Tyler Horsley is the person behind the garden which featured the Japanese grass that I love so much (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’).

After inquiring with him about his other design work, he agreed to share another project that involved plant choices for the seasons. This is a patio in Harlem that is used for entertaining and gets a lot of sun (and wind). The plants are used to frame off the open views, rather than obstruct them.

After the jump you can see the before/after shots, some close-ups of the project, and read through the plant list...

The fiberglass planters are set high to help the plants frame off the views. Some will perennials will blossom into fall (like the hydrangea), others will change leaf colors or remain green into winter. My favorite is the Crataegus tree that will have bright red berries in the winter. The perennials will continue to grow out over the years and provide more structure and seclusion. All of these choices are relatively easy to maintain, tough enough to stand up to the windy conditions of the patio and mostly need to just be kept hydrated. And for that, Tyler installed a watering system.

Plant list:

Perennials:

• Crataegus ‘Winter King’ - white blossoms in May, beautiful peeling bark, changing fall foliage, and bright red berries in winter.


• Euonymus ‘Green Spire’ - a shrub, good for hedging and great for narrow spaces.


• Spirea ‘Tor’ - Clusters of white flowers, the foliage changes color in fall.


• Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’ - delicate lacy flowers, very late blooming.


• Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Kosteri’ - compact evergreen shrub with beautiful form, good for having green all year round


• Liriope ‘Big Blue’ - Grassy leaves, spreads and puts up purple flowers later in summer.


• Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ - The famous golden creeping Jenny! Bright golden green foliage, a tough ground cover that will grow and drape over the sides of the planters.

Annuals: Lantana, Callibrachoa, bedding Begonias, and Asparagus fern.

Thanks to Tyler for sharing another of his creations, and to the kind owners of this apartment for agreeing to let AT share their enviable outdoor space with our readers. Although this post was about the plants, it also looks like a wonderful space to enjoy the sunsets and spend time with friends.

matt at apartment therapy dot com