McHale Landscape Design trimmed the cottage-style house with fragrant viburnum, Schip laurel, Nikko blue hydrangea and boxwood; a bed of drift roses lies on the right. On the left, a secluded spa and plunge pool beckon.
The owners of a cottage-style home overlooking Spa Creek in Annapolis called on McHale Landscape Design of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, to design and maintain the grounds of their one-third-acre property. Landscape architect Steve McHale drew up a plan that accentuates water vistas while strategically screening neighboring homes for privacy. A plunge pool and spa are nestled next to the home while an inviting lawn, mature trees and ornamental beds line the shore.
“The plant selection for this location primarily consists of salt-tolerant species that can withstand strong winds coming off the water, including fragrant viburnum and Nikko blue hydrangea,” says McHale. “One challenge is winter weather, as evergreen shrubs are susceptible to winter burn. However, since most of the landscape consists of perennials, this is largely mitigated.”
Eco-friendly measures protect the estuary environment. “We filled a dry creek bed on the left of the property with River Jacks gravel to slow runoff and promote infiltration,” he adds. Led by Emily McHale Pike, the maintenance team adheres to a largely organic turf program to avoid chemical runoff.
Potted red geraniums, the owners’ favorite annual, add a bold splash of color. In the surrounding beds, a verdant blend of Schip laurel and boxwood are surrounded by daylilies, echinacea and lacecap hydrangea. “The clients ask us to leave spent flowers on flowering plants,” notes Pike. “They attract song birds that are regular visitors to the property.”