Parks & Recreation Department - Notable Yards 2009

WESTERN BRANCH
Paul and Linda English
3509 Mimosa Court

Paul and Linda English’s yard is simply stunning. Paul, a Professor of Business Administration at Tidewater Community College, is the primary gardener. The garden reflects the man—studious, curious, passionate, and well-traveled.

He has traveled to and worked in Asia. His garden has an Asian-feel, with large, curved beds with walking paths covered with pine straw, boulders, and water features throughout. On his WEB page on TCC’s WEB site, Paul describes an Asian garden in this way: “There should be a balance in everything associated with the garden. This means that attention is given to: type (deciduous or evergreen), height (tall or short), color, texture (soft or coarse), blooming time, and the amount of space that is open or closed. . . Open space is as important as planted space; each contributes to the overall effect. . . Serenity is the key.”

Paul has included at least 50 Japanese maple trees in the gardens. Interesting, curving outdoor furniture from Indonesia adds to the effect. He has recently added a large greenhouse, which he designed. Tasteful, Asian art is placed throughout the gardens. Creative lighting highlights the plantings. A stone mosaic motif has been used throughout the landscape—as garden edging, along the foundation of the greenhouse, and as a stunning wall as a water feature on the side of the carport.

Linda is an event planner. The couple’s yard is a perfect spot for large parties, weddings and gatherings, which the couple has hosted.

Six or seven compost bins are scattered throughout the property. Many shades of green create interest and serve as a backdrop for plantings. Most of the plantings are perennial, with some annuals used for their color. Several varieties of maple trees are in the gardens, including a beautiful butterfly maple, as well as at least 50 Japanese maples. Other plants include Colorado blue spruce, acuba, azaleas, purple passion, lantana, cypress, mondo grass, Carolina Jasmine, wisteria, and many others.

NOTE: For more photosgraphs or to read Paul’s description of his garden go to his WEB page on Tidewater Community College’s WEB site at http://www.tcc.edu/faculty/webpages/PEnglish.