FRONT LANDSCAPING Williams
Heather P. Williams
wllmsphill@aol.com
What inspired you in designing this landscape? I was inspired by the neighboring landscape of Keswick Hall. It’s such a beautiful, magical, elegant space.
What is your favorite aspect, element, or plant in this landscape and why? Hydrangeas are one of my favorite plants to design with. They are simple and elegant, and I especially love the ones I put into this landscape. They are easy to work with, and are not at all a maintenance nightmare for the homeowner.
Did you take a more technical or artistic approach in designing this outdoor space? When approaching a landscape design, I always start with familiarizing myself with the space and its surroundings. Next, it’s important to talk to the homeowner. This enables me to create a space that he or she will love: one of simple elegance.
What is unique about your design? Using the mature landscape and situation of the house as my starting point, I then design the space so as to achieve the ultimate goal of simple elegance. It’s also important to play off the bloom times of different plants, so that the garden keeps thriving.
What did you enjoy most in designing this space? This year, the Shelter for Help in Emergency gave me about a “whole acre” of land to work with. It was nice to see the confidence that Cartie and Sarah at the Shelter have in me as a landscape designer.
Did you encounter any challenges in designing this space? The driveway of the house is not quite centered on the front door, so overcoming that visual imbalance proved a challenge. My design incorporated the addition of some shrubbery to improve the symmetrical look of the house’s entrance.
Each designer has his or her own personality and style. How does your creative voice shine through? My goal for my work at the Design House was to create a design that looks like a million dollar landscape, but is actually very affordable. This way, visitors may come, see elements of design that they like, and easily recreate them their own homes or gardens. With my experience in the field, my knowledge of plants, and my time living in Charlottesville, I’m happy to contribute my talents and my support to benefit the Shelter for Help in Emergency. I started volunteering with the organization when I was 16. I am proud to offer my continued support and am thankful for the difference SHE makes in our community.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your work as a landscape designer? I love the instant gratification that working with the soil, the plants, and the land affords. I can rip it apart in a week, and then it will be beautiful the next. I also love the smiles on the faces of my clients when they are happy with the finished product.
Heather Williams extends her thanks to the following: Southern States
Family members that have provided her with inspiration over the years: the guidance from her grandmother, the work ethic from her father, and the daily support and partnership from her husband.
BACK LANDSCAPING
Grelen Nursery Dan Gregg
Grelen Nursery, Inc. 540–672–5462
Grelen Tree Care, Inc. 540–672–6655
dang@grelennursery.com www.grelennursery.com
What inspired you in designing this landscape? Due to the woodland setting, I wanted to create a space that looked natural, yet would draw people from the screened porch out onto the patio and lawn.
What is your favorite aspect, element, or plant in this landscape and why?
I love the beauty of Japanese Maples, which complements the Weeping Red Leaf Maples that were already on the property.
Did you take a more technical or artistic approach in designing this outdoor space? It was all technical. We had to consider which plants would best thrive in dry conditions with a large surrounding deer population.
Did you encounter any challenges in designing this space? What is unique about your design? We faced some competition from existing large shade trees and heavy deer pressure, which limited our plant selection. The goal was to add color and subtle screening while keeping things very natural.
Each designer has his or her own personality and style. How does your creative voice shine through? For me, it’s not about
show...more about practicality and subtlety.
What did you enjoy most in designing this space? What is the most rewarding aspect of your work as a landscape designer? I’m not a landscape designer by trade, but I’ve grown many plants over the past 25 years. At Grelen, we work directly with professional landscape architects and designers to create custom landscapes. I love seeing our plants, many of which have grown at Grelen since they were seedlings, placed in their new environment, as well as the potential transformation of a landscape and its appeal.
Meet the Designers
Thursday, May 12 5pm–7pm
This special evening tour of the Design House allows you the opportunity to meet the designers and discuss their room inspirations and ideas in person.
22
DESIGN HOUSE 2016
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32