Birmingham Magazine April 2018 Issue

BIRMINGHAM GARDENS I Timeless Nature
Cal and Heather Morris have prioritized their
art collection, including work like Michael
Palmer's "Morning Comes Over the Hill," over
other niceties, such as a big wedding.
A focal fountain feature draws
you through the path of the secret
side garden. Below: A framed
view of the evergreen garden
looking out from the garage.
impressed with their professionalism,” Jean
says. “And the neatest part was when they
came back later to show us their ideas, they
had some out-of-the-box designs that they
showed us through Bram’s photography and
their sketches.”
“We try to achieve year-round interest,”
Lorberbaum says. Their plan included
a white palette—per the homeowners’
request—and a series of anchoring
evergreens, ferns, boxwoods, and more
that would give the grounds a “peek-aboo”
feel with something always in bloom
and/or of interest in every season. McNair
adds, “We think about mystique, timing,
and experience. And we try to keep things
loose and natural, while still structured
along the lines of timeless garden designs
from Europe.”
As a general practice, LMO Partners tries
to salvage as many plants and trees from the
land as possible, however the site’s condition
was poor. After saving what they could,
they proposed bringing in local varieties of
mature trees from nearby nurseries, which
ensured the final look felt indigenous.
“Like anything living, it’s constantly
growing and changing,” Jean says of the
landscape. Their family has now been
living in the custom home for more than
three years, and her affection continues to
grow as well. She says, “I love driving up to
our home, and it’s something we do every
day. What a delight to feel so good about
coming home.”
RESOURCES:
Landscape Design: LMO Partners
Architect: Jeffrey Dungan Architcects
Contruction: Francis Bryant Construction
Landscape Contractor: Terry Joyner of
T. Joyner Inc.
Garden Ornaments: Architectural Heritage
HOME is WHERE
ARTis
Intimidated by collecting art? You’re not alone--but there’s no need to fret.
Learn how—and why—to make art part of your everyday life.
the
BY CARLA JEAN WHITLEY | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL J. MOORE
96 | Birmingham | APRIL 18