Tag: gardens

Traditional English Landscape at Greenwich’s Old Mill Farm

For a truly magnificent showcase of traditional English garden design here in southern Connecticut, one need not look further than the Old Mill Farm in Greenwich.

The landscape is a James Doyle creation and uses an array of horticultural features, including herbaceous borders, rose garden, folly, maze, chess set, parterre, topiaries and water features.

“Old Mill Farm is one of the last great estates in Greenwich,” says Doyle about the estate. “My clients and I have tried to create a balance between architecture and horticulture.”

A favorite feature is the flank pool lined with Fastigiata at the entrance of the estate.

Simple structural plantings serve to accent the private Tudor estate, designed by architect Charles Lewis Bowman in 1926.

An arbor blanketed with pink “New Dawn” roses makes quite an enchanting pathway.

Photos: Veranda.com

Color Spruces up Outdoor Living Areas

Soon homeowners will begin spending a lot more time outside, not only because of pretty spring weather on the way, but also as outdoor living is becoming more popular. If you want an outdoor space where you love to relax and entertain, think about adding splashes of your favorite colors. Green isn’t the only outdoor hue, so get creative. Need ideas? Check out some of the tips from Sensational Color to get the ball rolling.

  • Of course you can bring in color with flowers, but don’t forget about colorful garden accessories like pretty pots and planters, cushions, pillows and more.
  • Pay attention to the colors you have to work with, like existing landscaping, pavement and walls. Then make your new colors match or blend for a cohesive and well-thought-out look.
  • Determine the mood you’re going for and select colors that portray it.

Visit or contact Marvin Gardens for garden accessories that can bring color into your outdoor space.

Image via sensationalcolor.com

Gardens Enhance Interior Design

Most people approach their gardens separately from their home’s interior, but thinking of them in conjunction can make for some postcard-worthy views. Think about it: some of your outdoor space can be seen easily from the windows inside, so marrying the interior and exterior will be well worth it.

Design site Freshome did a great piece about maximizing indoor views with landscaping. Here’s some food for thought:

  • From inside, look out the windows to determine which views you’d hate to hide and which ones could use some sprucing up.
  • If your home has large windows, the view outside becomes a part of the interior’s wall. Don’t be matchy-matchy, but use complementary colors inside for a well-thought-out look.
  • Bring some of the outdoors in with potted plants to unify the two spaces.
  • If you want to see even more of the outdoors from your home than you can now, think about adding a sunroom.

Visit Marvin Gardens for all the garden accessories you’ll need to create beautiful indoor views with your landscaping.

Image via Freshome

A Beautiful Home and Garden

We’re smitten! The traditional English-style home of the Simon family recently featured on the Traditional Home website is gorgeous inside and out. We know it’s the beginning of 2011, but this house resembles more of the 1930s look. We’re so glad the homeowners decided to “keep its integrity intact.” With a restored interior and properly landscaped terraces and gardens, it’s really a charming space.

Here are some of our favorite photos of the New Jersey home. Aren’t they beautiful?

Photos by John Bessler for Traditional Home