When Tim Jacobs landed in CCH in 2008, he describes the yard of his home at 3406 Brookwood as having a “good footprint”, but well, in need of a makeover. However, the former professional landscaper saw lots of potential and has brought that potential to life, earning him the CCH Beauty Spot for November 2021.
Tim mixes hardscape and eclectic plantings to create layers of stone and shades of green, framed with a brilliant canopy of fall-colored leaves. He has given considerable thought to how the rolling yard can best enhance the overall visual appeal. From a line of maple trees on the yard border, an ivy-covered stone walkway separating a lush stand of rhododendrons from a mature cluster of azaleas, the sand-colored pebbles of happy accident that dog legs the walkway – the rolling yard transitions gently from one planting area to another.
Plant selection comes down to what catches Tim’s eye and fits the budget. He also prefers landscaping that will stand the test of time even if it takes a bit longer for the initial installation. His work gives CCH a yard that greets you with the fiery red leaves of a dogwood contrasted against the still green leaves of the maples. A ring of Windsor stone encircles the trunk of a large maple and overflows with silvery-green mounds of artemisia offset by the bright yellow of hostas as they fade in the fall chill. Gold mop cypress, pieris shrubs, ornamentals hostas, and a lone pair of elephant ears that haven’t gotten the memo winter is coming, fill the beds framing the house.
The zebra grass, one of Tim’s favorites, in the side lawn catches the light of the sun as it sets seemingly ever-earlier these days, cueing the solar lights it’s their time to shine and light the bed borders and walkways. He’s pretty happy with the durability of his stonework, noting the previous stonework couldn’t hold up to the network of tree roots, but “so far, so good” he says of the stones he’s laid over the past years. Now if he could just get the dogs to contribute more positively to the backyard!
As the cold winter nights approach, take advantage of the fleeting daylight to admire the Jacobs’ outstanding landscape.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving. We’ll be back this spring to feature another amazing CCH property.
Kim Leone and Kirsten Youngren
Country Hills Garden Club
Beautiful write up and lovely yard.
Tim obviously takes joy in his garden & the explosion of shapes & colors are delightful.