APLD Members ~ Member of the Month
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Susan Olinger, APLD
APLD- Designer of the Month- March 2010
www.sterlinghort.com
The Taggart Residence
A large new addition to my client’s hillside home took up most of the usable space in the downward-sloping rear yard, so the first design solution was to tier the steep, wooded hill so that a patio could be installed. Other desires of the client were a pond and cascading waterfall, which the sloping property would easily accommodate, and a ‘cottage-style’ garden, which the shady rear yard would not accommodate.
Since the front yard was not only flat, but very sunny, I suggested a front entry ‘cottage’ garden and designed it using mostly deer-resistant plants, since that area was not fenced. A black lattice fence and gate separates the front from the rear yard, with deer fencing enclosing the rear garden area.
I then designed the side yard as a tiered woodland garden, where a bluestone walkway would lead visitors from the driveway gate gradually stepping down to a patio seating area. Alongside this walkway is a cascading stream that ends in a pond, adjacent to the seating area for viewing of fish and plants. All of this is viewed from the windows of the new kitchen and family room addition.
Removing as few of the mature trees as possible, a four-foot retaining wall was constructed to level an area wide enough for plantings and a walkway, connecting the patio seating area to the existing deck and additional garden area on the opposite side of the house. To ensure the safety of visiting grandchildren, and to address the client’s wishes for a ‘New England’ look, a white picket fence was installed above the wall, creating a backdrop for a Hydrangea hedge, Clematis, and other plantings, without obstructing the view into the woods beyond.
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Designer's Garden |
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What Inspires Susan Olinger:
When assessing a new design project, I first listen to my client’s thoughts, needs and desires, analyze the site, then go back to my studio and look into my ‘tool box’ of ideas that I have brought back from the many gardens I have studied. Having visited hundreds of gardens in my home state, different areas of the U.S, England, France, Italy and the tropics, I have collected thousands of photos of these gardens. They continuously appear on my computer screen- saver, reminding me of the ideas that stood out during my visits. I adapt an idea to the project, and that is where my creativity gets a jump start. Other ideas soon flow as I build my design. I am also inspired by plants that perform well in my own garden and by our studio library, filled with books by the greatest garden designers of all time.
Bio
Since 1996, Susan has been designing custom residential and commercial landscapes, and overseeing the installations for Sterling Horticultural Services, Morristown, NJ. In addition to attending numerous workshops and conference tours in this country and in Europe, Susan has completed certificate courses at Rutgers University and Harvard Graduate School of Design. She also holds a degree in Landscape Design from County College of Morris.
Susan began her career in a retail nursery, managed private gardens, and served a two-year internship at the Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morristown, NJ. She has lectured to groups and adult schools on garden design and plant maintenance, and is a freelance garden writer, member of the Garden Writers Association.
Susan currently serves on the Board of Directors of APLD and was founding president of its NJ Chapter. Susan can be reached at Sterling Horticultural Services at 973-252-0600, or by email at shs@gti.net. The web address is www.sterlinghort.com.
Certified Members seeking to be profiled should send before and after photos with SHORT design intent statement to:
Nicolien van Schouwen
Email: nicolien@verizon.net
* PHOTOS SHOULD BE CLEAR COLOR PRINTS OR JPEG COMPRESSED FILES