Natural Elegance

Last week, spring officially sprung, and since then we’ve been dreaming of secret gardens—and garden-inspired elements—that capture all the romance and promise that the new season brings. From the marriage of nature’s unruliness with a sense of man-imposed order to the sophisticated and soothing palette, formal gardens embody everything that we love about spring, so we’re starting off the season with a celebration of gorgeous outdoor spaces and items that demonstrate their influence. (See below for list of items featured above.)

Dallas-based Lambert Landscape Company‘s work has us feeling wonderfully flush with spring fever. The award-winning firm has been designing and caring for gardens in the area for nearly a century, and their expertise is evident in projects like the one above, as well as many others found in their endlessly inspiring portfolio. Carefully manicured hedges, detailed concrete planters, ivy climbing up the facade…everything about the above scene makes us long for such a special outdoor retreat.

tsg-formal-gardnens-dress-fiftyfifty-parisbalconyWho can resist the refined moodiness of florals set against a dark background, as in the garden party-ready Dolce & Gabbana orange blossom print dress available from Capitol in Charlotte and the sublime arrangement by the creative experts at event and floral design firm 50fifty in Naples? Equally enticing is an 18th century Parisian wrought iron balcony with a once gilded letter “M,” spotted on Atlanta-based Architectural Accents’s Instagram feed, which is ideal for adorning one’s garden gates. If we stumbled across it we’d go to great lengths to find out what lies on the other side.

tsg-sword-gate-house-chsThe historic Sword Gate House, which bears a historic marker thanks to the help of the Preservation Society of Charleston, dates back to 1803, and the garden at the legendary house feels like a place that holds centuries of memories. Thanks to sculptural elements, live oaks, fruit trees, and romantic walkways, no doubt it will host countless memorable moments for years to come.

tsg-formal-gardens-walls-transitionsThe creation by Chicago’s Craig Bergmann Landscape Design (top) has us simply swooning. The lush hydrangea and curved hedge showing a peek of lavender just beyond beckons us to get lost among the natural beauty. Meanwhile, the early 20th century hand-carved limestone gazebo enclosed by a wrought iron pierced dome available from Palm Beach’s Authentic Provence is ripe for a rendezvous, and the dreamy space by Dallas’s Lambert Landscape Company (above, right), looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale.

Here, another Craig Bergmann Landscape Design space appears to be the ultimate secret garden—the color contrasts, multi-levels, variety of foliage, and, of course, the entrance epitomize the magic and mystery of of spring.

Featured in collage at top:

1. Beautiful grounds by Lambert Landscape Company in Dallas, Texas.
2. 19th c. Copper Architectural Element from Bohland and Graham in Richmond.
3. “Secret Garden” 19th century French statue of a hidden face carved by hand out of solid block of limestone. One piece, bush hammered plinth on square base. Measures 68.5″H x 17″ W x 17″ D. From Authentic Provence in West Palm Beach, Florida.
4. Greek 19th Century Terra Cotta Statue of a Lady from Fireside Antiques in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
5. Pair of Large Italian Carved Gilt Candle Sconces from LaDonna Antiques and Interiors in Charlotte, North Carolina.
6. Gardener’s Dream Medium Greenhouse (measures 58.375ĘşW Ă— 34.875ĘşD Ă— 52.0ĘşH) from Chairish in San Francisco, California.
7. Oscar de la Renta Floral Cat Eye Sunglasses available from Marissa Collections in Naples, Florida.
8. 75 King Street, a historic property affiliated with the Preservation Society of Charleston.
9. Givenchy glitter embellished pumps from Capitol in Charlotte, North Carolina.
10. Embroidered tea length Oscar de la Renta gown from Marissa Collections in Naples, Florida.
11. Stone Sphinx from Architectural Accents in Atlanta, Georgia.