Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Historic Garden

Set within the grounds of a 1930s Georgian residence, this garden was reimagined as a series of interconnected outdoor rooms, balancing the property's historic character with a contemporary approach to garden living. Previously overlooked and enclosed by neighbouring properties, the landscape has been transformed into a secluded retreat, combining architectural structure with generous, naturalistic planting.

The site's proximity to a former nineteenth-century ketchup factory adds an unexpected layer to its history. Remnants of old masonry and buried foundations presented considerable challenges when introducing new trees and establishing the garden's structure. Working around these existing conditions became an integral part of the design process.

Privacy and enclosure were central to the masterplan. Pleached trees establish a natural screen along the boundaries, while bespoke architectural trellis provides a framework for climbing plants, filtering views without compromising light. Custom-designed archways establish a sequence of interconnected garden rooms, framing views and encouraging exploration through richly layered perennial planting.

A series of natural stone pathways leads through the gardens towards an octagonal French limestone fountain, designed by DEA and handcrafted in France. Positioned at the culmination of a carefully composed garden axis, the fountain is surrounded by clipped boxwood and hydrangeas, creating a secluded focal point within the wider landscape.

Elsewhere, a sculptural serpentine swimming pool curves around a magnificent mature beech tree, preserving its commanding presence within the garden. A simple moss planting bed surrounds the tree, providing a quiet counterpoint to the pool's vivid blue water. Bespoke ironwork hoops support climbing roses, establishing a soft architectural threshold between the poolside and adjoining perennial gardens while maintaining carefully framed views towards the outdoor kitchen.

The planting strategy combines a restrained evergreen framework with an abundant succession of seasonal colour. Echinacea, irises, peonies, climbing roses and summer-flowering perennials introduce texture, movement and changing interest throughout the growing season, softening the garden's more formal architectural elements.

Carefully concealed landscape lighting extends the experience of the garden into the evening. Mature specimen trees are illuminated to reveal their sculptural branching structures, with discreetly positioned fixtures preserving their natural character and introducing a further layer of depth after dark.

The resulting landscape balances the site's historic character and established natural beauty with a contemporary sequence of intimate garden spaces, designed for privacy, exploration and outdoor living.