Borough Formality

The garden spaces around the homes were designed in concert with the major building renovation work undertaken prior to occupancy. Two primary garden spaces were designed, each to serve two distinct functions: one space is more intimate and inward focusing, providing paved outdoor dining spaces adjacent to the kitchen; the other emphasizes the expansive nature of the long back vista, and endows the property with a larger, less formal gathering space.

The new library addition and the demise of a large Sugar Maple tree provided the impetus to re-think the design of the enclosed courtyard garden. A formal planting and paving scheme was developed, emphasizing a strong framework of evergreen hollies and boxwood, which provides year-round garden structure. Color is provided primarily from seasonal annuals, set against an ever-changing backdrop of taller perennials.

Unique plants include the Persian Parrotia [Parrotia persica], and the four American Hollies [Ilex opaca ‘Hart’]. The holly cultivar ‘Hart’ is named after the one-time owner of Doylestown’s own Hart Building on Main Street.

The rear yard was replanted after the adjacent property was purchased. The two rear yards were combined as one unified yard, creating a deceptively large, private park-like space in the center of town. The view out from Mr. Beans library window was given careful consideration, as from this vantage point the view through the yard space is the longest. Groups of plants were added to heighten the sense of perspective creating the illusion of a larger space.

Other plantings were added to:

• soften the visual impact of the driveway,
• subtly screen the adjacent residences,
• provide a sense of privacy between the two dwellings, despite sharing the common yard space.

Specific major plants added include a large Japanese Zelkova [Zelkova serrata] in the foreground of the long view, and a Kousa Dogwood [Cornus kousa] in the background.

• Landscape Contractor: Bucks Country Gardens Fence & General
• Contractor: Jarrett Vaughan Builders