To be asked to re-design a landscape on four acres - using only red and white flowers - that designer Kevin Murphy of Kean Landscape Design had originally completed some 20 years ago was a rare opportunity. It was a chance to, among other things, correct a few design “miscalculations” made during a period of youthful overconfidence. When the clients decided to give two of their six East End acres as a wedding gift to their daughter, many design problems had to be addressed.
Aurora Dogwoods (a Rutgers' Hybrid) are in bloom when the owners start to use the home in late spring and provide screening between the two properties. The meandering pea gravel driveway was carefully located to preserve as many existing trees as possible. Several large cedars and rhododendrons were transplanted into the buffer, supplemented with White Pine, Norway Spruce and Leyland Cypress up to 24 feet in height. Red and white annuals highlight the orderly beds. A porte-cochere was built at the front door which gave the relatively plain house façade an elegant presence.
This home is primarily a summer residence and as such, most visitors and family members go directly to the backyard upon arrival. Guests move through a small formal garden that features Scarlet Meidiland Roses planted inside a neat Boxwood Hedge. A bed of “Karl Lagerfeld” Peonies frame a view off the open and level lawn area. Broad stone steps lead to the lower rolling lawn.
Reaching the top of the steps at the end of a brick path, the essence of the site can best be appreciated. Careful clearing has exposed the broad creek beyond rolling lawns. Step up to the mahogany house level dining deck or down the stone steps to the mid-level of the backyard. Two long stone retaining walls create the necessary grade transition while providing visual stability to the house. A trio of Japanese Red Maples cascade with the grade and visually link the pool house with the main residence.
It was decided that the original swimming pool would remain. The surrounding Jersey shale brick work was re-worked, replacing odd angular shapes with more classic lines. New stone walls, patios and steps helped organize the space that now included a full service cabana and large shaded seating area as well as a lily pond stocked with koi. Red and white flowers abound. Knock-out Roses are a wonderful, trouble free performer. “Tardiva” Hydrangea and Pholox “David” and Daisies provide the backdrop for the shaded seating with its red and white fabric covered cushions. White Carpet Roses are sweetly fragrant and white Hydrangeas are plentiful. Red Geraniums are in all the planters and window boxes. The cabana also has red bar stools and a red cushioned banquette sized for overnight guests.
The color red is said to stimulate activity as well as appetite. It also can symbolize luck, as well as love. This fun-loving, close knit family chose their colors wisely.
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