Visit the gardens of Lauren Blanton and Daniel Canty at 2618 Morrison from 10:00 to 11:30 AM on Saturday, September 11. Mask Required Please!

When Lauren Blanton and Daniel Canty bought the property in the late 1990s, they had just come to appreciate the Craftsman style, the Craftsman philosophy and the prevalence of both in the Woodland Heights. The front yard has been completely reconfigured to reflect this. The lawn and front walk were eliminated, and a new porch was added to accommodate a circular walk. The trees were planted early on to provide much-needed shade from the western sun, while the lawn has been replaced with low-maintenance plantings intended to resemble a forest floor.

The driveway begins a long axis that terminates at the gazebo (construction in progress) and establishes the formal phase of the property. Since there was no existing garage, they were able to design and build a structure that better reflected the shape of the long, narrow property. The by-product of this orientation is a motor court which provides the only open space and carries the vista from the street to the gazebo, suggesting, but not revealing, the depth of the property.

The concrete fence provides a backdrop for a mix of plants including vines, canna lilies and a variety of native plants, which soften its impact considerably. The kitchen garden and pathway link the buildings. The raised beds include herbs for kitchen use as well as many plants that require full sun.

The pergola at the end of the motor court marks the transition from the formal to the semi-formal, curvilinear areas: the terrace, water garden and shady bower. The terrace sits on a 10,000-gallon cistern which is fed by ground drains around the building and supplements the irrigation system. It provides a seating area for guests and is in full shade by mid-afternoon. The falls and water garden provide soothing white noise to mask the sounds of the surrounding area, as well as attracting numerous birds, amphibians and flying insects. Once well-shaded, a multi-trunk river birch and mature olive tree were lost in the winter freeze, allowing for the sun-drenched corner.

By contrast, a downward path leads to the bower area under the ever-expanding Drummond Maple and fringe trees. It is the lowest point on the property and like the front yard, is intended to resemble a forest floor. It is a favorite place to sit quietly and enjoy the view of the water garden through the flowers, shrubs and trees.

The best aspects of the garden are its resilience and adaptability. Through floods, hurricanes, freeze and drought, they still have a welcoming space to share with family and friends.

Their vision for the garden was captured by landscape designer Pam August and the landscaping was executed by Bella Terra.

The Heights Garden Tours are always free. Bring a friend.