Forum: Garden
November 1, 2009
Excellent Landscape Designer!
I would like to recommend Ann Brooke (see:http://www.annbrookedesign.com), the Landscape Designer who redesigned my back-yard garden. The hardscaping part of the project is installed, with planting and additional work to recommence in the spring, including installation of a watering system, tree pruning to let in more light, and installation of additional brick in a herringbone pattern for the area under a hammock with stand (for back left of yard).
Ann had to deal with many design problems and certain limitations in creating the garden plan. I requested that an existing small back patio directly outside the door to the garden be kept, as well as the raised flower beds on each side of the yard. An additional problem was how to deal with the multitude of shallow tree roots running throughout the yard. Ann's solution was to extend the brick a bit, using an antique brick that complemented the existing brick, and that angled out to begin the movement and flow of the rest of the design. Creating three separate garden rooms by installing two sets of stairs, no higher than 6", helped avoid the problem of digging down and destroying tree roots. The stone selected for the stairs is phenomenal, and I'm told that each piece weighs about 400 pounds. Needless to add, the men who installed the stone, by first carrying each piece through the narrow hallway of my garden floor are heroes.
Another request I made was for a circular area to accommodate a set of table and chairs. I thought the off-set of the slate circular area was a wonderful design solution, with the brick path hugging round the circle to appear again on the other side of the steps and lead you into the rest of the garden. You may envision the three types of ground cover that you will find growing around the circular stones in the back, when you arrive to that space.
Ann works with closely with a hardscaping contractor, and has had a long relationship with him and his crew. As a result, they know her design style and under Ann's guidance, are able to implement the work without error. Ann is always present during the installation.
Ms. Brooke has been a pleasure to work with during the entire process. We set a limit to the budget at the outset and she kept to that limit. I highly recommend her. I think the photos allow the garden design to speak for itself.
Where to Buy Small Tree?
I've established that Fall is the best time to plant a small tree, but have been dismayed by the scarcity of nurseries that have them and their prices. Also, some of them want an additional fee to install them. Any ideas or recommends would be appreciated.
October 16, 2009
FOR SALE Iron Tree Protector
Some years ago we purchased this tall, wide tree trunk guard to protect our younger street tree. It served us so faithfully that the tree has outgrown it so we are selling.
Overall height approx. 100" (above ground heigh approx 74")
Diameter approx 18" square.
Asking $225 or best offer cash and carry. In great condition and newly sanded and painted with Rustoleum black.
Located in Park Slope and can help with lifting.
Email jessejamesgang@att.net or call Lynn 718 638 1891.
October 12, 2009
Slate
I have about 20 pieces of irregular sized red slate for free in my front patio. If there's any interest, post here and I can post an address.
October 4, 2009
Verdant Gardens Design
I'm thinking of hiring a garden designer to remake our scrubby brownstone garden. Has anyone here worked with the company Verdant Gardens Design? They have some great-looking modern gardens on their website.
Garden Designer in NYT
I'd like to contact the garden designer featured in the Times home section last week--Susan Welti. Strangely, she has no website or current contact info online. Has anyone out there worked with her and know how to reach her?
September 30, 2009
Leaves over drainage in garden
Rain always gives me headache. Our drainage in garden get stuck with many fallen leaves and rainy water stays around. How do you prevent leaves from your drainage? What is the best way? Please share your thoughts and image(if possible) with me!! Thank you!
September 27, 2009
Free Fieldstone
Hi all,
I just finished building a retaining wall in my yard and have some extra stone that I need to get rid of. It's thin Pennsylvania fieldstone approx 1-3" thick /6-9" long. Some of the pieces show small fossils. Good for small retaining walls / flower borders etc. I have about 3/4 of a pallet to give away. The stone is now in sandbags so it can be carried away but you will need a truck to haul it all. About 50 or so sandbags. Located in Park Slope.
If interested send me an email: originalgiantsquid@yahoo.com
September 23, 2009
Southern Magnolia in Brooklyn?
What are the chances that a southern magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora, survives in our climate? What about in a container? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I received a small specimen as a gift and would love to give it a try, but really only have space to try it in a container.
September 21, 2009
Compost Tumbeler - Free
We have a Compost Tumbler available for free. Just pick it up in Boerum Hill. It is clean, in great condition and only about 2 years old. If anyone would like it, plese let me know. 917-687-2797.
Description of tumbler http://www.urbangardencenter.com/Composters/Urban-Compost-Tumbler-95.aspx