New Trier -- Roseann S. and Robert H. Drucker Residence

The Drucker Garden lies on a one-third acre site and re-creates a typical peaceful English walled garden. It resulted from a total redesign of the property's old garden, including removal of all trees and shrubs except a Copper Beech and a 200-year-old Burr Oak. The new garden design features several "rooms" joined with a bluestone and old brick hardscape, limestone walks, an allée, a sunny border, a woodland shade garden, a formal garden surrounding a lily pond and fountain, a drought garden and a traditional English "yard" for potting and composting. Two additional fountains built into the walls in separate areas of the garden provide different atmospheres for enjoyment. Travels to England by the owners have resulted in the acquisition of appropriate antique and contemporary garden ornaments and other items, including ironwork. Because the garden is small, many dwarf and fastigate trees are used. A front woodland garden incorporates rhododendron, Kalmia latifolia, Pieris japonica and Mahonia aquifolium, along with dogwoods, Sciadopitys verticillata, and Acer palmatum. A collection of dwarf conifers of other species fill antique stone troughs. The garden also includes flower beds and a traditional English border with a large variety of shrubs, perennials, annuals, and a beautiful spring bulb collection. The various walls are covered with an assortment of clematis, roses, and spring-blooming wisteria.

Firms associated with the garden include Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture, Inc. (landscape architects, 2002-2003); Kettelkamp & Kettelkamp (landscape architects, 2004 to date); Rocco Fiore & Sons, Inc. (gardeners, 2004 to date); Masonry by Fernando, Inc. (hardscape contractors, 2002-2003); Pimlico Forge (blacksmiths, 2003-2005); and Lightscape (lighting designers and contractors, 2003).