The Noell Garden
Paula Davis Noell
232 Glandon Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Terraces Tame the Terrain
The inclined lot welcomes with a curving drive bordered by verdant boxwood and weeping cherries before proceeding to a multi-level, stone walled terrace set before the house. Much was replanted after the owners moved here in 2006, though most of the trees are original. The problem solving hardscaping was built with the house in 1996. The emphasis is on perennials and pachysandra replaces grass. Vibrant clematis and trumpet vine frame and soften the entrance. The drive leads around the side of the house to a conveniently placed herb garden.
Behind the house, a brick paved patio affords a peaceful view of stone walled terraces and serene ponds on two levels, one with goldfish and a spouting fountain, another cascading into the pond below. Notable features include a butterfly garden with vine-clad arbors on the uppermost level and a boxwood bordered bed of daylilies and crocosmia. A unique feature of this garden are the Thailand tree peonies. The boxwood are managed by giving cuttings to a local church for holiday wreaths.
Through the use of deer-resistant plants and spraying to retrain the local herd, the property is maintained without deer fencing. The family cat, Doodle, makes regular patrols.
Annie Lewis of Creative LivingScapes and Destria Bream worked together to update the garden for the homeowners. Destria is now the main caretaker. Bryan Lowrance of Bartlett Tree keeps the shrubs and trees healthy.
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