Memphis -- Wellford Garden

The Wellford Garden is located on less than one acre in Memphis, TN. Modeled after an english cottage garden with added influences from the American South, the property features a three-level backyard comprised of three outdoor rooms and has a great variety of plantings including trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, bulbs, perennials and annuals, with fine tuning adjustments made annually. Incorporating the shifting colors of plantings through the seasons, fragrant plants and the sounds of the water feature, the assorted elements of the garden combine to create a sanctuary that appeals to all of the senses. There is a good balance of sun and shade, and the shade from the west in the afternoon is abundant, an element critical to southern gardens.

The first outdoor room features the lower terrace, situated outside of the Master bedroom, is furnished with an umbrella and tables for entertaining plus an assortment of pots of blooming plants. Stairs lead to an upper level and another pathway, surrounded by ground cover and azaleas, branches off to the side terrace which features a hot tub and an outdoor fireplace.

A formal garden serves as the second room whose focal point is a lily pond surrounding a sculpture, a rusted Cor-Ten steel castle by Leonard Delonga. Goldfish reside in the lily pond which serves as a moat for the castle. The resulting marriage of the sculpture and pond are exceptional in concept and scale. In addition to the formal garden, the second outdoor room features a raised flower bed showcasing a collection of roses and a nearby metal arbor covered with Akebia serves as an entry point between the back yard and fountain area. The third outdoor room features a zoysia lawn with a wood gazebo and several pathways leading to a woodland setting and other small sheltered areas. The garden is primarily cared for by the owners of the property, who have have gained recognition from the Garden Conservancy for their exceptional private garden and offer tours in an event called "Open Days," to benefit the organization and a local garden club.

Persons associated with the garden include: Keith McGee (former owner), Kitty Taylor (garden designer, 2000), Leonard DeLonga (sculptor).