the log cabin. Smooth river boulders set at grade invite visitors to
the waters edge. Variegated dogwoods throughout this bed create
a rhythm that perforates the matrix of informal plantings and light
up the shade.
Across the ditch, complimentary forms of a weeping ‘Louisa’
crabapple and an upright feathery and spreading sargent crabapple
over time will compose a lovely backdrop to the reflective black
surface of the water and nicely enframe the cabin. ‘Rocky Mountain’
sumac, with its tropical foliage, will colonize around the juniper.
The garden offers itself up for annual sculpture displays through
the “Art Around Town” program. Currently, “Window on Time,”
fabricated of repurposed railroad ties by an area craftsman
encourages the visitor to note the passage of time via changing
flower and leaf, light and seasons. A new sculpture each spring!
Judges’ Comments: Excellent planting with a purpose that shows great integration of a scheme into a setting
– a huge improvement to the neighborhood – the rambling, natural feeling of the plantings, including unusual
natives, makes this landscape special and memorable – kudos on the earth-friendly efforts .
37

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(203) 615-1111
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Cal EarthCare Landscaping, Inc.
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Plant Development Services
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Samscaping, Inc.
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smartpond
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Timber Press
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Vernon Daniel Associates
Landscape Illumination
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Williams Landscape Lighting Design
(503) 477-7019
www.WLLD.us

2 011
international student landscape
design awards
our winners
We Define Landscape Design

Student Landscape Design Winner
Student
Gold Award
Barwell Residence
Roger Clapp,
George Washington University
This project began as a class project, when students were
asked to develop a master plan for the Barwell residence
in Alexandria, Virginia – a home about to undergo major
renovation. The clients provided the class with images of
gardens they liked, and they appeared drawn to formal
spaces as well as a more relaxed “gardenesque” feeling.
Among their desires were an outdoor dining/grilling area,
a small vegetable garden, a lawn area where children
could play, additional parking, a garden shed, and a formal
outlook from the rear porch.
An examination of other factors, such as grade changes,
shade patterns, and functional requirements, seemed to
favor an approach that divided the garden into numerous
discrete “moments.”
A sense of discovery as one proceeds through a garden is
always a positive element, and I was able to capitalize on
considerable fill from the excavation of new foundations
and use it to raise the grade in the rear garden in order
to create a circular, retained lawn area as a central focal
point. An arc of trees around the lawn provided the “formal
outlook” from the porch.
At the same time, the grade change helped to create
multiple spaces in the rear garden. A flagstone path divides
in a “T,” leading to a new dining/grilling area on the left and
steps to the lower garden on the right. The placement of
the dining area out into the garden allows the homeowners
to take advantage of the afternoon shade from the large
tree, and makes the experience more of a “destination,”
given that the homeowners will already have a new rear
porch for more casual use. When one proceeds down the
steps to the right (note the landing that eases the descent),
the garden shed provides a visual focus, a new fountain
provides a pleasing auditory element, and the pea gravel
paths provide a tactile under-foot experience and also
indicate a shift to a more relaxed garden space. Finally, the
gravel paths provide a subtle reminder of the European
gardens the homeowners favored. Raised vegetable
gardens are located on the right side of the property to
take advantage of the sun, and the trellis structure screens
the neighbors and supports climbing veggies.
Plantings also add to the idea of “moments” in the
garden. The walk to the left of the of the house provides a
sequence of fragrance from Daphne caucasica, Viburnum
carlesii, and Itea virginica, and then one passes through a
sweep of feather reed grass into a garden of long-blooming
perennials. Down the steps, one passes through a shade
garden featuring a pebble patio flanked with astilbe and
solomon’s seal. As one proceeds further towards the
vegetable garden, the path has a Mediterranean feeling,
flanked with santolina, lavender, and Mediterranean
heather.
The key intent was to allow the homeowners many spaces
in which to enjoy their and also to provide a sense of
exploration through grade changes, paving, and plant
material.

