Setting Priorities

The first goal for a commercial project is to garner attention, both from the casual passers-by and also from the client who is looking for the address. I envisioned landscaping that was indicative of the spirit and tone of Jill and her business: inviting yet elegant, friendly, vibrant and also, transitional to blend gracefully into the neighborhood.

One of my first decrees was to eliminate a poorly defined gravel parking spot that was, literally, in the front yard. Cars are never an attractive part of the landscape, and the adjacent parking lot had adequate slots for visitors, so the parking space was redundant. However, as the space was also necessary for loading and unloading for deliveries, we covered the area with slate chips that are both aesthetically pleasing yet also able to function as a staging area for deliveries.

For the overall design, I added a series of horizontal bands emanating from the building reaching out to the public. Because the space is small, many of the elements do double duty. The gravel walkways add structure and texture, but also organize drainage. A wooden screen creates a hidden area for utility items yet is also adorned with a flowering vine.

As you will see in the photos on our website (www.mckinnonassociates.com) and when you drive by, the landscape is filled with movement. I replaced the traditional residential treatment with geometry that both adds structure while adding contrast and texture. The layers of plant materials add height, depth and direction.

Yellow is the color of sunshine

Yellow, the color that the human brain processes fastest, grabs attention at the curb where a stand of bright rudbeckia stops the eye. The plant is easy to grow and maintain and also evergreen. Other elements recall the business beyond the landscape. Beautiful Belgian lamps were refitted and light the area after dark.

Low maintenance is a key

Another priority for any commercial property is ease of maintenance. Anything too intricate or complicated can quickly become a problem for the owner. The plant materials used for this project are hearty and require no fussing or special treatment. In fact, McKinnon Associates handles the maintenance for the landscape at Brown Lighting and we find that, on average, a visit every other week is satisfactory to keep the landscape in proper order.

Stop By

It was very rewarding to be able to design this garden for Jill Brown. She is passionate about her store, and I believe that our landscape reflects her attitude. I hope you will take a ride down Alabama and stop by her shop at 2940 Ferndale to admire not only her lights and antiques, but also her garden. And, I hope you’ll take a minute to visit our website and learn more about the details of this project.