More APLD 2012 Gold Award Winners:
Charles River Garden
Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design, Needham, MA
To restore the landscape and improve drainage on this property that includes 600 feet of gorgeous riverfront, Cunningham removed 3700 sq feet of impervious concrete, reduced the size of the swimming pool, and designed memorable outdoor spaces that capture the spirit of the river.
He modified an existing deck, and new stairs now connect interior spaces to an elevated dining terrace. New retaining walls extend from the house and form an elevated landform that overlooks the river. New perennial gardens were added for multi-season display and native plants were installed to stabilize the riverbank.
Stormwater is now diverted from the house and porous materials replaced about 50 percent of the hardscape.
Saguaro Vista
Paul Connolly, APLD
Sundrea Design Studio, Tucson, AZ
The site for this new Arizona home was chosen for its expansive desert views, and the design intent was to extend the modern architecture out into the landscape and echo the shapes, textures, and colors of the desert.
Most of the plants are low shrubs and groundcovers that will not obstruct desert views; native saguaros and ocotillos were strategically placed for vertical interest. Three cisterns collect rainwater which is then used to irrigate the landscape year-round, and an irrigation controller automatically adjusts the watering schedule, depending on rainfall.
Lake House, UK
Wilson McWilliam Studio
Chiswick, London
A new landscape was designed by Andrew Wilson and Gavin McWilliam to complement a modernized residence.
The main concept — Flow — suggests the garden flowing down to the lake in the distance. Planting sweeps down to a swimming pool, and hedges flow out across the slopes into wilder meadows and a woodland edge.
The planting palette is mainly perennials and ornamental grasses, punctuated by woody specimens and clipped hedges. A central lawn provides a clear view down to the lake, and a new pathway meanders down through the garden to the water's edge.
At the lakeside, the design team constructed a party deck backed by textured plantings.
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