From Underused to Unforgettable: A Tanglewood Transformation
Can a single garden completely change the way you experience your home? Susan and Ben Cravens’ stunning new raised-bed garden proves that the answer is yes.
When we first met the Cravens, we were immediately struck by the beauty of their Tanglewood property. Their well-established landscaping perfectly complements their charming home. However, every yard has its forgotten corner, and we found the perfect opportunity right next to their driveway.
Finding the Sweet (and Sunny) Spot
Whenever we design a new raised-bed garden for veggies, herbs, and cut flowers, finding the area with the best sunlight is a top priority. At the Cravens’ home, that ideal sunny spot happened to be an underutilized area right by the driveway.
It ended up being the perfect spot. Not only did a garden breathe life into a blank space, but it also created a beautiful, welcoming sight for the family every single time they pull up to the house. And, in our experience, the more visible a garden is, the more you will actually interact with it, enjoy it, and harvest from it.
Designing a Seamless Custom Feature
To maximize the space against an established Ligustrum hedge, we installed a 10’ long x 3’ wide x 2’ high raised bed garden. We incorporated two Lela Pyramid trellises for climbing plants, like cucumbers, tomatoes, and pole beans. By centering the three-foot-wide bed within the space, Susan and Ben can comfortably tend to their plants from all four sides.
Instead of cedar, we opted for a steel garden which boasts an incredibly long lifespan and maximizes the actual growing footprint inside the bed. Best of all, steel is a design chameleon. It looks fantastic with a modern home and beautifully complements a classic brick home like the Cravens’.
Softening the Shade with Seasonal Color
A great garden design doesn’t stop at the sun-loving plants. We also wanted to beautify the shadier pocket of space sitting between the new raised bed and fence. To do this, we planted our favorite shade-loving plants to add multi-seasonal interest and rich texture.
To tie the new shady landscaping into the existing yard, we used Asian jasmine as a border groundcover. For a pop of color during the cooler months, we planted dwarf camellias that will offer winter and spring blooms. We then added Ligularia for a true wow factor, which features big, dramatic leaves and striking yellow flowers in the fall.
We finished the space by training fragrant confederate jasmine to climb the fence, transforming it into a living green wall.
A Harvest That Lifts the Spirits
Today, Susan and Ben’s garden is a thriving mix of fresh basil, peppers, herbs, and cut flowers.
Beyond the fresh ingredients for dinner, the garden has brought a whole new ecosystem of joy to their yard, regularly attracting fluttering butterflies. Susan even shared with us that catching a glimpse of the garden instantly lifts her spirits every time she arrives home. It’s projects like this that remind us why we do what we do.
One thoughtful addition can completely redefine an outdoor space, turning an area by the driveway into the absolute best part of your yard!
