In the fall of 2021, Jeannie Kay O’Reilly was seeking a place of renewal. She found the perfect location in Indianola, but the lot was mostly lawn. While there was a terrific view of Miller Bay, the longed-for flowers and planted garden beds were lacking. She was “mostly retired” and was looking for a space that was therapeutic and refreshing. O’Reilly found that spot and brought with her a keen sense of design and a fresh aesthetic.
O’Reilly has created a noteworthy garden environment at her Indianola property. Located at the north end of Miller Bay, her site slopes gently toward the water. The lawn areas are lush and refreshing, and garden beds are packed full of a great variety of shrubs, grasses and perennials. While the location is full of light and open spaces, O’Reilly created spots that are tranquil and meditative, feeling even secretive.
To create the planted garden areas, O’Reilly first removed sod, then created berms that raise the height of the beds. Placing taller plant selections strategically has added to the fullness of the plantings and helped to create the screens and walls.
Clumps of tall, green-and-white striped grass, Miscanthus sinensis ‘variegatus,’ grow more than head height along the street in the front. Several redbud trees draw the eye upward as well. Spaces between the taller plants are filled with lower-growing grasses, shrubs, perennials and ground covers. Where space remains, a container with plant fills the spot or perhaps some garden art or statuary fill in.
Much of the property is open and sun-filled, providing excellent light conditions for O’Reilly’s plant selections. She is fond of many Dan Hinkley cultivars, as well as other new-to-the-market choices, and shops at many of the local nurseries. Containers of all shapes, sizes and materials are placed to create focal points, but also are smartly used to bring height to an area.
The front of this sloping lot is partially terraced with a curved block wall, creating a sunken garden with an Asian feel. O’Reilly has skillfully placed granite squares as a pathway, alternating with cool green patches of Scotch and Irish mosses. These plants will fill in the gaps, creating a soft patio and walkway through the bed. Careful planning and a skilled eye were needed to achieve this look.
Small, flowering shrubs and perennials such as phlox, agapanthus and astilbe fill the border terraced above. Ground covers spill over the wall. Containerized plants and vine-covered trellises fill any gaps.
A low-growing Japanese maple in glazed pottery is mulched with palm-sized river rock, increasing the aesthetic of an Asian garden. A decorative pagoda and lanterns help to complete the Oriental feel.
Carefully placed art objects demonstrate O’Reilly’s design skills and welcome the observer to enjoy this setting. This garden design and installation is her most recent addition to the property. O’Reilly correctly considers this a victory. She has created a unique and lovely space that reflects tranquility and beauty. A delight for her was finding an Asian-inspired, free-standing shade umbrella for this area to serve as protection from excessive summer heat.
O’Reilly is not afraid to fill a garden bed with plants and she loves using a variety of textures and shapes. The walkway to the front door contains a combination of hardy fuchsia, sword fern, schefflera and several varieties of hosta. Rodgersia and ligularia also find their spot here.
Large and small containers of differing heights hold a variety of ferns, decorating the peaceful sitting area on the front porch. A huge angelwing begonia overflows from an equally huge container. Interesting driftwood pieces collected nearby are incorporated into the porch area. Another container holds a creamy mophead hydrangea.
The driveway is another spot accessorized with an assortment of eclectic containers. A sprawling, low-growing fig reaches from a broad, low pot. Bronze sedge sprays from a uniquely shaped and glazed vessel. Containers continue lining the broad steps, which lead to the upper lawn area. O’Reilly’s collection of plants is well-placed and enhanced by her collection of containers.
The back of the house opens to an outdoor sitting room overlooking the bay. Accessorized with large, containerized plants, this is an inviting sitting area. When the weather is inclement, the plants are easily moved indoors for protection. In any weather, eagles, herons and other birds walk the mudflat along the water’s edge or perch in the tall trees adjacent to O’Reilly’s property.
One of the first challenges for O’Reilly was to deal with the blackberries and nettles overtaking a common area behind her property. She had a crew assist with this project, resulting in an access easement for kayaks and canoes. Lawn grass now makes maintenance easy as well.
Overlooking the bay, yellow roses and liatris adorn a rail fence and invite the visitor to pull up a chair and enjoy the view. Flowering shrubs and other perennials enhance the view throughout the season. More driftwood pieces fill in this border.
O’Reilly has had many victories in the transformation of her property, with only minor tweaks and adjustments to make. She notes that her partner, Jeff Curry, has contributed a lot of the heavy lifting in the creation of the Japanese garden.As to the future, she plans to remove more lawn to expand existing borders. She also has plans to create a new sunny border filled with shrubs and perennials with the purpose of softening the appearance of a neighboring wooden fence. Restoring the existing wood structure greenhouse by installing windows will increase its usefulness. It is currently without glazing or window coverings.
By learning on her own and being inspired by her neighbors, O’Reilly has created a sanctuary in her gardens — a place of rest, restoration and inspiration. Whether enjoying the overflowing mixed borders, experiencing the shady Asian garden and its beauty or relaxing in the outdoor room while viewing wildlife in the bay, visitors can truly feel that the entire place is well-designed and filled with a sense of abundance.
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