The overall site plan shows the simple lines of the garden. The site is highlighted by a pool and formal turf panel in back, and a full-size tennis court in the front. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A crisp boxwood hedge and pleached lindens define the main front drive court. Versailles boxes punctuate the front foundation to create a timeless front entry. Photo: Mariani Landscape
Pleached lindens frame views of the front entry and define the front motor court (rerouted to what is thought to have been its original placement). Crisp lines of turf and boxwood hedges complement the home’s classic architecture. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A simple palate of boxwood, pachysandra and linden frame not only the front motor court, but define pathways and lead visitors through the garden. Custom gates match the architecture and serve as a focal point. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A green-and-white planting scheme surrounds the formal rear turf area. Tightly clipped boxwood, roses and hydrangea highlight the summer landscape. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A rear terrace overlooks the formal turf area. Reclaimed planters punctuate the corners of the terrace, while a gravel inlay edged with thyme provides a subtle relief in the bluestone paving. Photo: Mariani Landscape
Clipped arborvitae serve as a backdrop to the formal turf area, while clouded boxwood masses fill in stucco and limestone planters across the rear foundation. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A raised planter filled with clouded boxwood masses divides the split-level limestone rear terrace. A classic rectangular pool dominates the lower level, while a BBQ and fireplace area enhances the upper level. Photo: Mariani Landscape
The upper dining terrace overlooks the pool and captures views of Lake Michigan. A boxwood hedge lines the edge of the pool deck, and unifies the planting theme throughout the site. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A custom fireplace flanked by stucco seat walls anchors the end of the upper dining terrace. Miniature brick inlays create an outdoor rug to highlight the terrace, and help define the different areas of the terrace. Photo: Mariani Landscape
A custom wall clock highlights the rear façade of the house, along with a bespoke bamboo shade structure. Clouded boxwood line the foundation, while Morning Glory vines creep up the arbor support posts. Photo: Mariani Landscape
The lower limestone pool deck transitions down to the formal turf area by using lawn treads. Photo: Mariani Landscape
Reclaimed limestone serves as a curb and coping to the rear terrace, and also edges a formal bocce court. Reclaimed limestone pedestals provide interest and break up a boxwood hedge. Arborvitae serve as a backdrop to the entire garden. Photo: Mariani Landscape
THE DETAILS: The homeowners of this lakefront residence discovered the house in a dilapidated state. Vines covered the windows, and the grounds were overgrown from years of neglect. Believed to have been built in the 1920s, the house was then uninhabitable. In 2013, Mariani Landscape earned a National Landscape Awards of Excellence Grand Award from the Professional Landcare Network for this project.
In conjunction with the renovation and expansion of the residence, the landscape architect collaborated with the interior designer and building architect to achieve balance with three elements—the home, gardens and pool area.
The intent was to create a calming landscape that evokes a sense of time and place, while incorporating the new functional requirements of the residence. This included the gravel driveway and court, bluff stabilization, new pool area, the adjoining dining terraces and the front tennis court.
