607 Emory Drive – Creative Cottage Garden
Strolling this charming garden, imagine it once was a tangled mass of bamboo, ivy, and weeds. The Baddours began its gradual transformation in 1988. In 2011, Dick Baddour retired from his long career at UNC and lovingly transferred his skills to building a garden, after building an athletic department. Lynda Baddour, an artist and former teacher, lavished her aesthetic sensibilities on this ½-acre suburban oasis. These hands-on gardeners created something special.
Our enjoyment begins immediately: impeccable turf, peonies, roses, and thoughtfully-chosen foundation plantings. Iris, heuchera, ferns, and spring bloomers grow profusely along the driveway, contained by rock walls. The tidy wood shop and family basketball court, bordered by cypress, testify to beloved pastimes. Entering the wrought iron gates, we are presented high-contrast multi-dimensional planting areas artfully layered with dogwood, Japanese maple, viburnum, magnolia, loropetalum, Jacob’s ladder, hydrangea, and hosta. Numerous camellia deliver 3 seasons of reliable bloom. Bird feeders, statuary, and benches along the meandering paths accent our ramble, encouraging a pause to appreciate the tableau. Water management proved tricky in the sloping garden and led the gardeners to seek professional guidance. Lynda’s perfectly proportioned artist studio anchors the lower garden; its swing and rocking chair allow views across the garden to the rear deck. Frost-proof gardenia perfumes the ascent to the elevated deck overlooking the idyllic creation. Gnarled wisteria vines seem integral to the deck’s structure. Breathing the sweet scent, we spy a controlled remnant of bamboo and are soothed by the tranquil breeze rustling its reeds. (Bonus: The art studio will be open!)
Highlighted Plants: (click on name for information on the plant)
Terrain: Some wheelchair access, Climbing stairs and/or walking over uneven pavement