• Home
  • Articles
  • Landscape Design
  • Galleries
  • Meet Anne
  • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact
Facebook
Anne Brewer

Author Archive

Spring in the Woodland Garden

Thursday, April 3rd, 2014

Strolling through the garden in the spring never fails to provide an element of surprise. Something new happens everyday. When I come upon a plant responding to the warm days of Spring with rebirth or new growth I delight in it all over again as if I’d just planted it. This afternoon I spent more time in the woodland garden where I’ve been focusing on the Japanese maple ‘Crimson Queen’ and finally, …there’s the upshoot of the nearby hosta!

Hosta spp.

I’ve had these hostas (three in a mixed bed) for years, faithfully returning ever spring. I can’t begin to tell you the name and it’s not particularly showy, but I always look for its spring emergence  with anticipation, as if I’m waiting for Yellowstone’s Old Faithful to erupt.

Hosta in the woodland garden

And just beyond the hosta is a favorite of mine: the Dryopteris erythrosora or Autumn fern. I have it as an accent plant grouped with the Japanese maple, loropetalum, and hydrangeas. When the fiddleheads unfurl into their copper-red fronds it’s a beautiful compliment to the similar color of the Crimson Queen maple and loropetalum.

Autumn fern fiddleheads

Autumn fern fronds in spring

Although short lived the bronzy autumn color of the fronds is a pretty combination with the burgundy of  loropetalum and Japanese maples.

Acer Palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

So, what are some of your favorite spring arrivals? Is it the rebirth of a beloved daffodil or iris, or is it the unfurling of beautiful foliage in general? So much to enjoy!

Tags:Acer palmatum, Japanese Maple, LinkedIn
Posted in Miscellaneous | No Comments »

December Gifts from Nature

Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013

After being away for almost two weeks I did the usual thing most people do upon return: inspected the house and yard making sure all was well. Strolling through the garden this morning there were gifts all around just waiting for me to receive them. As I walked out the door onto the patio, awaiting me was the beautiful color shift of the Japanese Maple ‘Crimson Queen’- senescence in full force.

Acer palmatum var. dissectum

Acer palmatum var. dissectum

The timing was perfect as I rounded the bend to find the sun beams on the center of the sword like burgundy leaves of the cordyline.

Cordyline spp.

Cruising on over to the northwest side of the property I found more presents. I have two camellia sasanqua ‘Autumn Sentinel’. One had finished blooming but the other still has blossoms for me to enjoy.  Formally known as ‘Bob Green’ for Bobby Green, the camellia grower in Fairhope, Al., this camellia is narrow and has an upright growth habit with the flowers no more than 2-3 inches wide. So sweet.

Camellia Sasanqua 'Autumn Sentinel'

I found Oakleaf Hydrangea ‘Snow Flake’ this year from Petals from the Past in Jemison, Al.- a real treasure. I bought three and much to my dismay, lost one. They are small but will ultimately get about 5-6′ tall and wide. What’s special about this particular oak leaf hydrangea is its double florets- I don’t think they are a “true” double flower but it looks like it. It opens white and then as it ages the tips turn pink- absolutely gorgeous- I was smitten with it the first time I saw them in Huntsville, Al. about a year and a half ago. An added benefit is the glorious rich burgundy color the leaves turn in the fall.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

And for the last of the pre- Christmas joys – the Farfugium japonicum ‘Gigantea’ blooming! Again, a new plant for me it is very popular in Charleston, S.C., and also in New Orleans. This one is large but they come in a miniature form as well. It’s also known as Ligularia. The large rounded leaves reminds me of a giant galax leaf, which also brings forth many lovely memories of my visits to Highlands, N.C. so may years ago. But I digress…

Farfugium japonicum 'Gigantea'

On my way home from the Landscape Your Life garden workshop in Charleston last year I stopped in Beaufort to visit a friend I haven’t seen in years. We did our reconnecting as we toured her landscape and garden, and all the while Barbara dug things up for me to take home to my garden. The farfugium was one of the many horticultural gifts she packed in my car. So, I just thought it was great for the interesting foliage- little did I know it would bloom a bright yellow daisy- like flower on a long stalk. That would be Barbara, to leave me with a surprise.

Farfugium japonicum ‘Gigantea’ blooming.

And, heading back to the house, I was delighted to find how red the berries had turned on the Savannah holly tree. The Cedar Waxwings will love them next spring…

Nothing like red to bring on Christmas! From my house to yours- I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Tags:Acer palmatum, camellia sasanqua, Hydrangea quercifolia, Japanese Maple, LinkedIn, Oak Leaf Hydrangea
Posted in Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Permeable Driveways with Design in Mind

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

Living “green” has become more than a recent fad- it’s a movement that’s here to stay (and, needs to). But sustainability has been around for a while. Way before the baby boomers generated the disposable world trashing mother earth, those who came before us lived sustainably. It wasn’t a fad- it simply was a way of life. Thankfully, America has raised its sleepy head making a return to its green roots.

