redbuds and a screen of evergreens. He then splashed in some textural and architectural interest with a variety of lacey Japanese maples and year-round architectural interest with various conifers such as hemlocks, spruce, pines and false cypress and broadleaf evergreens such as boxwood and holly. Also knowing that Steve did not have time for a lot of gardening on his own, he worked toward a low-maintenance landscape utilizing flows of grasses, groundcovers and shade-loving perennials with only a few annuals to add an occasional pop of bright color.
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Particularly important throughout the entire process was the importance of having a landscape that remained picturesque from the windows of the home 12 months a year. “The grasses are gorgeous in the winter when they glisten with ice and snow,” Steve notes. Before the work could truly begin, however, Jim needed to solve a drainage issue involving the property. “Steve used to get a lot of water through here,” says Jim, noting the high-to-low, east-to-west grade of the property. Following the natural contours of the land,
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