Portland, Maine

A small back garden with big ambition. Currently being constructed, Back Cove Garden challenges what a suburban plot should be— and who it’s for. Dense, matrix style planting beds cover about 75% of what used to be lawn, and birds, bees, and other pollinators have year-round habitat and food sources.

Part vegetable garden, part stylized meadow, the garden starts to blur the lines between intentional and wild, manicured and untouched.

The reduction in lawn is not at the detriment of family enjoyment or space to play, and the heavy hand of native perennials does not mean age-old favorites like Dahlias don’t have a place here. On the contrary, their seasonal appeal provides a great service in the naturalistic garden.

Thoughtful curves and pockets leave ample space for yard games and areas to sit and enjoy the bird song.

Currently in development, with the first round of plants installed in 2022.