An Enchanted Back Yard
By Claire Bennett & Carol Clawson

Prepare to be enchanted.

As you approaches the home and garden of Diane and Jeffrey Taylor at 603 Spencer Court in The Cape, a path through the meticulously manicured lawn guides you to a stunning oasis. Since 2006, when the couple moved from Carolina Beach, this garden has been evolving into a floral and arboreal wonderland. Near the entrance to the rear garden, a bottle tree beckons the visitor and hints of more charming creations to follow. The tree (seen at right), adorned with solely blue bottles, was designed by Diane and constructed by their sons. It appropriately captures the spirit of this graceful garden. The unique piece foreshadows the fact that a guest will soon be showered with delightful surprises around every corner.

Knowing their plans for a home with beautiful garden beds, the Taylors had the foresight to request that the builder set their home forward on the lot, allowing for a deep back yard. As you follow the pathway to the back of the home, a pleasing blend of plant materials is apparent to the senses. The arbor beckons you further into the garden, which leads to numerous garden rooms, following curvaceous paths with statuary along the way. A pond-less fountain designed by Jeffrey draws the eye in one room. Tucked away in another more subtle spot, among the remains of an old oak tree, is a second bottle tree fashioned in true Southern style.

The Taylor’s have added many sizeable trees and shrubs. Many, like our beloved azalea and camellia, have Asian origins such as dogwood, loquat, Zelkova and cryptomeria. Scrub oaks were thinned and shaped, encouraging graceful silhouettes, and the ubiquitous wax myrtle adds greenery year-round. All contribute to the garden’s authentic Southern character. Autumn Carnation Encore azaleas bloom throughout the garden, adding brilliant swatches of color across the yard. A particularly eye-catching area boasts a mass of Encores with a border of the humble Purple Heart plant to create a striking contrast.

From within the home, every room has a view. The most magnificent of all is an elaborate flowerbed anchored with various shrubs, urns brimming with ornamental grasses and the trellised wall of a gazebo, awash with Carolina jasmine intermingled with pink Mandevilla. The gazebo was designed by Diane and is tucked back in the garden, where one can value a respite from the day.

One of the most unique features of this home is the definition of garden beds from the lush lawn using upended wine bottles, adding a touch of color and whimsy. Currently, the Taylors estimate nearly 500 bottles serve as edging, and neighbors and friends continue to contribute. The colored glass works well with the aforementioned bottle trees and adds shimmer and shine where ordinary landscape timbers or stone would fall short. Worked into the design is a garden shed, both functional and fitting. Rumors of a secret garden indicate more allure on the horizon.

The Taylors enjoy sharing plants and seeds with friends and family, and Diane is currently enrolled in the Master Gardener course offered at the New Hanover County Arboretum.

This magnificent garden is a reflection of both Diane’s and Jeffrey’s passion, and the enjoyment they derive from it is quite apparent. The Taylors are always happy to share its beauty with those around them.

November 2008