Case Study – Perennial Garden with Japanese Maple

When you opt for a bold color choice for your home, in this case a rich wine red, that inspiration can’t help but spread into the landscape, especially when that garden is our own. We decided to try something a little different; after Debbie chose the paint color, we added orange – Nick’s favorite color – and of course green, and we had our nature inspired color palette.

We had a couple goals with this landscape design, including the low maintenance convenience of having no lawn and blocking some unattractive views. Additionally, this design allowed us to incorporate some more modern touches, with a hint of the exotic.

The project began with excellent soil preparation using a custom blend that has roughly 30% pumice which creates exceptional drainage for the plants. Taking into consideration the small space of our front yard and what time of year we’d most like to enjoy the garden, we decided that we wanted it to be at its peak mid summer through fall.

Beginning with a relatively blank slate, we planted five Japanese Maple trees, four of the red Acer palmatum ‘Beni Otake’ variety and one of the variegated Acer palmatum ‘Beni Schichihenge’ variety. For a lawn substitute we used a steppable ground cover called Cotula, brightened and contrasting with blood grass, orange geums, Eucomis ‘Sparkling Beauty’ and many other selections that kept within our design inspiration and ease of maintenance goals.

View the Project Portfolio Below

Perrenial Garden with Japanese Maple - Wide Shot with Path

Perennial Garden with Japanese Maple

What began with a bold choice in house color led to a lush, deep red inspiration to paint palate of this urban perennial garden, elegantly showcasing five majestic Japanese maples and blending beautifully with the existing architecture and colors of the property.

The idea for this garden started with the rich shade of red we chose for the house exterior. That bold color option was then repeated in the garden where we rounded out the red with artistic splashes of orange. The five Japanese maples, four of the red Acer palmatum ‘Beni Otake’ variety and one variegated Acer palmatum ‘Beni Schichihenge’ are certainly a highlight to this creative landscape. As the lush, warm hues may suggest, this garden peaks in August through October.

As just one of our many favorites, you can learn more about this project by checking out its Case Study page.

Creative Landscapes, Inc.