Idyllic Surroundings
The gorgeous landscaping of side-by-side lakefront Cape Cod style houses overlooking Wheeler Lake draws your eye past the structures to the expanse of water beyond. But there’s more to these houses than the casual observer would see. Tucked well below a simple white picket fence spanning between both homes is a garden oasis shared by two homeowners. Built as model homes in 2002, Carroll Adams’ and Wilda Davis’ homes are situated on a slope so steep the builders were forced to construct a thick, tall restraining wall to hold back the earth from top to bottom between the two houses. It is this space they share, and it presents unusual landscaping challenges.
A Rough Start
In the beginning there were obvious and major problems. First, faulty drainage required the builders to install a French drain from the stucco retaining wall through the garden, diverting rainwater to the lake below. Second, digging out in between the homes to level the ground resulted in hard-pan red clay and chert that is difficult to work. Finally, there is no easy way to get to this spot. All materials and plants must be schlepped down either steep banks or long stairways. Adding to the equation are lake-effect elements. Wind is a constant companion. Squalls can be severe and have gusted to a recorded 80 mph. Driving wind and rain has to be considered in any garden plan here on the lake. Various eyesores needed to be addressed as well. Wilda has three HVAC units beneath her stairs she wanted to camouflage, and Carroll’s propane tank needed to be hidden yet accessible for filling and maintenance. Concealing the concrete retaining wall was paramount for both.
Two Different Gardening Styles
Upon first moving in, Wilda and Carroll planted separate gardens on their respective sides within this 30’x30’ space each using their personal favorite style of landscaping. Wilda favors an English Garden style with an emphasis on formal. She planted symmetrical evergreens for year round color and to conceal various unsightly areas. She added courtly garden architectural elements; a sundial, a water element and large pots with trees. Backing a stately bench, an espaliered dwarf magnolia runs horizontally on the retaining wall. Carroll enjoys a Cottage Garden for its eclectic and magical appeal. Her plants were chosen to attract hummingbirds, songbirds, butterflies and bees, which resulted in a collection of flowers, grasses and herbs. She envisioned pathways through cutting gardens and plants that would “dance” in the wind. She also planted tall evergreen shrubs to hide the propane tank. In the beginning, they agreed to place in the space’s center a stacked stone wall encompassing a circle of green grass for color and formality. However, mowing grass in this spot proved difficult and neither homeowner were happy with the results. It was at this point they put their heads together and began an earnest cooperative effort to design a “garden without borders.” They agreed to get rid of the grass circle and treat the space as one large courtyard, utilizing plants, mulch and stone pathways to incorporate both styles throughout the space.
Gardens Without Borders
Nearly a year has passed since the borders disappeared. Today the retaining wall is painted a lovely soft sage green matching the foundation color of both houses, and large flagstones lead from doorways to critical areas such as water faucets and hidden places of fancy. Carroll and Wilda have each added more shrubs and evergreens to match the other’s style, and planted similar flowers in order to create a color echo. Wilda planted daisies and grasses on “her side” while Carroll planted evergreens and Siberian Iris on “her side” in order to continue the blending process. A major consideration had to be plants that tolerate wet feet, as the center line above the French drain tends to be a very moist. Visitors are treated with an abundance of hues and textures at every turn. Stately arborvitae provides a backdrop for daylilies and daisies; Cleyera exists side-by-side with a Don Juan rose, and camellias happily co-exist with Northwind and Pink Muhly grasses. Dotted along the flagstone pathways are Guara, Salvia “May Night,” Coreopsis, Coneflower and various sedums. A native azalea grows alongside rosemary and pots of Dallas Red Lantana. Lemon thyme is planted between the flagstones, which will spread over time and lend a luscious scent with every step. A “Zuni” dwarf crepe myrtle draws attention to the verbena and Japanese blood grass. Tucked amid the foliage are fun elements any gardener would appreciate. Wilda’s classic architectural elements remain and she added casual cottage elements such as crockery pieces and toad houses. In turn, Carroll added more formal pieces such as a trellis and statuary. There are surprises at every turn which adds to the delight of this colorful garden.
A Place of the Heart
Adding to the enchantment are a few treasured plants from their past. Wilda brought a cherished hydrangea from her former home which is thriving in her garden. Carroll planted daylilies dug up from her grandfather’s 1950’s Mississippi garden. The Kerria Rose was given to Carroll and her husband by a beloved uncle. Carroll’s Shasta Daisies were favorites of her husband’s father, and were added to honor his memory. These special touches connect each woman emotionally to their special courtyard.
Carroll’s favorite part of the garden is her herb garden which is utilized often for her other hobby – cooking – in addition to seeing her grandfather’s daylilies. Wilda delights in the “lady bathing” statue which is tucked into an inconspicuous corner offering surprise when discovered.
Even More Secret Gardens
Three different vines planted at the edge of the slope cover the rip rap down their steep bank and help to control erosion. These vines provide a waterfall of yellow in the spring when the Carolina Jessamine blooms, followed by a profusion of purple Clematis Jackmanii in summer which leads to the final floral show in autumn of the stark white, fragrant blooms of Virgin’s Bower Autumn Clematis. These vines tumble down the bank between Carroll and Wilda’s decks, effectively separating their two lower gardens. Wilda’s lower garden is completely traditional. Japanese Red Maples are dotted among dwarf nandinas punctuated by miscanthus and tall junipers. Rock ledges hold pots and vines, resulting in a profusion of textures. Walking down the rosemary-lined stairway to the dock below one enjoys a lush show of greenery. Carroll’s lower garden attracts her butterflies and bees, hummingbirds and songbirds. Guara and lantana cascade over a stone wall and reach toward a bank of wildflowers and Virginia Sweetspire. Pink Muhly Grass, Fountain Grass, and spirea complete her second “secret garden.” The jewel in this lower area is a Don Shadow Traveler Red Bud tree. She enjoys sitting in her “Felder Rockers” observing her garden and watching the lake and its wildlife. These second secret gardens showcase Carroll’s and Wilda’s individual passions and mirror the personalities of each gardener. Yet even side-by-side these gardens blend beautifully and are stunning testaments to Wilda’s and Carroll’s enthusiasm for their homes and gardens.
So We Say Goodbye
Wilda and Carroll share their thoughts for other homeowners who may face similar challenges. They’ve learned a lot about cooperating with their neighbor, disclosing that they continue to garden in their own style yet always with the other in mind. Wilda says “Be patient. Lay out the garden together but include something that you both enjoy.” Carroll agrees, saying “Get to know each other, including likes and dislikes, and share ideas and resources.” Their future plans include waves of more colorful flowers, annuals and perennials, and replanting the large pots with different flora. These Secret Gardens are a treasure of old and new, providing an attractive retreat for two busy ladies.
Get to know Carroll and Wilda
Carroll Adams was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and is a Limestone County Master Gardener, Class of 2005. A retired school principal, her passions include gardening, cooking, reading and boating. She is co-founder of the Bay Hill Conservancy.
