Wednesday, February 11, 2009


GARDENS OF THE MONTH
February, 2009
The February, 2009 winner of the Garden of the Month award is the beautiful, classically structured garden on Wren Street. On the lane side, a huge old magnolia tree provides the focal point for an elegant design of shaped small trees, clipped bushes, an arched trellis, and raised flower bed. This month the structural greenery is enlivened by a dramatic floral composition of richly-hued colors: from the magenta flowering tulip tree, pink camellias, rings of purple and white flowers encircling the tulip and citrus trees, and the raised bed overflowing with a gorgeous display of old garden flowers in vivid shades of deep purple, violet, lavender, cobalt blue, and white, accented by touches of coral.
The narrow perimeter and entry-way garden on the street side is similarly composed of a tiered hedges of greenery on either of the entry gate, through which can be seen a riotous display of red and white camellias bordering the walkway.

Honorable Mention for February, 2009 is awarded to the delightful, bucolic garden on Flamingo Street . This restful, mature garden, almost country-like in feeling, features multilevel perimeter plantings and beds of deep purplish-blue and lavender spring flowers, bright pink roses, bright green foliage, and unifying clumps of variegated liriope and ginger, which curve around a spacious lawn. A large old magnolia encircled by a thick bed of iron plants acts as a focal point in front of the house.

Le Petit Jardin for February, 2009 is the eye-catching, highly original, street-side garden on Swan Street. In this dramatically designed entry-way garden, a stark white-pillared iron fence and pebble-and-stone paving provide the formal setting for a minimalist design of sculpturesque tropical plants, topiaried bushes, and geometrically shaped beds of bright pansies and cabbages in lively Mardi Gras colors.