Student
Gold Award
Japanese Garden
Anthony Angelotta,
Cuyahoga Community College
My clients, both doctors at the Cleveland Clinic, asked for a Japanesestyle
garden to complement their recently renovated home. The
site was very bare, with only a concrete patio, and drainage was an
issue in one corner of the property. The Jungs both enjoy reading
and relaxation, and they wanted a garden where they would be able
to entertain clients from work, a space that could accommodate
anywhere from four to 10 people. Since both of them love to be
outside, they wanted the garden to be a retreat from the normal
activities of everyday life and a place that would incorporate views
of the hills to the southeast and also the beautiful landscape of the
neighboring property to the west. The Jungs asked for a garden
that would have year-round color and interest, as well as multiple
garden spaces or “rooms.” The clients were also very attuned
to environmental issues and asked for suggestions to make the
landscape “green.”
There were many challenges in this project to make all the elements
work together. The entrance to the back yard features a pea gravel
walkway with a beautiful rose arbor along the way. The arbor frames
three outdoor pieces of artwork. The main patio area is designed so
that the Jungs can have people over for cocktail and medium sized
gatherings. It includes an outdoor kitchen with an overhead arbor,
a black granite countertop, as well as a refrigerator. From the patio,
natural stone steps lead to a wooden bridge that takes visitors over
a natural river to the Tea Room. The back of the house is very open
to highlight the architecture of the tea room and the accent of the
river. A large herb and vegetable garden is featured here because the
Jungs very much enjoy growing their own produce. The Tea Room
overlooks a secret garden at the base of the hill.
The secret garden is not visible from the house, but the plant
materials draw visitors to venture off into this hidden place, which
is reached via stone steps from the back of the Tea Room. This little
secluded garden features a waterfall, koi pond and seating area.
Japanese plants were the main focus in the garden, but many more
were used to achieve a functional yet dynamic look. Many pathways
and seating areas were used for this sense of adventure. The natural
boulder walls solve the grade issues and a rain garden will be utilized
to handle the drainage problems. Other accoutrements, such as large
annual flower pots and sculptures are used throughout the landscape
to create focal points from many different views.
Student
Silver Award
Chinese Garden
Steven Malaga, Cuyahoga
Community College
This project is to design a traditional style Chinese garden for
the Jungs, who have a new home on a semi wooded site. The
garden was designed for the back yard and can be seen from
all rooms in the back of the house, including the kitchen, living
room and master bedroom. The yard had a strong drop of
fourteen feet from back door to the end of the property.
The garden now features traditional qualities of a Chinese
garden, complete with water, rock, several types of green
plants, and the ebb and flow that nature offers in between its
harmonious relationship with man and his natural surroundings.
At the entrance, you walk through an arbor to a small bridge
over a small koi pond next to a large patio for entertaining. This
patio is isolated by a property line wall that features a window
to look into nature and a large rocky mound symbolizing a
mountain. Atop this rocky outcropping is a Jacuzzi with a zero
edge waterfall that flows down to a mid-sized Koi pond.
A traditional, elevated tea house is adjacent to the Jacuzzi and
offers a beautiful view of the entire garden. This tea house is
reached via a bridge, and below it and next to the mid-sized
pond is a patio with fire pit that lends a natural outdoor feeling
at night.
Next to the greenhouse there is a veggie/herb garden, and next
to it is a small isolated patio that is perfect for two people. All of
these features are connected by a wandering path that allows
one to experience nature and multiple garden rooms. Plants
native to China follow the flow of the seasons and the beauty
of nature. They include peonies, hostas, lilacs, magnolias,
azaleas, rhododendrons and bamboo, just to name a few. The
combination of these plants, along with large boulders and
flowing water evoke the feeling of a Chinese mountainside.
The border of the property is planted with trees that have
meaningful characteristics. Weeping willows, scotch pines, and
elm trees are used because of their picturesque qualities, and
evergreens and large stone outcroppings provide a picturesque
outline to the property. In winter, snow outlines the garden and
gives the Jungs the feel of a continuously changing garden.
Summer 2011 I apld.org
41

