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WBM august 2011
From a distance, their rooftops can be
seen through the thick forest canopy.
In front of the main residence, a lower
lawn area with emerald green zoysia
grass is separated from the street by
a tall hedge of pittosporum, live oak
and cherry laurel. The hedge provides
a backdrop to the garden and privacy
for the Schindlers.
Trees that had to be removed in
order to accommodate a septic field
for the home opened up a sunny area.
The grassy lawn contrasts sharply with
the rest of the wooded maritime forest
garden and offers the opportunity for
the creation of more formal garden
spaces closer to the entrance of the
home. Abutting the driveway on one
side of the property, this opening unifies
the two lots. It is unique in that it
Interest and harmony
is achieved through
the varying shades of
emerald provided by
the evergreen massings
as well as the
contrasting texture
and form of the plants.
is the only opening in the forest canopy
that allows sunshine into the site.
Surprisingly, there is very little color
in the Schindler garden. Most of that
is found in pots scattered throughout
the property. Interest and harmony is
achieved through the varying shades
of emerald provided by the evergreen
massings as well as the contrasting
texture and form of the plants.
Overall, the evergreen understory and
forest floor plantings serve to soften
and relax the eye, balancing the highenergy
effect created by the twisted
vertical tree trunks that is the forest.
“This is a garden about discovery,”
Schindler says. “It reveals itself to you
as you experience it.”
Parker adds, “There is always an
element of surprise in the Schindler
garden because it is impossible to take
the whole garden in at once.” Adding