Birmingham -- Wendy White's Spiritual Retreat

In 1989, a poison-ivy choked hillside became a lush garden under the present owner's supervision. Two entrances were designed to exit off a parking court and are separated by roughly 150 feet of a planted shaded bank. After climbing 20-30 feet, the entrance paths converge into an open sunny area that fronts a vine-covered deck adjacent to a wooden garden house. A potting and propagation area is located behind the house. The high canopy of hardwoods and pines dictated the layout of the mulched paths and the palette of plants. Shrubs, annuals, and perennials were added over the years. More than 100 defferent selections of hydrangeas were also planted. Most of the hillside is shady, but selected pruning is done to enhance the filtered sunlight.

Persons and firms associated with the garden include: Edward Cole (former owner, 1937-1987); Earth Designs (garden design plan, 1989); and William B. White (designer of garden house, 2002).