Tucked into Washington, DC’s urban neighborhood of Cleveland Park is a lush garden oasis. It includes an English-style border overflowing with roses, Lady’s Mantle, Catmint, peonies, and Iris; a magnificent old weeping cherry tree; a swimming pool reminiscent of a New England pond; and beyond it all, a glimpse of the National Cathedral. Designed by landscape architects Scott Fritz and Leslie Gignoux and installed and maintained by Fine Earth Landscape, Inc., the long, narrow lot echoes the homeowner’s favorite vacation spot in Maine. “She wanted it very natural,” says Fritz, “like a Maine landscape.”

Lush Life - Outdoor - Garden

At the rear of the lot, a former garage on higher ground is now a writing studio with its own secluded garden. From here, a series of small, cascading ponds flows into the pool. A natural stone path connects the stone terrace at the back of the house to the pool, while another path under the weeping cherry leads to the studio, past colorful plantings and huge rocks that provide picturesque seating. According to Fine Earth’s Joel Hafner, each boulder was strategically placed by the architects in collaboration with the client. Fine Earth took care during construction to preserve the weeping cherry, as well as a weeping Katsura tree up near the house.