Only 3 percent of the earth’s water is fresh, and of that 3 percent, only .02 percent is available for drinking. Scary- especially when you think about the world’s growing population. Throw in a severe drought, and yea, I’m waking up! Water conservation is one way to practice sustainability, and by that I don’t mean turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth (although every little bit helps). I’m talking about reducing the water runoff from driveways and parking lots by using permeable materials and designs.  According to the Sierra Club Green Home website and blog, “Just a 30-by-30 foot patch of concrete can shed over 550 gallons of water in a one-inch rain. Multiply that by thousands of homes, and you’re talking a tidal wave of potentially tainted H2O.” Yes, tainted by debris, oil, fertilizer, and garbage the water collects as it runs off impermeable surfaces racing toward the sewage system.

So, to get me off this soap box take a look below at some beautifully designed permeable driveways that compliment the overall look of a home. Sustainability doesn’t just have to be about function, it can be about form too. Form does follow function and here are some lovely ways to create a healthier living environment.

I took the below images in Charleston, S.C. while participating in a garden design workshop held by the Dargans of Dargan Landscape Architects.

What a lovely mix of brick, rocks, and bluestone. Instead of a lozenge of grass, rocks were used to help the water seep back into the ground.

A simple gravel drive bordered with ground cover plants and flowers.

A lovely brick drive with no mortar. The water can return to the earth and moss can thrive, creating the timeless beauty of patina.

And, one of my favorites- a mix of brick and bluestone with a lozenge of asiatic jasmine and a back drop of cherry trees. What a view!

Who would have thought driveways could have so much potential for beauty!

There are other attractive permeable materials to work with such as Belgard pavers. This is just one of many companies who produce permeable concrete pavers.

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Landscape Design, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

The Final Touches Only Landscape Can Provide

Monday, July 9th, 2012

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a finished product while in the throws of construction. No matter how well the builders try to keep the area neat and orderly, the site can look rough and bare.Almost complete, this beautiful Mediterrean style home with its sun baked ochre color yearns for the final softening touches only landscaping can provide.

Canary Island Palms flank the front entrance and Washingtonia Palms anchor the corners of the house.

To ensure the decorative stone facing remains visible low growing shrubs and ground covers of dwarf yaupon hollies, agapanthus, and liriope were selected as the under plantings near the foundation.

Rising up like a phoenix, the specimen Canary Island Palm commands attention in the center island bed with Loropetalum ‘Purple Diamond’, Maiden Grass ‘Adagio’ , and  Lantana “New Gold’ standing guard. The lush green encompassing the whole is the Empire Zoysia turf grass.

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Landscape Design, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

I Don’t Know Why You Say Good-bye, I Say Hello…

Sunday, March 25th, 2012

After a warm but dreary winter and a hard spring rain….

Cornus florida 'Dogwood'

the spent bracts of the flowering dogwood trees and blossoms of the bridal wreath shrubs say good-bye…

Spiraea spp. 'Bridal Wreath'

While the Japanese Maple and Louisiana Iris unfurl to say hello….

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Crimson Queen'

Iris hexagona

Spring… our reminder of death and rebirth, always saying good-bye to the old and hello to the new.

Here’s to all the ‘hellos’ this Spring!

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Landscape Design, Miscellaneous | 1 Comment »

“Son of a Gun, We’ll Have Big Fun on the Bayou…”

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Outdoor living just got more inviting on Bayou Texar where life stays in full swing with boating, fishing, BBQing, or just relaxing.

While water activities and good food are delicious ingredients for a recipe of “Fun”, a beautiful setting elevates the overall enjoyment . And, kicking it up a notch is just what the Moores wanted to do with their landscape.

They had left the water front property natural, letting the bayou be the focus. Leading to the boat dock was a lonely picnic table just to the left of the path and a deck just to the right of the dock.

This lonesome pot of violas is about to make a few friends!

But first, the Outerspaces crew did a landscape demolition…

Then a pergola and pavers were installed…

Keeping with a nautical style, a mini wall of sawed off pilings create a distinct area of entertaining.

Once the hardscape was completed the plants were installed. We used saw palmettos, knock out roses, flax lilies, Adagio maiden grass, azaleas, and Japanese holly ferns.

In front of the house we used loropetalum, agapanthus, and added additional cast iron plant and Japanese holly fern. For an extra pop of seasonal color we installed a crescent shaped annual bed.

The Moores got an early start by planning ahead- now ready for Mardi Gras. Bring on the crawfish!!!

“Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file’ gumbo
‘Cause tonight I’m gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou”…

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Landscape Design, Miscellaneous | 2 Comments »

What Are You Waiting For?

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Having neglected what little landscaping we had at our weekend cabin, and having not been there over the summer months, during which time tropical storm Lee passed, the place was a mess. While my sister and I sat on the front porch hypnotically watching the hummingbirds buzz around the feeders it occurred to us that “the mess” was not going any where. What were we waiting for?? A handsome genie to pop out of a lantern to grant us three landscaping wishes??? Maybe a winning Power Ball lottery ticket to apply toward a total makeover??? Check out the before and after pictures. It’s confession time!

