Saturday, May 26, 2012

Design Lessons from Mother Nature at The Gentling Garden




The hilltop home of Jasmin and Peter Gentling in Asheville, North Carolina has a wondrous garden that was developed by them during the 40 years they've lived there.  There are many lessons to be learned from these master gardeners that have used Mother Nature as their landscaper.
 
The flowers in the landscape are very natural looking as if Mother Nature herself had planted them.  Master gardener Peter emphasized his philosophy of considering texture and placement of plants over color. 


What could be more soothing on a hot Carolina day than this cool glade ?
 
An exbury azalea fits right in the woodland garden. 


Poppies are everywhere and add to the backdrop of evergreens seen throughout the garden. 

The placement of evergreens through out the garden guarantee year round interest.


A tranquil setting sans color is reminescent of a tranquil Japanese garden.

Water is so soothing and the seat next to the pond is a favorite spot to relax. 

A spectacular way to frame a view.

A vine covered arbor over the terraced steps to the garden below provides a strategic focal point.


An outcropping of stone and a natural stream look as if Mother Nature placed them there.

Again, with very little flower color, the textures and foliage are effective all season.
 
Yet another design from Mother Nature. 
 
Posted by PicasaThis wonderful path leads to a beautifully designed Asian-style gate and fence.

13 comments:

  1. Super good lessons on landscaping. This was such a splendid garden.

    It was most nice to meet you in person finally!

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    1. It was wonderful meeting you too, Tina. It was indeed a breathtaking garden, the most beautiful I've had the pleasure to be in, I think.

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  2. Good post title because that crossed my mind there. What a stunning property and the Gentlings were gracious hosts.

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    1. So nice to see you, Donna. It was one of the most stunning gardens, as I said to Tina and the Gentlings were obviously thrilled to have us see their paradise.

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  3. I just loved this garden the best even over Biltmore! Missed the upper level above the house though. I did a lot of visiting with people at this spot....

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  4. I think this was my favorite garden of all those we visited. So many beautiful places to explore, and the Gentlings were such gracious hosts, I could have stayed there all day! You've captured the garden's essence beautifully, Carolyn.

    So nice to visit with you again at Fling! We finally had a nice rain last night, so I won't be needing any "jail" for my containers anytime soon:)

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    1. My favorite by far, too, Rose. Such a pleasure to see you again and not be rushed like in Chicago. I'm off to the Outer Banks on the Atlantic and am trying out my jail for the first time. Hope my 'maters and flares ( flowers ) are alive when I get back :-)

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  5. A very nice post of images and ideas. This was a great garden. I did see this post previously and commented, but my comment must have been rejected by Blogger. I have been having trouble, and seeing no comments here, fear it may happen again.

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    1. Been having trouble with the comment section, Donna, so sorry. Hope to work the kinks out soon.

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  6. This was absolutely my favorite garden, and you've captured it so well! Some day, I hope our gardens emulate the Gentling gardens.

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  7. This was such a great garden and yes, I too saw where Mother Nature had more of a hand then the gardeners. Well, not really but the Gardeners sure paid attention to Mother Nature’s ways. Can you believe I never made it to the pond? I became sidetracked and ended up just above the pond and below but never made it to the one spot! I am sure I missed more spots as well. Even though we had lots of time in this garden, there was so much to see that I did not see it all….

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  8. Thanks to all of you who left comments - sorry to be late in responding but I've been having trouble with this section and am just now getting around to repairing it. So nice meeting each and everyone of you on our great garden visits.

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  9. Dear CC: Great blog and gorgeous fotos. Thanks for your comments on my blog, too, at statebystategardening.com/carolinas under the blog tab, my blog is "The Backyard Dirt". Just started this under Carolina Gardening magazine. My slant is on veggie gardening after moving from California back home in May last year having been gone for 40 years. Biblical huh? Thanks again for visiting The Backyard Dirt. Y'all come back, ya hear?

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