Emory Xeriscape of Color

THE BRIEF

• Nativize the garden and take it from sparse and drab to vibrant and healthy

• Use successional plantings for year round interest, despite the exceptionally dry site

• Increase curb appeal and boost home value

• Average level of maintenance for a keen native gardening enthusiast

• Lots of nectar plants for pollinators and spaces for over wintering

• Consideration for heavy vole pressure

• Go wild with color and interest

 

THE FUNCTION

For the exceptionally dry, sloped site, whose soil was made drier by vole tunnels, we increased soil fertility and density with organic matter, and planted all new plant species in vole cages so they could establish without being eaten. To increase the site's usefulness as a habitat year-round, the site includes a large variety of native plant species offering nectar and blooms throughout the year for visiting bees, birds, and butterflies.  We carefully sourced drought tolerant, shade and part-shade loving plants and we removed the existing plants that voles love and added native plants that repel them.

 

THE LOOK

We took out all of the old garden but a few favorite shrubs, as it was full of non native ornamentals that had seen better days. The client hoped for a cohesive, curb friendly look, so we focused on shades of green and limited the color palete to 4 colors; yellow, orange, lavendar and pops of red, that repeat throughout the garden from spring until fall. The vibrant colors help the beautiful colonial style brick home stand out, not just for looks but for the pollinator frenzy taking place.