B Y P. A L L E N S M I T H
A
Southern regional gardening style is really an approach to life and a state of mind. It is romantic and beautiful, yet simple and traditional. Southern gardening leans toward the cool and the calm. It incorporates architectural elements that enhance the effects of cooling breezes. Southerners can’t talk about the outdoors without considering the indoors, since our climates are temperate to sub-tropical, allowing for in and outdoor activities nearly year-round. Every design element encourages large gatherings and entertaining. There are always a lot of sitting areas, keeping hospitality and comfort in mind. Features like wide breezeways, expansive and deep wrap-around porches with traditional sky-blue-painted ceilings, and ceiling fans held up by Neo-Classical columns.
DESIGNED IN THE FERME ORNEE (ORNAMENTAL FARM) STYLE, THE GARDENS ARE BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND USEFUL 74
LEAF MAGAZINE
autumn 2012