Located on Connecticut’s Cos Cob Harbor looking toward Flat Neck Point in Greenwich, this is the third garden for now empty-nester clients who were looking to downsize. The design program began with two goals: the reinterpretation of a large and beloved water feature (a nod to their former garden) and the establishment of their first large production vegetable garden – a hobby in the wake of fewer family demands.

This traditional, shingle-style house was positioned to maximize stunning views of the water, however the building’s orientation meant that the “back” of the house had limited space to place a water feature or vegetable garden, let alone both. This required their atypical placement on the south side of the house within the entry garden!

Careful planning and design gave both of the elements an organic sensibility that immediately knit them into the fabric of the property. The vegetable garden is tucked into a space adjacent to the front door and enclosed on one side with a beautifully detailed wood fence. The opposite end is screened with tall, espaliered pear trees. The driveway and forecourt were relocated from the front of the house to accommodate a gracious entry walkway and large lily pond. The source of the water appears to be coming from under the house – as would be the case in an old spring house – hence the name and inspiration of the garden. The water appears to fall over a natural ledge into a pool adorned with Lotus and Lily pads. Broad Lawn steps lead to the waterfront side of the house, which is complemented by the existing towering beech trees and a new ground cover of Anemone, Sedge, and Coral Bells.