Step Into an Alabama Landscape Artist’s Verdant Backyard Oasis

Text by Claire Pool

While he spends his weekdays producing beautiful gardens for others, Dwight Brown decided it was finally his turn to bring his own backyard retreat to life. As the floricultural manager and outdoor living specialist at Father Nature Landscapes, he and the company’s founders, Daniel and Andrew McCurry, were prepared to transform his garden into a project they could be proud of.

“I use the outdoor space daily . . . it is my sanctuary,” Dwight says. “There is nothing better than to build a big fire, put some steaks on the grill, and have a glass or two of wine and relax.” When he purchased the home in 2011, the house was in its original condition from 1938 and in need of some renovation inside and out. Between the separate garage and the home was an open, sloped lawn, providing minimal privacy and no secure place for his dogs. So, when it came time to plan, the desire for covered access to the carport, a pool for his Labrador retrievers, and an entertainment space for guests were high on the list of wants.

From day one, the trio envisioned how the wall framing the garden would look, knowing it needed to complement the intricate stone structure of the home. Daniel, branch manager at Father Nature Landscapes, explains how the hand-chiseled limestone is stacked in an ashlar pattern, an incredibly time-consuming yet artistic form of masonry. “Having this fabulous stone, a handsome porch, and nice details like terra-cotta chimney pots [creates] an easy backdrop to work with,” Daniel says.

Opting to keep in-ground planting to a minimum, the team used planters and containers for a chic European look. “In my travels abroad, I’ve always been fascinated with beautiful doors along a street opening to beautiful secret gardens,” Dwight says. Camellias, hydrangeas, and ‘Brown Turkey’ fig trees provide a luscious vibrance to the space. A lively scene of manicured boxwoods, caladium, and myriad other hardscapes graces the back wall.

While Daniel points to the plunge pool as his favorite new feature, citing the reflection of the lights at night, operations manager Andrew prefers the cozy fireplace beneath the covered porch and the inspiring, livable landscape. As for Dwight himself, it’s difficult to choose just one part. “This has become my lake house and mountain cabin all in one,” he says. “I’m grateful for [Daniel and Andrew] giving me the private garden I dreamed of.”