Dahlia Hill: A Problem Site Transformed Into Garden Treasure
In last week’s post we talked about what are some of the recent trends in Residential Landscape Design, both nationally and here in Mid-Michigan.
Landscape Design, in its most basic terms, is the act of blending a program with the existing conditions of a particular site. This is true whether you are doing a master plan for a college campus, laying out a housing subdivision, or designing a residential landscape.
“Program” refers to who is going to be using the site and how they are going to be using it. “Existing conditions” refers to man-made things like buildings and roads, but also natural conditions like soil type, sun orientation, slope, existing vegetation, distant views, water run-off, etc.
Some of the best and most memorable examples of Landscape Design are created when a challenge or “problem” presented by an existing natural condition is met in an elegant manner.
Such is the case with Dahlia Hill.
Newly Terraced Dahlia Hill
For those of you who don’t know, Dahlia Hill is a beautiful garden here in Midland that is maintained by volunteers and open to the public free of charge. As its name implies, it sits on a hill at the corner of Main Street and Orchard, across from Emerson Park. It is the product of the vision and hard work of Charles Breed, a local artist who founded and runs the Dahlia Hill Society, and whose working studio sits at the top of the Hill.
Dahlia Hill began in 1992 when Charles Breed planted some Dahlias on the hillside outside of his studio. His motivation at the time was simply his love of this beautiful and unique plant. Over the years more Dahlias were planted every year on the hillside as a growing team of volunteers became involved.
Due to the steeply sloping site, erosion was always a big problem. Every year a lot of work was required just to keep enough topsoil on the slope to plant the Dahlias. Some years of heavy rain the plants would be washed out of the ground. Also, there were no defined paths to handle the traffic from the growing numbers of visitors.
To address these issues, as well as his desire to expand on his vision for Dahlia Hill, Charles Breed developed an elegant master plan that called for terracing the site. After refining his plan and raising funds, in 2008 he chose Reder Landscaping and our talented crews of landscape craftsmen and stonemasons to help bring his plan to life.
Click above to view construction slideshow.
Today Dahlia Hill is composed of eight terraces created by a series of natural stone walls, steps and walkways. Each year volunteers plant over three thousand Dahlias representing two hundred fifty varieties. Featured in the garden are four large cast aluminum sculptures created by Charles Breed representing the cycles of life and the seasons. Also at the top of the Hill are two raised planters – one a donor circle and the other a memorial circle.
Dahlia Hill is a wonderful place to visit in any of the four seasons. However, during the Summer and Fall when the Dahlias are in bloom, it is spectacular and rivals any garden anywhere. It is a “must see” if you live in the Midland area and appreciate beautiful landscapes.
Is Outdoor Living Bypassing Curb Appeal?
The most recent survey sponsored by the American Society for Landscape Architects asked residential landscape designers what they felt would be the most requested outdoor living and landscape features for the coming year. At the top of the list were things like landscape lighting, fire pits/ fireplaces, seating/ dining areas, grills, and low maintenance landscapes.
The results of this survey are in line with a shift that we’ve been seeing here in Mid-Michigan over the last few years where homeowners want to be able to enjoy their yards and landscapes as an extension of their homes, no matter what the occasion, mood, or even the weather.
This attitude represents a change from just a few years ago when landscape design was mostly about aesthetics. Now it seems that landscape design has evolved from focusing on what landscapes look like to focusing on how people will experience them.
Homeowners now want their yards to be outdoor living spaces designed for their enjoyment. They want to entertain and relax with their families in beautiful outdoor rooms. They also want to spend as little time maintaining them as possible to maximize their time enjoying them.
Fire pit and brick patio with elegant lighting features.
Locally, we’re also seeing an increased emphasis on creating these outdoor rooms as part of the renovation of an existing landscape. With the shifting economy, more people are planning to stay in their homes for longer durations. Along with this decision homeowners are increasingly choosing to invest in the enhancement of their landscapes and their quality of life with a beautiful outdoor room.
With our challenging climate here in Michigan it takes a lot of expertise and creativity to design and build landscapes that are beautiful, sustainable and sensitive to the lifestyle and budgetary requirements of homeowners.
For over 30 years Reder Landscaping has been creating unique outdoor spaces, casting a legacy in timeless brick and natural stone. They endure because of a dedication to excellence and an attention to detail and craftsmanship unmatched in our area. You can get more landscaping ideas in our idea galleries.
Luxury outdoor room with fireplace.
Casual outdoor room integrates effectively with indoor living space.
Do you have a question or idea about outdoor rooms? Leave a comment below to discuss with a Reder Landscaping specialist.
Tennis Anyone?
Steve Baillee, one of our designers, just finished setting up our very first exhibit for the 2012 season!
We’re at the 24th Annual Dow Corning Tennis Classic
Last year was Reder’s first year sponsoring the Dow Corning Tennis Classic, and we had such a tremendous turn out we’re back again!
