Birmingham Magazine April 2018 Issue

BIRMINGHAM GARDENS I English Accents
ENGLISH
ACCENTS
Garden improvements and
installations extend the
living space and enhance the
Southern-meets-European
feel of a Homewood abode.
BY ANDREA FANNING
PHOTOS BY TOMMY DASPIT
HHOWARD AND CAROLYN NEISWENDER
spend as much time as possible in the great
outdoors. Both successful professionals, they
enjoy having a place to rest, but they also take
delight in having an ever-changing landscape
to care for and cultivate.
In the process of acquiring their English
Tudor home, they discovered a wealth
of installations in the yard—a gazebo, a
little house, a small patio, and an array
of brickwork. However, much repair and
attention were needed to make these
elements cohesive. For the overall aesthetic
of their grounds, they wanted it to be
decidedly English, with a combination of
traditional formal gardens and more casual
cottage gardens. The result is a harmonious
alfresco vernacular.
The Neiswenders gathered a group of
outdoor enthusiasts to help them bring their
vision to life: landscape architect Charles
Sowell, Aaron Plasters for installation and
hardscapes, and Bill Aroosian of Habitation
Home for exterior designs.
“Charles understood my vision for the
property,” Carolyn says. “The garden and
the home should fit seamlessly together
and complement each other. He crafted
colorful country cottage perennials while
complementing the formal walkways and
entrances to the garden.”
The design included adding a cedar
pergola, as well as updated gathering
areas that would prove both beautiful
and functional, on the rear terrace. Says
Sowell, “This area faced west and baked in
the afternoon sun.” Because of this, shade
became a driving force in the plans, and the
team worked together to refine the design in
ways that suited the English theme.
Plasters worked diligently to bring
existing lampposts back to life, and
Aroosian suggested painting them black for
a more British feel. Sowell and Plasters also
crafted hardscapes and raised herb gardens,
which play into the aesthetics while also
providing valuable resources for Carolyn’s
culinary endeavors.
As part of the renovations, the team
had to navigate several challenges. From
upgrading the sprinkler system and lighting
system, to removing standing water, problem
solving was a big part of the process.
“Before renovations, the yard was muddy
and uninviting,” Carolyn says. “But it was
difficult to part with trees and shrubbery
that provided privacy in the backyard.” The
plans addressed these concerns, and the
family remained patient in the process.
“This is a respite from the cares of day-
THIS PAGE: The garden’s design includes a cedar pergola and lots of existing brickwork.
OPPOSITE PAGE: The garden features a small gazebo as one of its main structures.
to-day life, a place to practice mindfulness
and seek peace in the wonder of nature,”
Carolyn says. “Howard and I enjoy the
gazebo—it is a wonderful place to watch
hummingbirds, as well as the neighborhood
cats who often visit to observe the afternoon
antics of the chipmunks and squirrels.
Gardens are never finished. This is step
one of two or maybe three! Our next project
is just beginning.”
A partial roof to the pergola is coming
soon, as well as a fire pit and more plants
that will allow the family to enjoy the yard
year-round. Carolyn says, “We plan to take
our time and enjoy the journey.”
RESOURCES:
Landscape Architect: Charles Sowell
Installation and Hardscapes: Aaron Plasters
Extrerior Deisgn: Bill Aroosian of
Habitation Home
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