Also available to print or save as a PDF

The Point Claiborne, Maryland
Project Background
When this homeowner called one spring day and recounted a recent error in construction regarding her swimming
pool, the story of this intriguing site was underway. The error occurred when the pool company flagged the four
corners of the rectangular pool, so the excavator would know where to dig. In the meantime, the carpentry crew
hard at work building the guest house moved the flags. The flags were now caddywompus and totally out of square
with the house. Their original design intent was lost. The usual way of siting a new pool, so it aligns architecturally
with the house, was no more.
The pleasant woman on the phone explained the story and suggested that I come see her and her husband to
discuss helping them with their garden design. She wanted to take the newly constructed pool (just the pool was
built at this point/no surround or patio was in place). Her dream vision included magically making this rectangular
pool appear more intrinsic, like a pond in a natural setting. And, of course, the design meeting had to take place
right away, with the work to follow quickly, and the garden installation likewise.
This call came in in the middle of a busy day, in the midst of a spring season that was already well underway. I
hemmed and hawed and hesitated. I was not certain I would be able to work with their demanding schedule. Her
response was that I should really come to see them, that I would be pleased to take on the challenge once I saw the
site.
She was, of course, absolutely correct.
The Challenge
The gardens were designed to suit the architecture, provide texture and color in all seasons and fit visually within
the existing landscape. They had to survive, thrive and look like they belonged.
A three-mile north/northeast fetch allows ferocious winter winds to kick-up across the river on one side, requiring
that those plants be tolerant of salt spray and buffeting winds. This exposure, teamed with the guest house southfacing gardens, provided their own horticultural challenges. A quieter creek balanced the other side of the point.
To those demands add a sprinkling of hungry deer and a family that loves to build fires, entertain by the pool, drive
boats through the property to the launching ramp, and walk down the long wooded lane between the main house
and guest house late into the night. Toss in a couple of big dogs who love to run freely through the gardens, a
pre-existing drainage problem that caused rain water to run between the guest house and the swimming pool, and
a desire for cutting flowers during the season.
This garden had plenty of design and plant selection challenges to wrap my head around.
POP BOX 246 7156 COOPER POINT ROAD BOZMAN, MARYLAND 21612
T 410 745 5252 F 410 745 6425 JKIRSH@JANKIRSH.COM WWW.JANKIRSHSTUDIO.COM
Project Overview
•
The Point project began with the guest house garden and later the main house gardens.
•
The property is secluded and includes both open fields and mature woods. The site is dramatic with a
broad riverfront location.
•
There are long views in every direction, stunning vistas of waterfront, farm fields or woodlands, so the
gardens had to make bold statements and hold their own against the existing features. The river is ever present,
and I had nearly all of the compass points to contend with when selecting plants.
The Process
At the guest house:
•
Using irregular stone slabs, the pool patio was designed with plenty of seating space
•
A fire pit was designed and situated near the pool; the stone patio tails off in a semi-circular swirl, creating
a footpath to the rustic in ground fire pit location
•
The plantings nestle up against the pool to provide that desired pond-like appearance
•
The farmer who planted the adjacent agricultural lands readily agreed to plow his fields so they were
compatible with the organic bed and patio shapes. This coordinated artful layout is easily viewed from the second
story guest house porch.
•
The drainage problem was solved with the installation of a dry stream bed that eventually wends its way to
the cove on the west side of the property. Storm water trzavels a great distance, allowing much of the moisture to
be absorbed by the lawn, fields, and woodland plants, before filtering into the creek. There are stepping stone
boulders that give sure footing on the way to the pool through the stream bed.
•
The long views from the pool to the river were preserved and enhanced with planting beds that provide a
riot of summer color and the texture and movement of ornamental grasses, all while maintaining a sense
of enclosure.
•
Subtle lighting highlights the woods on the back side of the guest house and around the pool area gardens.
•
Lighting continues up the driveway and through the woods, allowing visitors to make their way back to the
guest house late at night, in the deep darkness.
At the main house:
•
A stone main walkway and entry landing were designed to, at the client’s request, carry forth the informal,
artistic style of the guest house hardscape.
•
The main walkway also needed to be designed and built so that a small boat trailer could be driven across
the main walk and lawn, on the way to the boat ramp.
•
The shoreline gardens are seen in every season and take the brunt of the winds. Subject to pounding
storms, tolerance to salt spray and intense winds was a necessity. The plants also had to provide color and, even
better, berry and seed snacks for birds. The shrubs provide long lasting summer and fall color which is further
accentuated by golden rod, native sporobolus and panicum grasses.
POP BOX 246 7156 COOPER POINT ROAD BOZMAN, MARYLAND 21612
T 410 745 5252 F 410 745 6425 JKIRSH@JANKIRSH.COM WWW.JANKIRSHSTUDIO.COM
•
Another main feature is the east-side, stepping stone walk which is hugged by abundant hydrangea.
Project Date
2003 to present
Collaborating Contractors
Terra Nova Designs, Bill Strickland
Stewart Excavations, Larry Stewart
Timmy Dobson Lawn and Landscape, Timmy Dobson
D.W. Masonry, Dave Smith
Charles Paul Goebel Architect, Charles Goebel
POP BOX 246 7156 COOPER POINT ROAD BOZMAN, MARYLAND 21612
T 410 745 5252 F 410 745 6425 JKIRSH@JANKIRSH.COM WWW.JANKIRSHSTUDIO.COM
POP BOX 246 7156 COOPER POINT ROAD BOZMAN, MARYLAND 21612
T 410 745 5252 F 410 745 6425 JKIRSH@JANKIRSH.COM WWW.JANKIRSHSTUDIO.COM