Stop by our exhibit and you can enter to win a drawing for a
$300 product or service of your choice.
How to win? Just visit our cafe table and slip your business card in our “bowl”, or fill out an entry slip.*
Learn more about the Event Schedule & Activities at DowCorningTennisClassic.com
*All entrants will be added to our mailing list. Our safe subscribe and privacy protection ensures your email is safe with us. And, you can opt-out at any time
.
Showhouse Showdown: Record-Breaking Success
The Midland episode of HGTV’s new “Showhouse Showdown”, premiering ~Sept. 12, had record attendance, according to and article published on Cobblestone Homes website. “Nearly 700 of you — a “Showhouse Showdown” record — came out to the open house and reception on Saturday”. Midland is the 5th location of in this new series to be flimed, and in spite of the rain, drew the biggest crowd to date.
We sure had a lot of fun preparing the properties for the show and during the event on Saturday. And, we want to take this opportunity to personally thank Bob & Melissa Wahl from Cobblestone for inviting us to do the landscaping.
Bob Guiney, the shows host, bragged to the HGTV crew, “Yeah, I told you Michigan fans wouldn’t let us down!!” Bob’s hometown is Riverview, MI. Read more »
Sneak Peek! Less Than 48 Hours to the Showhouse Showdown
We caught Paul Reder and Mark Wahl of Cobblestone Homes (Freeland, MI) on video at the location of this Saturday’s filming of HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown! Find what’s going on inside and outside to get ready, how Cobblestone got involved with the show, and what to expect at the event on Saturday.
Prize Round Up at the Midland Showhouse Showdown
Are you planning on coming out to the HGTV Showhouse Showdown?
In addition to free tours of the 2 houses and hospitality tent,
there are some great prizes you can win!
Open House – Saturday August 20
1:00 – 4:00
3339 E. Shady Ridge Drive and 3479 E. Shady Ridge Drive in Midland
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Showhouse Showdown Locations Revealed
Cobblestone Homes just announced the location of the 2 properties being built for the upcoming HGTV Showhouse Showdown episode on their Facebook page.
We’re excited to be involved with doing the landscaping and getting the projects ready for filming this Saturday, August, 20, 1:00 – 4:00. We start laying sod tomorrow already, and should have both projects completed by Thursday.
Learn more about the show and the projects in this video interview with Paul Reder, live from the job sites.
Who Knew There Would Be a Showdown in Midland?
Two weeks ago we were plugging along with our normal busy schedule. Then we received a call from Mark Wahl of Cobblestone Homes about a really interesting opportunity. Now, we are scrambling to help him pull off an awesome challenge!
Cobblestone Homes has been selected by HGTV to build two homes that will be featured in an upcoming episode of Showhouse Showdown. We are honored to be working with Cobblestone on the design and installation of the landscaping for these special projects.
On the show, two interior designers will be competing for the best design. And, our community gets to vote for the winner (yes, you could be on HGTV!). It’s coming up quick. Filming of the show is next Saturday, August 20. Location and Designer details will be announced next week on the Showhouse Showdown Facebook page.
And, if you “Like” Cobblestone Home’s Facebook Page by Aug. 31, you can even win a design consultation in your own home with one of the Showhouse Showdown designers. Pretty Cool!
Summer 2011 Trends in Landscaping
According to jkenterprise landscape supplies, these are the landscape trends of this summer, and guess what? Reder agrees!
1. Big & Bold
Loud colors? Check. Bright flowers? Check. It’s all about deep reds, vibrant blues, lush greens and midnight purples. Many analysts note that this is in retaliation to the abnormally cold winter much of the US experienced and homeowners and landscapers are replying to the frigid temperatures with hot colors.
2. Stone Pathways/Driveways
In a previous post, how to incorporate pavers and stone into a driveway redesign was discussed and wouldn’t ya know? It’s a top noted trend for summer 2011. Pea gravel, textured stone and pavers are “all the rage” this summer as many homeowners are choosing to cover up the cracks their driveways suffered from the freezing temps of winter.
3. Converting
Say what? Yes, converting. Converting indoor areas to outdoor areas. Work from home? What about an outdoor home office? Have a part of a shed or garage not in use? Convert it to an outdoor living area. Homeowners are getting creative with utilizing excess space and many are choosing to bring the great outdoors in.
4. Eco-friendly and low maintenance
Homeowners are getting wiser about where their dollars go, in much thanks to the recession, and many are choosing to design gardens and outdoor areas that are eco-friendly and relatively low maintenance. Micro-irrigation systems, decorative composts and small gardens are just a few ways homeowners are ensuring their landscaped lawns are aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well as to the environment.
If you are thinking about doing your landscaping, think about these trends!
Our very own designer, Dave Fletcher, was interviewed for an article on landscape lighting by the Great Lakes Bay Dwelling Magazine. Check it out by clicking on the link below!
