As the demand for beautiful outdoor spaces grows, homeowners are increasingly drawn to gardens that blend aesthetics with functionality.
Here are three stunning home gardens that showcase diverse styles and inspirations, each offering a unique atmosphere that elevates outdoor living.
**European-Style Entertaining**
Nestled in Buckhead, a French-inspired estate on Habersham Road captures the essence of sophisticated outdoor entertaining.
Despite being a new construction, the architecture, created by Pak Heydt & Associates, seamlessly integrates with the timeless aesthetic of European design.
Landscape architect John Howard of Howard Design Studio worked closely with the homeowners to create a resort-like atmosphere in their backyard.
The garden features a symmetrical layout, beginning with a charming terrace accessible through a series of French doors.
This inviting space allows homeowners to entertain guests while enjoying the beauty of their surroundings.
An oversized spa leads into the pool area, designed with understated elegance through details like cascading steps and built-in benches.
At the end of the pool, a custom-designed pool house complements the main residence, functioning as an outdoor command center.
To add more versatility, a fire pit was strategically placed in front of the pool house; it can function as a sunning platform during warm months with the addition of custom cushions.
A mix of classic whites and greens harmonizes the garden’s foliage, which comprises formal hedges, topiaries, and various climbing flora such as Boston ivy and climbing hydrangeas.
A stylish parterre garden transitions from the property into the motor court, while boxwoods and an arch adorned with Madison jasmine create focal points.
The enclosure of wax leaf Ligustrum trees enhances the pool area’s intimacy, giving the sense of an outdoor room.
The high-contrast modern take on established European garden concepts beautifully marries elegance with a resort-like appeal without forsaking natural beauty.
**An Enchanting Forest**
In Brookhaven, a fieldstone home stands out as one of the few of its kind in Atlanta.
Owner Jack Huber reflects on his first encounter with the property, built in 1935 and originally overrun by nature.
This gem, showcasing natural stones, lured the couple into becoming caretakers of the property in the late 1960s.
They embarked on a journey to cultivate the nearly acre-sized lot, transforming the wild backyard into a garden oasis inspired by the work of celebrated landscape architect Edith Henderson.
While the front yard reflects Henderson’s original vision, the back garden evolved into a captivating attraction that complements it.
Huber and his wife embraced their identities as avid landscape gardeners, incorporating elements from legendary master gardener Ryan Gainey.
They carefully maintained the original garden’s footprint while adding a screened porch, one of Huber’s favorite spots on the property.
The backyard showcases naturalistic curves and organic lines, with its flowing circular pea gravel pathways reminiscent of eastern philosophies.
It features tranquil koi ponds, stone elements, and plants native to Asia, such as bamboo and Japanese maples.
Artwork by Andrew Crawford, well-known for his contributions at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, adds serene focal points to the landscape.
Although the stable that once graced the garden has vanished, a new garden house with a stone facade mirrors the main house’s charm.
Huber recalls the process of continuous development and embellishment that led to their participation in the Atlanta Botanical Garden tour from 2000 for three consecutive years.
Even as the couple prepares to move on, Huber cherishes the lifestyle the property has created for them over the decades.
**Radiant River Living**
Further afield, a Knoxville estate embraces its idyllic setting along the Tennessee River through innovative landscape design.
Landscape architect Stephen W. Hackney commenced the renovation process in 2021, collaborating with architect Stan Dixon and interior designer Beth Webb to revitalize the property.
Faced with unique challenges posed by the river’s topography, Hackney transformed these constraints into opportunities for designing distinct outdoor areas.
He skillfully defined spaces suitable for entertaining while allowing the natural beauty of the surroundings to take center stage.
The seamless blend of traditional English design with transitional elements earns the property its allure of casual elegance.
Hackney’s approach focuses on a strong evergreen foundation, ensuring a vibrant landscape year-round.
He then layered in seasonal plantings with a mix of textures and colors, including sweetbay magnolias, boxwoods, hydrangeas, and lamb’s ear, enhancing visual interest throughout the year.
The hardscape elements mirror this layered philosophy with a bold combination of materials like Pennsylvania bluestone and Indiana limestone, adding dimension to the outdoor spaces.
Recognized for its excellence, the estate landscape design won the prestigious 2024 Philip Trammell Shutze Award, bringing accolades not only to Hackney’s work but also a new chapter in his life.
His journey culminated in marrying his client, Patricia Bible, as the couple made the home their own in 2022.
Seeing the design they envisioned come to life has provided Hackney with both personal and professional satisfaction, offering him a renewed perspective on his practice.
These three swoon-worthy home gardens from Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Knoxville each tell distinct stories, demonstrating how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can influence homeowners’ lifestyles while enhancing their connection to nature.
image source from：https://simplybuckhead.com/estately-gardens/