Summer 2011 I apld.org
Student
Silver Award
Blewbury
Tracy Rich, Oxford College
of Garden Design
The Blewbury site is a large, sloping garden situated in the limestone
downlands of Southern England near the famous Uffington White Horse.
Student
Silver Award
Where Creativity
Will Happen Holy Spirit
School Science Garden
Lian Lu, Foothill College
My design draws on the area’s rich history to express elemental themes
of iron, chalk and fire. The circular pond and grassy amphitheatre are a
reverse reflection of a local iron age hillfort. The underlying chalk soil is
represented by a broad swathe of white planting under a fruit orchard,
and fire is expressed by plantings of red cornus and tall metal pillars that
light the pond’s boardwalk.
The client requested outdoor entertaining spaces focused around the
existing hot tub, a new large pond, and the existing tennis court. My
design includes a series of terraces and decks throughout the garden,
connected with a variety of boardwalks and mown paths in a circular,
anti-clockwise route.
The design is most formal near the house to match the architecture and
becomes more informal further away from the house to blend into the
natural landscape.
At the entrance to the house, I highlighted the main door with generous
steps and installed a plant-filled entrance courtyard to separate the
house from the parking areas.
A new conservatory was located at the back of the house next to the
main dining terrace and formal lawn. To complement the water in the
pond and hot-tub, a water feature was added next to the dining terrace,
which cascades down from the raised lawn into a second pool.
A new floating deck provides easy access to the hot-tub and also creates
a party-deck location. Privacy is maintained by a metal screen that
separates the hot tub from the front drive. The screen has small holes
and it is illuminated from the back so that, at night, it looks like stars are
twinkling behind the tub.
The new pond is set at the lowest point in the garden and is accessed
via a long boardwalk, which steps down from the hot-tub and through a
grass amphitheatre. The boardwalk ends in a deck set out on the pond
and which catches most of the day’s sun. The client can circle the pond
on a mown path that is surrounded by fiery red dogwoods and links to
the tennis court and back to the grass ampitheatre.
The new design provides a wealth of entertaining spaces for the client
and her guests and a sanctuary for visiting wildlife.
This is a science garden for K-12 students, a space to interpret
what science is!
The elements of the garden are functional and creative, yet
leave some space for imagination. The aim is for students to
enjoy their activities in this garden.
Since environment-friendly is a relatively new field of science,
my design’s goal is to make the garden as sustainable as
possible as long as the criteria for safety and functionality are
met. I hope this space can be a realistic educational resource
for everyone.
The design is intended to encourage creativity and
imagination, and provide education about the environment
and sustainability.
The garden is located in the North coast thermal belt and is
relatively mild in winter, with temperatures above the freezing
point. The site was flat, and drainage flows to the northwest.
The design incorporates most of the requests of the clients.
These include a lockable gate and fence to provide safety for
children and also to prevent lost balls, as well as a measure of
privacy from the side street. Planting beds are located in full
sun, and there is plenty of room for scientific experiments on
types of soil, nutrients, and watering and light requirements.
There are locations for two hose bibs and three compost piles.
Simple seating is provided for 25 students, along with multipurpose
instructional space. There is an area for a 6’x8’ garden
shed and a hand washing station that drains directly into the
soil. Ornamental plantings are drought tolerant and relate to
the existing plantings near the site. There is room for shade
elements on hot sunny days, and ample area for students to
gather near the garden for lectures. Benches are provided for
student seating, along with a number of work tables that can
be stored in dry areas when necessary.
42

Piet Oudolf
Honored With
Award of Distinction
In 1994, APLD initiated its Award of Distinction. This award is presented to a landscape
designer, whether or not they are a member of APLD, to recognize that individual’s
contribution to the profession of landscape design.
During the Awards Dinner at the recent International Design Conference, APLD honored
Piet Oudolf with the Award of Distinction.
The Oudolphian style…when one’s last name becomes a known adjective, their life work
assuredly warrants recognition.
Piet Oudolf began his career by serving as a gardener with a series of firms, then for more
than 30 years, has developed a planting design career of international renown with a
distinctive style of naturalistic design featuring texture, form, harmony and year round
interest.
Both a master horticulturalist and designer, a man for all seasons, he certainly deserves
this honor.
Some of the projects with which he has been involved include:
• Design for a courtyard at Hampton Court Palace (2001)
• The courtyard at Hampton Court (2001)
• Lurie garden of Millennium Park (2001)
• The long borders for RHS gardens at Wisley, (2002)
• ‘The Gardens of Remembrance’ at Battery Park (2005)
• Entrance for the Toronto Botanical Garden (2006)
• The High Line in New York (2009)
I would like to thank the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers for the
Award of Distinction for my work as a
landscape designer.
I have designed various landscapes over the
last three decades throughout Europe and
since early 2000 also in the USA. It all started
with the Lurie Garden, Chicago, and now
many years later I’m still working on some
of the most beautiful landscape projects
that have been created in the USA this last
Decennium.
I can say that here in the USA I have met
people with a real spirit of gardening and
nature conscience that I often miss in our
own country. I have met plants men, growers,
designers that are so motivated willing to
achieve the highest quality in gardens and
landscape that I could live here and work
here. Therefore with this quality in mind it is
an honor to get this award.
-- Piet Oudolf

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