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Connecticut River

It’s always humbling when a past client returns to ask us to work on another garden design together.

Our Malvern East clients from 10 years ago did just that – but this time the design was for their new home across the shores in Connecticut, USA.

Situated on approx 2000 m2, this stunning property overlooks the Saugatuck River. The brief called for a design that was brimming with naturalistic perennial planting – so we were immediately excited.

Thanks to technology, our Canterbury team was able to interact and work with the project manager, architect and clients in Connecticut as if we were physically standing next to them on site. Remarkably there was very little difference in cost and time efficiencies involved with designing and constructing on the other side of the world as it would be locally.

This project gave us the chance to use a selection of perennials that aren’t available in Australia. With the seasons in North America being typically more distinct than Australia, we were also able to see some plants go through more dramatic seasonal changes.

The garden has now had a complete growth year, and during this time we have seen its beauty in full spectacular flower, bare sculptural form, iced with snow and immersed in rich, rusty Autumnal colour.

Plant Selection

    • Rudbeckia fulgida
    • Iris sibirica
    • Verbena hastata
    • Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’
    • Salvia officinalis
    • Magnolia virginiana ‘Green Shadow’

Hardscape Specification

    • ‘Raven’ split face cobblestone
    • ‘Emu’ flamed granite paving
    • Corten steel lawn edging
    • Stacked stone wall

Landscape Area

    • 800m2
    • Front, rear and side gardens
Design by - Ian Barker Gardens
Photography by - Caryn B. Davis