Last Bit on Ladew

The outdoor seating area for the cafe at Ladew is an old horse barn.  The roof and upper walls have been removed and all that exists are the foundation walls and this trough, which has been converted into a water feature. 

The walls themselves are in a beautiful state of decay, with Sempervivium and other plants growing in the crevices.

Decay or atrophy in a garden is such a fun theme, on a project that is in design now, we're trying to create a "decaying" path through the client's wooded lot, finally reaching a terminus on a ridge that faces a creek.  It will be tricky to pull off, but the feeling you get when looking at this beautiful wall -- where time, human design and nature all intersect -- is the goal we have.

Ladew Topiary Gardens, Rose Garden

The Rose Garden at Ladew is an elliptical brick-walled garden. with grass and brick paths, festooned with climbing vines and roses. 

We were just a bit too early to enjoy the roses in full bloom, but it was still lovely to look at the design and some of the perennials in bloom.

 

Stachys byzantina and Clematis x jackmannii provide some variation from the climbing and bush roses. 

I really, really want to replace that piece of wood for something a touch nicer.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels that way.

The brick and grass edge to the pond reads very well, and all of the water features have a touch of decay to them that I find appealing.  I like that it doesn't seem to be level anymore and water spills off the left side more heavily.  Makes it feel lived-in.

I also loved this fine, fine textured wrought iron gate and would love to know where to find something similar.  It's lightness is such a change from the brick.

Ladew Topiary Gardens, Victorian Garden

I loved, loved the effect from planting Cryptomeria japonica so close together that they formed a fairly rigid fence around the 'Victorian Garden'. 

 The Rhododendrons are thriving as well, so passing through the threshold feels pretty magical.