Ives Residence, Southern Pines, NC

Gails' comments:

This property sets amidst a large tract of land that is maintained as a natural longleaf pine ecosystem. I wanted to enhance the house and give it color and interest, while keeping it low maintenance and complementary to the existing surroundings.

The entrance way incorporated a piece from the clients former home. Initially I was worried whether the broken bowl would detract from the entry but once I turned it into a planter for low sedums and other succulents, it became a wonderful focal point. Low stone walls enhanced bed lines and created separation, that would otherwise be unnoticeable with just mulch. In the back, I persuaded the client to use a narrow strip of grass to add just a little green to warm up that area just off the house which also added in reducing runoff from the roof.