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The Gardens of Joy Garden Tour
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The Gardens of Joy Garden Tour
Window Box Wonder
Lush window boxes greet you as you enter Phil and Barbara Brown’s garden high atop Spring Forest. The emphasis in this garden is on summer colors…blue, red and yellow all of which burst from the rock gardens surrounding the driveway near the house as you approach.
The Browns have had success planting hydrangeas, Turks Cap lilies, Casablanca lilies, Foxgloves, Great Blue Lobelia and Cardinals. Due to their more northern exposure, they are perfectly situated for a wide variety of plants and flowers.
The lower perennial garden has a completely different long range view than the neighboring gardens and the stone arch, “Partnership” is by Carl Peverall. Carl likes to evoke both the essences of permanence and reinvention with his work. Here in the Brown garden, he has connected material with visual poetry.
Landscape Designer/Gardener: Phil Brown
Two Ponds
The culmination of water, sculptures and flowers make the home of Hank and Mauree Booth so special. The soothing sound of water flowing greets you where ever you walk. The water features were enhanced over the past six years with the latest feature being the amazing weeping wall which was completed in the fall of 2019.
Mountain elegant describes this garden, where everyone is comfortable inside and outside of the home. The surrounding patios and planted areas offer relaxed seating to enjoy and soothe the soul. Mauree’s favorite are her hydrangeas with several varieties to admire. Her anchor plants are the Japanese maples, with their colorful and graceful leaves. Hank would tell you his favorite are the beloved hemlock, of which there are many different specimens on the property.
There is so much to see in this garden and every piece has a unique story. Three areas of particular significance are the gazebo that overhangs the Secret Pond, the new weeping wall, and the mediation pond with the sundial patio. While walking the property, you will note many different animals incorporated into the landscape. Challenge yourself to see how many “creatures” you can count.
The creative people involved in the garden have become extended family to Hank and Mauree. Family and extended families are a beautiful thing and because of these projects they have bonded to create a wonderful retreat for them and those who are fortunate to visit.
Landscape Designer/Gardeners: Hank and Mauree Booth, Sharon Holt, Renee Byrd Installation: Tim Brown, Jay Moody, Sharon Holt, Anna and Renee Byrd Water Features: Bob Dews and Tim Brown
Garden Party
Atop Cow Rock sits the home of Sharon and Stephen Bryant with a spectacular vista of Sapphire Valley. This garden lives up to its name with the welcome of creative potted plants flanking the front added with the surprise of various visual treats beyond. The garden takes advantage of existing topography where both native and added plants blend into the natural landscape giving depth throughout the season. Favorite plants include the dahlias, crocosmia, Annabelle hydrangeas and the Solomon’s Seal. Every year the Bryants love to make changes to the annuals, and let nature take its course.
The waterfall that meanders along the back of the property is an effective way to navigate the rough and sloping terrain. The wildflowers within lend vibrate color to the yard to soften the hardscape. Do not miss the fire pit where one can enjoy the sounds of the stream, lush plants, butterflies and the distant mountain views…what setting could be better for a “Garden Party”!
Landscape Designer/Gardener: Byrd Landscaping Design and Grandy Mountain Farm and Landscapes
Ushuata
Ushuata is a Cherokee word meaning where civilization ends and dreams begin and this garden could not be more appropriately named. Welcome to the garden and home of George and Judy Dixon.
In the words of the Landscape Designer/ Gardener, Edmund Taylor, Ushuata is an eclectic garden with a balance of formal and more naturalistic elements containing a wonderful diversity of plant material. It takes complete advantage of the exceptional site, providing a visual feast ranging from glorious panoramic mountain views to an intimate woodland ramble. During your stroll through the garden, you will find something to delight as you walk from the large stone stacked gates to the expansive back yard. A tufa collection features miniature conifers and alpines, native azaleas dell, mixed borders set against extensive stone work, cutting garden, herb garden, and water features.
One of the Dixons’ favorite plant is the dwarf conifer which grows in both the natural rock and woodland garden. They have found mountain gardening to be especially rewarding due to the abundant rainfall and cooler temperatures which allow the garden to showcase a greater diversity of plants than is normal for a garden in the South. Enjoy the stroll and sweet dreams!
