The careful restoration of an historic 1872 Victorian in one of Cambridge’s most celebrated historic districts successfully navigates preservation requirements of one of the most powerful historic commissions in New England. The project provided incredible opportunities to develop a lush new garden for this home that will likely remain for many decades to come. A new walkway crafted from reclaimed brick and granite extends graciously from the house like a red carpet, reconnecting the home to the neighborhood after spending decades behind an overgrown, unkempt hedge. Keeping in spirit with the days of old Harvard Square, a new half-circle peastone drive now provides a beautiful and un-fussy sense of arrival to the property. Subtle changes in grading allow for a new woodland garden, a full sun perennial garden, and discrete dining terrace surrounded by an emerald carpet of lawn. Large, new sugar maples, hemlocks, pines, ornamental cherries, and dogwoods replace declining stands and dangerous trees that had to be removed. New shrub and perennial colonies infuse broad ranges of seasonal color and inspire the homeowners to come outside and cut huge floral and foliage bouquets for indoor enjoyment. A new garden threshold composed of reclaimed granite posts and custom-designed double-leafed iron gates provide a wonderful sense of arrival to the exquisitely restored property.

Collaborators: Charles R. Myer & Partners, S+H Construction, Martin Lucyk Landscape Construction, Corbett Irrigation, Shadows and Light, Hidden Hill Farm, Olde New England Granite, Bartlett Tree Experts, Select Horticulture, Artemesia Perennial Supply, Didrick’s