The property was homesteaded by the previous owner's family 150 years ago. When my clients acquired the 5-acre property and 4,000-square-foot house, the site consisted of vacated pastureland, an abandoned barn and chicken coop, and a perimeter wire fence. It had a forlorn quality.
First, we installed vegetable and flower gardens, a pear orchard, formal walkways, and patio areas near the house; perfect for strolling and entertaining.
Next, we built a quarter-mile, gravel walking path dotted with sculptures, a great lawn for croquet and dog chasing games, and installed a fall (pumpkin and sunflower garden) and plum orchard.
During our work there, we often uncovered vintage garden tools and farm equipment, which we carefully cleaned and placed throughout the site.
Overall we used a traditional garden structure to frame the space and provide order while the balance of the freeform nature of the natives, vegetables, and flowers.