Chanticleer Gardens

A bitminous path surface mixed with a local stone that has oxidized in the sun. The path is broken up by the tiles.

A garden bed filled with alocasia - I could just imagine kids hiding under the leaves.

A short (8" tall) living fence created with yellow twig dogwood.

One of many plant lists available throughout the Gardens. None of the plants in the garden were labeled, rather guests are encouraged to refer to the plant lists or ask a nearby staff member. All plant list locations were identified on the visitor map.

Bromeliads hanging from a dogwood tree

Throughout the garden, clusters of chairs replaced benches as places to sit. Many chairs were painted to match the plant surrounding the chair - in this case a horse chestnut.

A raked gravel garden in front of the main house. I could see the possibility of allowing children to rake their own designs in the gravel.

All of the accents in the garden (plant list boxes, benches, bridges, drinking fountains, etc.) are all created by the designer of the garden.

Flowers and leaves floating in a water-filled pot in front of the couch on the porch of the house.

Bamboo art amidst the bamboo. Each stalk was crafted from clay "tubes" slid onto a piece of rebar. This could be a very easy community art project, with each child creating one section.

A shallow water feature set into the patio.

The Apple Shed, restored and painted by one of the horticulturists.

Gingko's woven together to create a living fence. A small sculpture is tucked into the rocks below the word "flor".

A handmade drinking fountain - the excess water drains into the stone below, carved like a vine.

Inside the Japanese-inspired restroom. The window panels look like rice paper, but are highly insulative (R55).

A broom propped on the porch outside the Japanese inspired restrooms.

A small stream trickling down under the bridge.

A display of pitcher plants adjacent to the pond.

The chairs scattered throughout the property were much more inviting than benches.

A stream crossing

A boulder field, perfect for climbing and playing.

A handicapped accessible drinking fountain

Flagstone carved with oak leaves and acorn sculptures placed among oak seedlings.

Fireplace and "table" in the ruins.

Upright boxwood were spaced just close enough for children to weave in an among them.

Sedums growing along a wall ledge.

A chair and living carpet

Hiding space under the shrubs.

A secretive path.

Bees that were sleeping on some flowers.