Garden Goals in Ardsley Park: A No-Lawn Oasis 24 Years in the Making
Q: How long have you lived in Ardsley Park?
I've proudly called Ardsley Park home for 24 years.
I've proudly called Ardsley Park home for 24 years.
Q: What’s your inspiration when creating your yard or garden space?
My goal was to create a no-lawn garden—a thoughtfully designed space with discrete borders and plantings that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. I wanted a landscape that was functional, beautiful, and good for the environment.
My goal was to create a no-lawn garden—a thoughtfully designed space with discrete borders and plantings that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. I wanted a landscape that was functional, beautiful, and good for the environment.
Q: Did you do the installation yourself, or did you have help?
I had the pleasure of working with Victory Gardens for the entire project—design, installation of plants and hardscape, lighting, and irrigation. The backyard was completed four years ago, and we just finished the front yard last fall.
I had the pleasure of working with Victory Gardens for the entire project—design, installation of plants and hardscape, lighting, and irrigation. The backyard was completed four years ago, and we just finished the front yard last fall.
Q: Where do you find the best landscaping materials?
Kerry at Victory Gardens sourced most of the landscaping materials. I’ve also added seasonal perennials and annuals from Hester & Zipperer, Herb Creek, and even Home Depot to keep the garden colorful year-round.
Kerry at Victory Gardens sourced most of the landscaping materials. I’ve also added seasonal perennials and annuals from Hester & Zipperer, Herb Creek, and even Home Depot to keep the garden colorful year-round.
Q: What are the oldest and newest additions to your outdoor space? Any special stories?
The Japanese maples I planted more than 20 years ago are still a favorite; they’ve added a soft, elegant touch to the front yard that I cherish. Other original plantings include two camellias, nandina, a tulip poplar, and a crepe myrtle—which, unfortunately, was "butchered" by a less-than-skilled arborist some years back (we won’t name names!).
The Japanese maples I planted more than 20 years ago are still a favorite; they’ve added a soft, elegant touch to the front yard that I cherish. Other original plantings include two camellias, nandina, a tulip poplar, and a crepe myrtle—which, unfortunately, was "butchered" by a less-than-skilled arborist some years back (we won’t name names!).
Q: Do you have a favorite spot in the yard?
Absolutely—the small backyard designed by Paul Daniels is my happy place. I love the raised planters for seasonal herbs and veggies (although I’ve learned the hard way that one can grow too many eggplants!). A small water feature provides the perfect soundtrack of gentle bubbling, layered with the buzzing of bees. It’s a peaceful little world back there.
Absolutely—the small backyard designed by Paul Daniels is my happy place. I love the raised planters for seasonal herbs and veggies (although I’ve learned the hard way that one can grow too many eggplants!). A small water feature provides the perfect soundtrack of gentle bubbling, layered with the buzzing of bees. It’s a peaceful little world back there.
Q: Any gardening tips you’d like to share?
Yes!
Yes!
- Buy quality plants from reputable local suppliers.
- Maintenance is everything—weed regularly, deadhead spent blooms, prune when needed, and don’t ignore the weather.
- Adjust irrigation based on rainfall. A little attention goes a long way in keeping things healthy and thriving.
Q: Would you have done anything differently with your garden or landscape project?
Honestly? No. I’m completely satisfied with the results and wouldn't change a thing.
Honestly? No. I’m completely satisfied with the results and wouldn't change a thing.
Q: Any future plans for your garden space?
At this point, I’ve run out of room—but I couldn’t help sneaking a few leftover plants into the lane area behind the house!
At this point, I’ve run out of room—but I couldn’t help sneaking a few leftover plants into the lane area behind the house!
Q: What’s been the most challenging part of gardening, and how did you overcome it?
In the past, I struggled with getting grass to grow disease-free and managing invasive vines and creepers. But those problems are now resolved thanks to the updated landscape and hardscape. Having grown up in rural Georgia, growing things has always been second nature—and with this garden, gardening is finally fun again.
In the past, I struggled with getting grass to grow disease-free and managing invasive vines and creepers. But those problems are now resolved thanks to the updated landscape and hardscape. Having grown up in rural Georgia, growing things has always been second nature—and with this garden, gardening is finally fun again.