Parks & Recreation Department - Notable Yards 2006

GREAT BRIDGE. Richard and Janet Lantz. 849 Washington Drive.

Richard and Janet Lantz have created a natural paradise that gives the feeling of being far away—but is, in fact, right in the middle of bustling Great Bridge.  They have landscaped two acres of a six-acre lot.

Colorful flowers and plants have been massed to give a bountiful feel to a large area.   The colorful groupings create quite an impact.  “We grow herbs and lots of perennials,” said Janet.  “We don’t mulch.  When something comes up, we just move it.  We like to propagate plants and to grow them from seeds.”

Everything in the yard is large-scale, but with an eye to detail.  A beautiful, large bridge has been built across a pond with a fountain.  “I visited Paris and loved Monet’s Garden,” said Janet.  When I returned home, my husband made a bridge like the one in Paris.”  He also made a deck that is off of the couple’s second-story bedroom.  They can use the deck—and the shady area under it.

The garden is fragrant and colorful, home to hummingbirds and butterflies.