Nestled in coastal Niantic, Beth’s garden is more than just a landscape—it’s a story, a memory, and a celebration of life in full bloom. Designed by Ingrid, Burnett’s landscape designer, this garden captures beauty, meaning, and the essence of its owner, drawing inspiration from both Piet Oudolf’s painterly, naturalistic planting style and Beth’s cherished childhood memories of Little Compton, Rhode Island.
Beth’s home, a charming 1700s house that may once have been a chicken farm, provides the perfect backdrop for a garden that feels timeless yet personal. From the moment she envisioned her space, Beth knew she wanted a professional to help bring it to life—saving time, avoiding trial-and-error, and ensuring she could simply enjoy her garden.
A Garden for Life
The garden was designed with Beth’s lifestyle in mind. She loves spending time outdoors with her granddaughters, Chloe and Dorthia, teaching them how to cut flowers and create bouquets from the garden’s blooms. To honor this, Ingrid kept the hydrangeas at Beth’s request, while layering in lavender, perennial geraniums, sedum, verbena, Solomon’s seal, and ornamental grasses to create movement, texture, and seasonal color year-round.
Pollinator-friendly and drought-resistant, the garden thrives in all four seasons. Cool tones dominate, reflecting Beth’s personal aesthetic, and prairie grasses and purple blooms echo the natural landscapes she grew up with, while providing shelter and food for bees and other pollinators.
A Collaborative, Personalized Design Process
Beth was hands-on in her own way, digging in with Ingrid while selecting plants, but she also appreciated the expertise and guidance of a professional. Ingrid’s approach balanced Beth’s wishes with practical design: removing the lawn while keeping the space natural, working around a tight driveway, and creating a layout that’s both effortless and visually striking.
The process included:
- On-site consultation and property measurement
- Scaled drawings of the proposed design
- A detailed plant list tailored to the client’s tastes and the local environment
- Full installation coordination (or guidance for a DIY approach, if desired)
Beth encourages anyone considering a landscape designer to take the leap. She suggests starting with a walk around the neighborhood to see what thrives, reflecting on personal taste, and then trusting the designer to bring it all together.
The Result
The garden feels informal yet carefully curated, a reflection of both Oudolf-inspired style and Beth’s personal history. The combination of structured design, naturalistic planting, and personalized touches makes it a space that’s functional, beautiful, and alive with stories.
Beth’s garden is a perfect example of how Burnett’s landscape design services can transform your property: from consultation to scaled drawings and plant selection, our team ensures that every garden is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal.
