Explore a stunning Charlotte garden reimagined by Hugh Crump of Greenline Design. His client’s vision—a blend of Carolinas charm and Palm Beach flair—resulted in a serene, seamless space that invites year-round enjoyment.
WRITTEN BY Bek Mitchell-Kidd
LANDSCAPE Greenline Design, Inc.
POOL B&B Pools of the Carolinas
PHOTOGRAPHY Christina Hussey
Registered landscape contractor and lifelong North Carolinian, Hugh Crump of Greenline Design, designed a luxurious Charlotte, NC backyard perfect for the Carolinas’ climate.
The project, including adding a pool and loggia, was a total renovation; the clients wanted to maximize the space, create a serene view from the inside and have a great place to spend time and entertain.
Hugh comments, “I have had the opportunity to get to know the owner and her taste over the years. She is great about sharing images of things she loves, which is a wonderful way to develop a project’s vision. The desire was a classic ‘Carolinas Garden’ with a Palm Beach influence.”
The transition from the house to the loggia and into the backyard area is uninterrupted. “Our goal was to have them flow together seamlessly with very little elevation change. We feel the newly created space is part of the house itself, a part of the home, but it just doesn’t have a roof,” states Hugh.
The pool’s location was a collaborative process with the owner and B&B Pools of the Carolinas. “B&B’s expertise and experience are something I rely on. Once the location is determined, they take the lead role on the finishes and features of the pool itself,” Hugh says.
Vessels, containers and seating are placed thoughtfully throughout the space. There are two benches in the garden; first, a classic precast stone bench located in the lower garden near the outdoor grill. The most notable bench is located on the center line from the rear French doors. It is an ornate bench finished in a refreshing pale green and is the star of the space.
The owner loved the idea of a special seating piece that is slightly over the top in an otherwise very measured space. Hugh created the scene by aligning the planters and pots in the proper scale that complements without overpowering the bench, noting, “We weren’t looking for matching pots but ones that looked very comfortable hanging out together.”
The statuary pieces also add a dash of whimsy and hold sentimental value for the owner. Hugh shares, “They are treasured pieces passed on from family and dear friends. We liked the added element, and they are a big part of the collaborative client design process we love being a part of.”
The garden is fuss-free, effortlessly hosting understated classic plantings with hedges that provide privacy without feeling formidable. There are a few sprightly layers of plantings that offer blooms throughout the year.
Most of Hugh’s selections are happiest in a sunny environment. He tucked camellias and hydrangeas at the foot of the large hollies for safekeeping, saying, “I believe we are in one of the most ideal climates in the country, with the seasonality and extended seasons of outdoor enjoyment. Our climate and plant options have expanded a bit with the slightly warmer days, which allows us to push the envelope of more tropical plantings a bit.”
The landscape lighting is low voltage and subtle, casting a precise glow that adds ambiance in the evenings—especially from the loggia, which is one of Hugh’s favorite parts of the design. “For me, it’s the loggia; it’s the perfect spot to take in the whole space.”
Hugh Crump + Greenline Design, Inc.
Established in 1991, Greenline Design, Inc. is a landscape design-build firm that promotes inspired outdoor living through beautification.
With a focus on opulent design elements such as boxwood knot gardens, customized water features and adaptive hardscaping, Greenline’s understanding of luxurious design has generated many opportunities over the years to work with some of the nation’s premier high end residential landscape architects.
Hugh is also the founder and owner of Gardens on Green.
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