SIMPLY SERENE SOLUTION

How one tackles a flood plain can be a matter of taste, style and most importantly practicality. 

Eric Eibelheuser's sandy suburban garden falls from the street to a wide wooded flood plain filled with native Tulip Poplar, Sweet gum, Maple, and Carpinus trees. 

Carpinus caroliniana with multiple common names is also known as Muscle wood for strength of it's wood and the smooth sinuous appearance of the trunks.  

Here he has placed cut trunks to heighten the edge of the main trench that carries the water through the garden. 

Under the trees a tangle was cleared and now an elegant planting of low evergreen native and ornamental ground covers flow on either side of purposefully  cut trenches. 

The trenches not only direct the water flow where Eric wants it to go but also help to control the tenacious spread of Liriope spicata. This is truely an artful example of controlling water that would naturally spread out as it courses through the broad expanse during rain events. 

Eric has conducted a fine symphony orchestra of melodic shapes with careful plant choices that can withstand occasional flooding. 

He even diverted water off the main ditch that has been crafted to look like a small pond. 

Twin Adirondack chairs lol at the edge. 

One subconsciously can imagine (without actually having to sit in them) the serenity they would bring to an afternoon cat nap imbedding you in the surrounding Liriope spicata, native ferns, Ivy and Acorus. 

The foot bridge leading into dreamland. 

The mind floats over the flatlands and through the soaring trees. The distances seem endless. 

Pathways of moss, mulch or sandy soil  take you around by foot through the lush evergreen swaying foliage. 

Along the way Eric has planted an iconic Dawn Redwood in a room of it's own and a present of Rice Paper plant (Tetrapanax papyrifera) that reinforces a prehistoric feel. (below) 

Beyond, the vision of masses of roots (above) exposed by water's erosion  pulls you forward to observe and slows you down to examine the unique natural phenomenon of nature's art spread out at your feet. (below) 

 The only man made objects in the whole garden are the twin chairs. Never out of sight, even when you are 100' away exploring along the paths, they thankfully give a comforting sense of a landmark ever-guiding you back to the garden's entrance. 

As you exit, Eric has exposed and enhanced one last parting gift of remembrance......

.........Root steps, a Mossy carpet and Mondo Grass. He left a few colorful Sweet gum stars as well.