Today I am the home of Ralph and Martha Ann Peeples. Their backyard landscape features a formal design that is both beautiful and relaxing.
The curving walk edged with Mondograss and pink begonia with softly manicured Indica azaleas underneath pink crape myrtle leads to a formal retreat.
Foundation plantings provide a symmetrical balance leading up the steps to the back porch. Manicured yaupon holly and boxwood provide round soft lines.
Bed and container plantings add color. On the right are Lysimachia, White Christmas caladium, variegated Liriope, and pink geranium. The left features blue and white scaevola, and lantana. Liriope and Asiatic jasmine provide texture
Symmetrical tabletop containers featuring English Ivy, foxtail fern, salmon pink geranium, and pink vinca adds interest. Japanese holly, cast iron plant, and woodland fern provide a great background for this birdbath.
The pool provides a sense of relaxation as the blue of the water contrasts well with the various shades of green of the surrounding foliage. Pink crape myrtle trees and dwarf yaupon holly line the pool area, which reinforces the lines of the pool.
The garden’s focal point is the gazebo at the end of the pool emphasized by the repetition of yaupon holly and boxwood. What a perfect place to entertain and enjoy the outdoors.
Using plant material to add rounded shapes to a formal landscape design as Ralph and Martha Ann have, can soften and make a beautiful landscape even more relaxing. I’m Gary Bachman for Southern Gardening.