R5 Zen and the Zimbards

In 1980, Fran and Alan Zimbard moved into their Scarsdale home, which featured a one-acre property described as a "perfect ball field" due to its vast, flat, and largely undeveloped nature, aside from a few existing trees. This expansive, featureless yard initially served the family well, especially with two children who enjoyed sports. However, as their children matured, the Zimbards envisioned a more structured and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. The initial phase of their landscaping project focused on establishing privacy and defining the property's boundaries. They not only maintained the existing arboreal screen but also enhanced its density by adding multiple tiers of trees and shrubs. Alan's primary objective was increased privacy, while Fran, an interior designer, instinctively sought to create visual "walls" and delineate distinct outdoor areas. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, this dense perimeter planting served a practical purpose by acting as a natural windbreak, which contributed to buffering the house and backyard from strong gusts, thereby improving comfort and potentially reducing heating costs. Simultaneously, the Zimbards aimed to create outdoor spaces that would encourage family members to spend more time outside. They replaced the original small patio with a substantial raised-brick courtyard. This new courtyard, designed to accommodate generous dining tables and sprawling benches, was intended to draw individuals outdoors for leisurely activities. Fran's design approach for the courtyard was rooted in observing the natural light patterns. She carefully considered how the house cast its shadows, which ultimately influenced the courtyard's shape and dimensions, resulting in a spacious 70-by-30-foot outdoor "room." Instead of removing the existing dogwood trees, which were the only significant vertical elements, Fran integrated them into the courtyard's design. The brick paving was laid to flow around these trees, allowing them to emerge gracefully from pockets in the masonry. This harmonious blend of nature and design was further exemplified by the later addition of a fern garden within another excavated pocket, situated in the shade of the tree branches. The brick courtyard was installed relatively early, within a year of their arrival, reflecting its high priority. However, the rest of the garden's development was a more gradual process, allowing Fran to enhance her gardening knowledge and formulate a comprehensive theme. Drawing inspiration from the Asian motifs present in her home's interior décor, she embarked on a thoughtful and incremental garden design. Her philosophy emphasized composition, ensuring each space worked cohesively as part of the larger whole. She adopted a system of floating island beds, which provided flexibility and allowed each section to develop its own distinct character. The front yard was the first area to undergo a transformation. Recognizing the natural bedrock ledge, the Zimbards chose to work with this inherent feature rather than against it. The ledge was converted into a rock garden, framed by walls and hedges that contained the plantings, and adorned with carefully selected statuary to greet visitors. Emboldened by this success, Fran and Alan collaboratively tackled the backyard. Fran conceptualized the curving, flowing spaces, while Alan performed the extensive labor of planting. Fran then meticulously refined, pruned, and shaped the plantings, aiming for a visual experience that would entertain the eye without any single element dominating. She favored planting in multiples, creating masses of muted yet remarkable color and texture with hostas, ornamental grasses, perovskia, hydrangeas, heucheras, and boxwoods. Fran collaborated with Frank Chiera of Chiera Landscape Designs, who assisted with plant selection and nursery visits. Her primary criterion for plant selection was simple: to repeat plants that thrived in their environment. To counteract the initial flatness of the landscape, Fran focused on adding depth and defining areas with vertical elements. Repeating pergolas and arches, adorned with vines like trumpet vine and honeysuckle, were key to achieving this. An embowered walkway, under-planted with boxwood orbs, ran along one side of the backyard, leading to a trickling waterfall and a Chinese courting bench nestled among hostas. A keyhole-shaped pathway led to a circular statue on a log base, and a trio of tree stumps served as natural seating. Visually overlapping archways, draped in climbing hydrangeas, framed a bird bath used as a planter, and driftwood was repurposed as planters. Each accent was strategically placed after careful consideration of its positioning from various sightlines, leading to enduring and effective placements. Through this process, the Zimbards not only transformed a barren field but also discovered a new outlet for Fran's creative talents, making their garden a successful and inviting extension of their home. #HomeGarden #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #ResidentialLandscaping #ScarsdaleHome #PrivacyHedges #CourtyardDesign #PlantSelection #HomeGarden #LandscapeDesign #OutdoorLiving #GardenDesign #ResidentialLandscaping #ScarsdaleHome #PrivacyHedges #CourtyardDesign #PlantSelection