Scraggly, neglected holly shrubs

We’ve often talked about the improvements and updating we would eventually make to the house and property, yet the dreams continued to stay on a wish list. But, for some reason we woke up that afternoon three weeks ago and made some things happen! It started with a decision to take action, then a couple of phone calls. Even though there is more to do we are off to a good start on the facelift.

Peonies waiting for their place in a well planned space and a stray azalea from long ago.

Number one problem was lack of irrigation- key to a successful landscape.

Through some contacts we found a friendly crew to help us with the muscle work and restoration!

Getting the job done!

Working their magic!

A big improvement!

That’s a drip hose- not a snake!

Indian Hawthorn under a Pyracantha espalier

And, finally the welcoming preparation for our football weekend guests…

So, what are YOU waiting for?? What projects or landscaping dreams are on your wish list? The action starts with you- even if it’s one phone call. Autumn is a great time to work outdoors- Happy Fall, ya’ll!!

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Landscape Design, Miscellaneous | 3 Comments »

A Special Garden in the Low Country

Monday, August 8th, 2011

I just returned from a low country vacation in DeBordieu, SC. It was reminiscent of family vacations I took as a child to Pensacola Beach and Gulf Shores, but this time I was with my niece’s husband’s beautiful and large family. My son and I were extended an invitation to come with my sister. Time was spent on the breezy screened porch reading and visiting in the morning and frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean and more reading in the afternoons. The family had two houses so we took turns having evening meals at either house. It was a wonderful get-away time for me, however, I can never steer too far from a garden…

A friend of mine had told me about Brookgreen Gardens and so, of course, I had to visit. It is famous for it’s figurative sculptures displayed in various garden areas of native flora and fauna. Of particular enjoyment for me was the butterfly house. Here are a few pictures and I have more posted on the gallery page.

Below is the 1949 Samson and the Lion limestone sculpture by Gleb Derujinsky in the the Palmetto Garden…

The Live Oak Allee… majestic and graceful… just lovely.

There is an ethereal feeling in the butterfly house. Classical music plays and the butterflies seem to float on the sound waves…

A place where royalty and commoners mix…
Queen Buckeye

Queen Butterfly

Common Buckeye

The garden property is huge and there are lots of venues. Have you been? Please share your experiences… Oh- and don’t forget to stop by the gallery page!

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Butterfly Gardening, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

Road Trip = Garden Shop Exploring

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

I love a good road trip especially when it involves visiting loved ones and explorations. I just returned from a trip to Memphis with my sister, visiting her daughter (my niece) and her husband. While there we had time to do some shopping with a focus on garden/florist shops.The first stop was to The English Garden…

After browsing through and making a purchase or two we cruised on over to a store called Le FLEUR…

where we found unique pieces for both the interior and exterior of home…

great looking trellis- buy 2 to frame an entrance…

I LOVE this table!!!! I know, there’s a lot going on here but check out the arches supporting the metal table top…

Next we meandered our way to the Garden District…

The Garden District

an upscale shop that was closed by the time we arrived so click here to see the style of this beautiful store.

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Miscellaneous | 4 Comments »

‘…Cause There Ain’t No Cure for the Summer Time Blues’

Saturday, June 4th, 2011

The higher the mercury level the bluer my landscape…

expanding Hydrangeas macrophylla mopheads…

Agapanthus ssp. blossoms stretching to the sun…

Bee bellying up to the Savia x ‘Indigo Spires’ nectar bar…

What’s your cure for the summertime blues??

Tags:LinkedIn
Posted in Landscape Design, Miscellaneous | No Comments »

« Older Entries
    Simply Gardens

    Search The Blog

    Subscribe to Blog

    Subscribe

    Recent Posts

    • Spring in the Woodland Garden
    • December Gifts from Nature
    • Permeable Driveways with Design in Mind
    • The Final Touches Only Landscape Can Provide
    • I Don’t Know Why You Say Good-bye, I Say Hello…

    Categories

    • Butterfly Gardening
    • Landscape Design
    • Miscellaneous

    Archives

    • April 2014
    • December 2013
    • March 2013
    • July 2012
    • March 2012
    • January 2012
    • September 2011
    • August 2011
    • June 2011
    • May 2011
    • March 2011
    • February 2011
    • January 2011
    • December 2010
    • October 2010
    • September 2010
    • August 2010
    • July 2010
    • June 2010
    • March 2010
    • February 2010
    • January 2010
    • September 2009
    • August 2009
    • July 2009
    • June 2009
    • May 2009
    • April 2009
    Coffee on the Patio

    Join our quarterly newsletter
    Coffee on the Patio

    Follow this blog

© Anne Brewer, All Rights Reserved | Design By One Lily Creative Agency