GARDENS
Part of the funds raised for the garden
are in an endowment for its contin-
ued care. Laurie’s team also created a
very detailed document that explains
the intentions of the gardens, color
schemes, replacement suggestions and
pruning guidelines. There is also more
technical information about fertilizing.
And just as important, there are specific
areas where the director of gardens can
use his or her own creativity.
Laurie says, “On a project like this,
we are installing plants to reach matu-
rity, knowing we may have to thin
some areas as they mature. I’d like to
think that the garden will still be here
100 years from now.” n
ABOUT THE LANDSCAPE DESIGNER
Laurie Durden is a Charlotte, NC, native
and owner of Laurie Durden Garden
Design. She has a graduate degree in
Landscape Architecture from the University
of Virginia’s School of Architecture, studied
art history as an undergraduate and cred-
its travel with her appreciation for a wide
range of styles. Laurie begins each project
with a thorough investigation of the exist-
ing site conditions, including topography,
sunlight, views and existing plants, as well as the context, architecture and character of
the site. She is then able to create enduring landscapes that enhance the way her clients
live. She enjoys travel, being with her family and working in her own garden. Laurie and
her husband live in Charlotte with their two daughters and two dogs (a Goldendoodle and
Labradoodle). Laurie’s work has appeared in Garden & Gun, Charlotte Home+Garden and
QC Exclusive, among other publications.
SUMMER 2019
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