As soon as you pull up in front of the house (in this case, in Greenwich, CT), you know right away that the garden is going to be something different. The difference is broadcast by those two tall clipped hedges, boxed in by more of them and centered on the residence.
You then walk through a side yard that is a magnificent statement in simplicity: more boxed hedges that surround a central fountain and are perfectly lined up with the exit gate.
The gate at the end of the side yard is centered on the swimming pool in the back yard of the residence, which is not all that huge. Set directly into the flat plane of the lawn, the sparely-designed lap pool fits in perfectly with the simple yet strong geometric design.
Two generous shrub and perennial beds run along the sides of the yard. At the entrance, a tall meadow rue adds height and an airy light quality, while also marking the beginning of a garden journey. Along the sides, hydrangeas of various kinds spill over the boxwood border.
In the spacious back yard, a sparely-designed lap pool is set into the flat plane of the lawn, and two low stone walls topped with planters give it a sense of separation from the rest of the landscape.
Still, an opening in the low hedge at the far end of the pool provide a peek through to the garden's main focal point: a tall zinc fountain set surrounded by circular hedges. Water cascades in flat sheets down the triangulated form, catching the sparkles of sunlight and reflecting the rays throughout the site.
It's no surprise to learn that James Doyle studied with the late British landscape designer Russell Page. This design is very much in the Page tradition. It is very formal and symmetrical, with clean, uncluttered lines, yet it also has a very 21st century feeling to it.
As Doyle himself describes his firms' designs, "We seeks inspiration from the past and are guided by aspects of traditional design, but we are acutely aware of clients who have a need for a more modern aesthetic."
There couldn't be a more apt description of this new Greenwich garden.
(images © Jane Berger / click on images to enlarge)
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