Janet Butler
When it comes to water, many of us can’t get too much of it; a layout like this Modern Natural Garden by Netherlands landscape architect Jacques van Leuken is right up our alleys! This 70s-era brick first got its own facelift, from ordinary beige brick to a whitewashed and minimalist look, complete with new terraces; then, of course, the garden was remade as a fitting setting for it. This garden actually encompasses two distinct “feels”: one, a sleek lap pool with adjacent pool house, and the other a squared-off lagoon in the midst of a sculpted garden and seating area. From the patio with its woven-look furnishings, the lagoon and greenery are restful sights; you can easily imagine sitting there for that first cup of tea in the morning, watching the sun rise over the water.
Ramble down the stone steps from the terrace and you pass carefully positioned flowerbeds, plantings that soften the rectangular lines of the manmade pond. Shade from mature trees edges the property, framing a mirror-reflection of the home; besides thick beds of ferns, a discreet wrought iron fence provides privacy for the grounds. On the other hand, when it’s time to party, the pool and pool house stand ready, framed with delightful beds of lupines in pink and purple, set off by white stone paths, and backed by a secondary “privacy fence” of trees. Here, there’s an outdoor kitchen and eating area as well as plush white lawn furniture…and more. With a delightfully natural ambience, this property serves both the owners and its environment well — just one of the innovative “natural” gardens from Jacques van Leuken.
