403 Grange Road · Greenfield Center, New York
At the
woodland’s edge
A modern home. A Scandinavian meadow garden.
A landscape designed to grow into its own.
Design Brief
Our client envisioned a meticulously planned Scandinavian meadow as the backdrop for the landscape surrounding their modern home. Rather than a collection of separate ornamental beds, the landscape would function as a connected ecosystem, with plants working together as a living community. We embraced the design and build process by drawing on a rich palette of native plants and natural materials. Boulders and granite were incorporated into terrain features, steps, and patio stones. Plants were carefully selected, each chosen for its character and suitability for the meadow setting.
A meadow through the seasons
The low vegetation of grasses, ground covers, and wildflowers harmonizes beautifully with the clean, simple lines of the home. In spring, clovers, heathers, heaths, spirea, and other shrubs and perennials will flourish among the stone ledges and boulders. As the meadow develops, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries will introduce an edible layer, giving the family a landscape to enjoy—and harvest.
Granite and creeping thyme
The rough granite patio serves as the centerpiece of the outdoor scene. Crafted from raw granite slabs quarried from the Adirondack Mountains, it features creeping thyme planted in the joints between the stones. This newly installed patio evokes the feeling of a stone ledge, giving the impression that it has been seamlessly integrated into the landscape.
From swimming pool to swimming pond
The clients’ love for the landscape is further evident in their plans for the old swimming pool. A proposed spring conversion will transform the existing pool into a naturally filtered swimming pond. The interior and exterior will be completely revamped, featuring boulders and ledge stone. The surrounding landscape will include a water-cleansing bog and a boulder-scape. The planted bog will act as a living filter: as water passes through it, plants absorb excess nutrients and beneficial microorganisms break down organic matter, helping keep the pond water clear.
We hope that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to this extraordinary home.
Materials & method
Stone underfoot
The terrace
Raw Adirondack granite slabs form a rough, natural-cleft terrace. Creeping thyme fills the joints, giving the patio the character of natural ledge.
The steps
Broad granite step slabs connect changes in level and continue the natural-stone character through the garden.
The boulders
Boulders shape terrain features and define landscape edges, connecting the stonework to the woodland setting.
The plant palette
A garden in layers
Native species and ornamental selections shape a Scandinavian meadow at the woodland’s edge. Grasses establish rhythm and movement; trees, shrubs and ferns bring layers of texture and seasonal interest.
Trees
- Shadblow serviceberry
- Pink flowering dogwood
Shrubs & conifers
- Northern bayberry
- ‘Ruby Spice’ summersweet
- ‘Mandarin Lights’ azalea
- Prunus ‘Dark Star’
- ‘Winter Red’ winterberry
- ‘Nikko’ deutzia
- Ash-leaf spirea
- ‘Low Scape Mound’ chokeberry
- ‘Fizzy Mizzy’ sweetspire
- ‘Lovechild’ sweetspire
- Bird’s nest spruce
- ‘Night Glow’ diervilla
- ‘Kodiak’ diervilla
Grasses & groundcovers
- ‘Carousel’ little bluestem
- ‘Karl Foerster’ feather reed grass
- Japanese forest grass
- Blue liriope
- ‘Bunny Blue’ sedge
Ferns
- Ostrich fern
- Cinnamon fern
- ‘Pictum’ Japanese painted fern
- ‘Golden Shield’ fern
Flowering perennials
- Sedum (stonecrop)
Plant palette reflects the mix at publication. Selections and quantities may vary with availability, site conditions and field adjustments; this guide is not an installed inventory.
A tree, a shrub and a grass
More than good looks
Among the many plants chosen for this installation, these three highlight how thoughtful selections bring seasonal beauty and support wildlife.
A tree
Serviceberry
Spring flowers, summer fruit and fall foliage bring several seasons of interest. The fruit is a food source for birds.
A shrub
Winterberry
A native deciduous holly with bright red berries that persist after the leaves fall, bringing winter color and providing food for birds.
A grass
Little bluestem
A native grass with seasonal color and winter interest. Its seeds and standing growth can provide food and cover for wildlife.
The house at a glance
Scandinavian design,
rooted in the woods
Outside
Stucco and charred Shou Sugi Ban wood siding; a metal roof; broad European sliding doors.
Inside
Polished concrete floors and minimal trim, with geothermal radiant floor heating and cooling.
House specifications: Showcase of Homes project profile.
Planning your own project
An unusual brief is a good place to start.
Bring the way you want to live, the features you need, and the ideas you haven’t seen anywhere else.
Site photos and a wish list.
Your priorities and budget.
How you want to use the space.
A realistic timeline and possible phases.
