In contrast to our previous Places & Spaces blog postings of restorative gardens and outdoor wedding venues, today we will focus on the unique and private abode of the Collier family. As with all residential designs, the springboard for the project begins with a client wish list and survey of the natural canvas.

Drew and his wife Diane Duren acquired the neighboring empty lot to the south of their home and called upon Kinghorn Gardens to create a new landscape master-plan for their entire property. Their wish list entailed curb appeal and utility in the form of entertaining space, a water feature, and a place to sit and enjoy their new scenery. Although the space was mostly blank, awaiting new direction; there was a simple, yet sturdy grove of 5-6 aspen trees growing near the middle.

In the winter of 2011, Zack Fergus, Dropseed Studio’s landscape architect in training, drafted a design plan to play off the existing trees while drawing inspiration from the scenery of Sun Valley, Idaho, where the Collier’s mountain home is located. Bringing a little bit of mountain country to the Midwest with aspens, firs, pines, and a 125 ft. meadow-stream water feature. The design boasts planting in masses; large volumes of a few species of plant material, creating a private micro-environment for the family to enjoy.

During the summer of 2012 the Kinghorn Garden/Dropseed Studio team got to work along side of a set of contractors who installed the back wall and fence. But the Nebraska heat was not kind to the teams at work. Even though the outdoor theme was mountain air, the heat mimicked more of a desert landscape. Zack remembers the crews working for weeks in 100 degree weather, where fresh plantings needed to be watered 1-2 times a day and a four inch layer of dust accumulated where the soil use to be.

Despite the harsh conditions and necessary coordination with several contractors, the design moved forward. An additional 19 aspen trees were installed on the half-acre property to create even more privacy. The master plan entailed two lighting schemes, one for large events and one for cozier affairs. The space truly was made for entertaining and a breathtaking, natural stone patio emerged near the original aspen grove flanked by the water feature. The star of the show is the water feature; reminding them of their home in Idaho and adding a unique focal point to their yard. A half-ton, natural flagstone bridge crosses the stream that circulates 600 cubic feet of water to drown out traffic noise and provide a serene area to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

With the project completed Drew and Diane now have their very own outdoor escape without traveling to Sun Valley. With a little inspiration, a solid design, and a lot of work, your own micro-climate can be newly transformed into your very own, close to home get away.