Pringle Fern Bed Copy

Fern Garden

The arrival of spring inspired me to revisit this blog from 2009, add some photos, and use the found time to plant my garden.  Please enjoy the weather and this visual reminder of spring!

A beautiful landscape can enhance any architectural project. A talented landscape architect, landscape designer or homeowner with a green thumb makes any project we design more beautiful. That partnership works even better when it begins early in the design process.

Architects spend a lot of time on the placement of a new home or addition in the landscape. Views, sun angle and orientation, prevailing winds, relationships to the approach and internal flow are all part of the mix when designing the spaces. Often part of our design extends into the landscape and includes retaining walls, patios, porches and outbuildings. The landscape designer takes those elements and incorporates them into an overall plan of the entire property. We work as a team to create a wonderful experience which integrates the home and the landscape.

Just as the architect creates spaces inside the home, outdoor ‘rooms’ can be created on the property surrounding a home. These spaces can be private getaways, cutting gardens, meditative retreats, or just a fun place to sit and talk.

In addition to creating interior spaces from which to observe the flora and fauna, we often design garden structures which can be utilitarian, but sometimes they simply punctuate the landscape as part of the grand scheme. A garden folly can be just a sight to behold or a working potting shed or pool house.

Home owners vary in their garden choices as much as they do in their architectural tastes. Whether a garden is formal or free form, natural or completely staged, the object is always to create a wonderful experience which has been integrated with the home.

Garden Outside Sun Room

Garden Outside Sun Room

Goodbody Garden Wall Detail

Garden Wall

Landscaping Around Pool And Spa

Landscaping Around Pool and Spa

Kermitt Rear Ele Overall

Back Yard Garden

Beds Framing Garage

Beds Framing Garage

About the Author: James Crisp

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James M. Crisp has been an architect for well over 30 years. His architectural firm, Crisp Architects, designs projects throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In April of 2007, Taunton Press published 'On the Porch' by James M. Crisp and Sandra Mahoney.

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2 Comments

  1. 9B3038E902B58524Bdb387176Ba49Bf5?S=54&R=G
    Svetlana Pavlova September 17, 2013 at 1:47 am

    Indescribable feeling of unreal beauty and harmony.
    I live in Moscow (Russia) and I can not stop looking at your old American architecture. I save a lot of your ideas for my inspiration.
    Your team – amazing masters of their craft.
    Thank you for the magic.

  2. Aa2Cbf39867Dfccabe80558316A86802?S=54&R=G
    James Crisp September 17, 2013 at 6:19 am

    Dear Svetlana,

    Thank you so much for your comment. We try really hard and work work with some great landscape architects.

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