Northshore Home magazine highlights the best in architectural design, new construction and renovations, interiors, and landscape design.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1226262
58 SPRING 2020 cultivate nshoremag.com/nshorehome/ the family on a daily basis. Hummingbirds especially like it here and feast on clumps of bee balm, buck eye tree blossoms, flowering quince, Solomon's seal, and wonderful scarlet crocosmia (a non-native plant that does well here). When the black-eyed Susans are in bloom, gold finches swoop in and add to the harmony of the buzzing hummers. Along one of the stone walls, cotoneasters provide nectar for bees in the summer and berries for birds and critters in the winter. It is truly an ecosystem. Subtly carved out around the house and garden are paths of Pennsylvania bluestone (atop beds of pea stone). The homeowners are so fond of bluestone that it was also used as the patio surface, as their kitchen countertops, and as a smooth façade to their living room fireplace. Not to be outdone, solid steps and retaining walls of native granite also add interest and definition to the hilly setting. The garden has been maturing for 11 years and offers the perfect spot for pollinators. But back to the ferns. In the backyard, the "Ostrich" fern variety grows tall and gives the space a "Jurassic Park" look. The homeowners have been known to purchase some on Craigslist or transplant them from other parts of their large property. Varieties include Ostrich, maiden, cinnamon, and bracken. They certainly add drama to the setting and are used everywhere. Above all, the woodland flora and fauna here provides a sense of calm. Turning up the hemlock- shrouded curvy road with its border of neon-green ferns, one can immediately let go of the stress of the day. Soothing sounds take over. "It is really strangely noisy and quiet at the same time. All the animals, birds, and insects. It's wonderful. Great contrast from being in the city. It is so restorative to see things planted and watch them grow." After 11 years, these stewards continue to take care of the land and it generously gives back to them.