Chad and Biza Mabry have spent nearly three decades shaping their Isle of Hope home into a layered garden that reflects both family history and artistic vision. For Biza, who grew up in Savannah, the isle holds deep roots. When the couple moved here 28 years ago, the backyard was a blank canvas.

Drawing on their backgrounds in architecture and photography, the Mabrys approached the space as a series of outdoor “rooms.” A broad lawn framed by tropical perennials became the family hub, while a hedged play area once held a trampoline for their children, Blake and Chloe. Beyond that lies a shaded retreat with bamboo, ferns, and a small pond — a secluded pocket of calm.

The garden blends practicality with whimsy, mixing vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the relaxed style of an English cottage garden. Seasonal interest is key: “We plant so there are successions of blooms throughout the year until frost,” Chad said. Their favorite nurseries, Herb Creek and Hester & Zipperer, often provide unusual finds to keep the garden evolving.

Some challenges are constant. Deer roam freely, often undoing years of work overnight. The Mabrys rely on Liquid Fence, deer-resistant plants such as Mexican hydrangea and ginger, and a firm commitment to regular watering. “If you couldn’t take a full shower in the rain, you still need to water,” Chad joked.

The trampoline space has since transformed into a fire pit, now a cozy gathering spot. This fall, the backyard will welcome family and friends again as the Mabrys host their daughter Chloe’s wedding after-party — a celebration in a garden that has grown alongside their family.