MOD Society Greensboro - Sept-Oct 2020
A GARDEN FOR FALL
2020-08-28 06:23:03
JALA
Jeff Allen Landscape Architecture LLC
By now, you have stayed in place, been tested, lived through (or are living through) your own personal COVID-19 crises, on top of all the unrest in the nation. As we approach fall there is still a lot of uncertainty. Through all this we continue to persevere, and I find comfort knowing that fall is on the horizon.
All of the seasons are a welcome reminder of the earth’s gentle rhythm and provide a healthy change of pace to our routines. It is the beginning of renewal as leaves drop to the ground and turn into soil that will again nourish the trees next season. As you know, fall is among my favorite seasons. I consider it the most colorful. The ground is still warm but there is a chill in the air. I can smell the smoke of a crackling fire on the outdoor terrace as I enjoy another sunset. The aroma of what is cooking on the grill smells delicious. The days are getting shorter. I have more time in the evening to reflect upon the year, my successes, and challenges I overcame. I am grateful for each and strive to begin for a spring renewal of my own.
This column focuses on a fall display garden designed and installed specifically for a visiting group of national horticultural members during their annual conference. We were retained to design a display garden specific for their tour which happened in the early fall. I was honored to be asked for such a task and nervous about making it happen in the timeframe given. My staff and I worked tirelessly as we designed, coordinated, and worked with the site gardeners during the design and installation process. Fortunately for us the structure or ‘bones’ of the garden were beautifully designed and maintained and made our work easier and less daunting. So much work and effort went into a garden that was to be seen for one day. A true work of art for art’s sake (see May/June MOD Society’s column on Why Beauty Matters). I stood outside as a garden docent all afternoon on a chilly, damp September afternoon. It was heartwarming to see people’s reaction to the garden.
This article is dedicated to Richard Patterson a true gardener, philosopher, scientist, and artist. – Jeff Allen, Landscape Architect
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