3 glorious gardens
"Nothing is more the child of art than a garden," said Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. With a hefty assist from Mother Nature, each garden possesses a unique, ethereal beauty.
ELEGANT ESCAPE
“I love the privacy and refuge my garden provides,” says Rumson homeowner Beliza Ann Furman. “When not relaxing near my pond-like swimming pool and waterfall, I enjoy sitting in my formal parterre, which features roses and a stone dining set. When I’m there, I don’t have a worry in the world.”
Tip: “Always find out the mature dimensions of a plant before you purchase it, and be wise about placement. For example, if you plant a brand-new tree that’s only 2 feet tall right next to your home, but it eventually grows to 20 feet, it may prevent you from seeing out your window.”
A TOUCH OF COLOR
“While the river birch trees are my husband’s favorite part, I love our red and white impatiens,” says Howell resident Adriana Rocco of her garden, designed by “Just” Landscapes in Colts Neck. “Red is such a vibrant color and gives off a lot of energy, and the white provides a beautiful contrast. I think the flowers really enliven the entire garden.”
Tip: “When planting ornamental flowers, make sure you water them regularly during the first three or four weeks until their roots are established. I suggest watering daily in warm weather, and every other day in moderate temperatures. Also, consider watering at night to reduce evaporation.”
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OASIS
“My garden features a lot of greenery, colorful flowers and little paths that my grandchildren enjoy running around, but one of the things I enjoy most is a pergola with roses blooming on it and a hammock underneath,” says Leigh Sorensen, owner of Rumson-based Leigh Sorensen, Landscape Design, of her own Rumson garden. “My grandchildren like to play on the hammock and my husband sometimes takes a nap there.”
Tip: “Learn about new eco-friendly ways to care for your garden. For instance, create a compost heap out of organic matter such as leaves and grass clippings to keep soil healthy and prevent waste.”
