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Fitler Square
(Philadelphia County) PA
A wide but shallow space that resulted from the combination of two separately developed yards made this project particularly challenging. Uneven brick and flagstone paving on three levels was interrupted by overgrown plantings edged in brick and rock.
When the adjoining houses were combined, the interior was planned as a unified whole -- not so in the garden. Working with the owner, Landscape Architect Michael LoFurno developed a plan that would tie together the two spaces to create an outdoor room suitable for meditation, dining, and entertaining. The existing elements were completely removed, with the exception of one Japanese cherry tree. Paving, lighting, furnishings, plantings, and a water feature were each chosen to create a modern look with a distinctively seductive Japanese undertone. These elements come together to delight the senses and create a viable extension of the home. Whether enjoying morning coffee, entertaining several guests for dinner or just relaxing, the owner has delighted in a garden room bigger than he imagined and "beyond my wildest dreams."
Concrete pavers set an angle to the building lead the eye across the longest axis of the space; their light color makes the space seem much larger than its 16' by 38' size. Muted fences provide the restful "walls" for this outdoor room. Plantings chosen for their low-maintenance requirements include fragrant hosta, lilyturf, mondo grass, and heavenly bamboo; these are complemented by the graceful lines of a Japanese maple and the bold culms of black bamboo to provide year-round interest. Dramatic lighting showcases the garden's features. A built-in cabinet provides needed storage and a workplace for potting or serving dinner. Unseen drip irrigation helps to reduce the maintenance demands.
The centerpiece of the garden is the three-foot high granite water feature. The peaceful gurgle of the water as it runs down the granite and into a bed of river stones helps to shield out background noise. This feature is also visually striking; the laminar flow is especially dramatic at night when illuminated by low-voltage cross-lighting. This effect can be appreciated while seated in the garden or when viewed from the living room and kitchen.
Urban spaces with seemingly little room for imanigative ideas are certainly challenging. Composite Inc. welcomes the opportunity to transform them into special places that reflect the tastes and sensibilities of their owners, that complement and enlarge their homes, and instill a sense of pride in those who use them.
Composite Inc provides landscape design and construction services for projects that range from intimate gardens to large-scale developments and greenways.
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