FEATURED PROJECT
Woodland Refuge
From a mowing nightmare and bare façade to a beautiful, welcoming home.
DEVIL’S HOLLOW NEIGHBORHOOD
INITIAL GOALS
This client desired landscaping that reflected their value of nature and community. It was important to them that their property was in harmony with the forest setting of their Devil’s Hollow neighborhood located in Aboite Township, Indiana. The challenge was to ‘do something’ with the steep slope outside their entry way. It was so steep, it proved difficult to mow. With no clear path to the front door from the driveway, visitors had to walk up the long drive and around the slope to get to the front door. This was difficult and quite the hassle for those coming to visit.
PLANTS USED: Wild geranium, wood sedge, woodland phlox
PLANTS USED: Plains oval sedge, woodland stonecrop, prairie smoke
ROZELLE SOLUTION: RESTORE THE SLOPE WITH NATIVE PLANTINGS ALONG WITH A NATURAL STONE WALK
First, we created a clear and easy to walk path for visitors to safely get up the slope. We added large boulders for both aesthetic and structural reasons along the pathway. To add beauty and practicality, we selected and planted many shade-loving native plants that will naturally fill in open spaces on the hillside and will help prevent erosion.
Two years later, the weeds have disappeared as the native plants continue to widen their growth, filling in the open spaces. Mowing is no longer necessary. Guests comment how natural and beautiful the setting is as they approach the entrance. Our client has expressed that it is like having a private nature preserve. And their children love the added places to explore and climb!
BEFORE & AFTER
Slide to see the transformation
