Urban Respite
Exeter Park (Cambridge, MA)
While collaborating with this client, we wanted to provide a woodland garden to give some respite from nearby Porter square. A dense planting of native trees gives visual screening and reduces road noise while providing food and habitat for birds. With the instillation of a large irregular bluestone walkway and patio, we allow plants to spill over the edges as they grow without inhibiting functionality or creating a maintenance issue if the future.
Joe Pye Weed, Oakleaf Hydrangea and White Snakeroot frame this view into the garden.
The organic shape of this irregular bluestone patio creates pockets for soft cascading plants.
The garden feels open and sunny in the cool months of spring, while more shady and protected in the summer heat.
Nestled by lush vegetation in summer, the seating area is designed to be quiet and peaceful.
The large and showy oakleaf hydrangea contrasts nicely with the more delicate geranium. Both plants are native.