A visit to the Ladew Topiary Gardens in Monkton, Maryland ignited an interest in topiary forms in Anne, the owner of this garden, because of their symmetry and order. It also sparked an idea that helped her transform an existing overgrown terraced area of her garden design into a polished planting of alternating boxwood and arborvitae shapes down the three parallel terraces.
Anne engaged the services of landscape designer Elise Keely Smith. Smith’s mission was to tame the woodland garden, which she did with a lovely palette of native plants, native rhododendrons, Delaware Valley Azaleas and oak leaf hydrangea. It’s important to note that the garden is fenced in and all of the plantings are protected from deer destruction.
Anne relied on her skills as an interior designer to bring order to her garden and create the splendid sitting areas on both the back and front terraces.
The homeowners take special delight in relaxing on the front terrace with its espaliered pear trees and numerous potted topiaries because they enjoy the view and the connection it gives them to life in the neighborhood.
Around the back, elegant outdoor furniture with soft blue accents adorns the terrace, providing yet another perfect place to perch and drink in all of the wonderful sights.