2023 #2 Larga Vista Garden

Subdivision:  Anasazi Trails
Owner/ Designer: Sharon and George Arthur
Garden Type or Feature: An intentional garden planted to complement both the architecture of the home and its placement on a prominent Placitas ridge.

Artist in the Garden: Meg Leonard

Description: The Larga Vista (Long View) Garden is an intentional garden planted to complement both the architecture of the home and its placement on a prominent Placitas ridge. Homeowners Sharon and George Arthur, who had the home designed and built, moved in and started the garden in 2018.  Each of the eight growing zones has a different purpose:  secure the street slope with native plants, reveal the Sandia and Valley views, invite visitors up the front walk, reduce the garage entry hardscape, soften the north side and provide interest for a walk along the home,  create foreground movement and color to set the stage for the Santa Ana black mesas, highlight the south slope, and bring the garden onto the Portales. 

The blooming plants both reflect and contrast the maroon trim of the home.  Larger plants and trees were selected for texture and varying colors and heights.  Canales are contrary to the home architecture, so roof runoff is directed through the walls to deep detention ponds, keeping water on the property, creating further landscape interest, and allowing larger trees to benefit from nature’s watering system. 

Although still evolving after five years, this garden successfully sets off both the home and its dramatic long views.     

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Dream Catcher Plants by Garden Location