Residential
Reinvented Landscape Displays Formal and Natural Elements
In Libertyville, amidst an expanse of windblown trees and sprawling grasses, lies an alluring sanctuary protected from the elements by a screen of towering evergreens. The sheltered gardens of green, white and purple tones blend naturally with the facade of the classical home they accompany. When the homeowners fi rst approached Mariani, however, the house’s landscape was practically indistinguishable from the barren
lands surrounding it.
“Our client wanted the landscape to match the crisper, cleaner design of the house,” recalls landscape architect Sara Furlan, who, along with landscape designer Dan Miller, originated plans for the grounds. “We were successful because we stayed disciplined with an elegant, sophisticated look, using a limited palette of colors.”
Unique challenges confronted the landscape architects from the onset. The grounds were constantly harried by windstorms, which defied the residents’ desire for a more contemplative, formal environment. The local soil was poor, boding ill for the gardens’ long-term development. In addition, the owners were nature lovers who wanted to create both a structured yard and maintain an atmosphere that attracted local birds, animals and wildflowers.
Mariani acted quickly to address these concerns, planting evergreen trees for a windscreen. Truckloads of rich, composted soil were rushed to the site to provide nutrients for the new flora. Mariani delivered a green construction plan, using organic materials whenever possible. The grounds are nurtured with Nature Safe® 100 percent organic fertilizer, which is a healthy and eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals. “When I saw the quality compared to synthetic fertilizers, I was blown away,” says turf specialist Tim Stockdale. “There is no need to avoid the lawn after an application. It is completely safe for children and pets.” In areas adjacent to the house, Mariani maintained a structured model. However, the surrounding grounds become less formal. Mariani planted native wildflowers on the property’s perimeter to foster a natural atmosphere.
The approach to the house is defi ned by its symmetry; two Hawthorne trees, surrounded by emerald green shrubs sculpted in perfect rectangular plots, stand guard over the main path. The backyard boasts a diverse set of plants and trees. The residence’s tropical garden features palm and dwarf citrus trees, while another section hosts more traditional Midwestern crabapple trees and baby’s breath. The yard’s centerpiece is the simple, elegant pool, whose limestone coping and blue stone deck blend naturally with the colors of the house and vegetation.
The placement of the pool and every other aspect of the gardens were carefully considered in relation to the view from the residence’s windows. “This landscape is intentionally visible from the windows,” Furlan says. “When you stand in the house there
are a number of great focal points like the new armillary sphere, garden bench and row of crab apple trees.”
The residence and garden seem to merge into one entity. “All the spaces speak to each other and speak to the house,” Furlan says. This quality refl ects the meticulous planning, the creative thinking and the attention to detail that Mariani invests
in all its projects.
