Visitors to the five acre garden of Joan and David Brundfeldt will quickly delight in the homeowner’s passion for recycling unique plates, plants and pots into planting beds, pathways and distinctive yard art. Turning into the driveway, the first hint of what is in store for guests is the goldfish pond. The whimsical setting hides a secret – the “pond” is made from a recycled radar dish!
When the couple purchased their home in 1984, they reveled in their secluded location: five acres of prime rural property. When the home was annexed by the city in 2003, the city removed red cedars from property to install a water line. A wooded area adjacent to Monterrey Way, filled with hackberry, locust, walnut, sumac and elm trees was also cleared in order to widen the street.
Despite the changes, the couple managed to maintain a country feel to their home and gardens thanks to a combination of Joan’s keen eye, David’s willingness to “haul, cut, trim and install” and a passion for reclaiming and recycling. Throughout the property you will find hidden gems; plants and recycled artwork that draws you to the next attraction.
Recycling isn’t limited to hardscaping and yard art. A vibrant border of lilies was created with plants rescued from the site of David’s former office building, and peonies reclaimed from a lot across from Lawrence Memorial Hospital provide color for the garden. A twig fence, made from willow and dogwood branches, keeps balloon flowers in place.
The entrance to the home bursts with color from impatiens, yew, holly, azalea, vincas and peonies. North of the driveway visitors will enjoy a rock garden with blooming irises, viburnum, lamb’s ear, and evergreens, anchored by a native smoke bush. Just past the house is the “stumpery” a clever display of salvaged wood and tree stumps scattered among hedge hawthorn and red cedar. Deer resistant plants edge the cherry trees and protect the asparagus and blackberry patches.
The rear of the house contains a plethora of plants, herbs and vegetables. There is a “survivalist” garden – a place for low maintenance natives that survive with little intervention from the homeowners. The backyard is home to a delightful “she shed.” While David built the shed for Joan it has become the perfect hideaway for the couple’s grandchildren. The shed is surrounded by spring bulbs and amsonia, while carved bird houses and art pieces dangle from the star magnolia.
The vegetable garden is easily accessed by the kitchen. Tucked among the flower beds visitors will find blueberries, sage and red cabbage, creating an edible palette visible from the sunroom and back porch.
In a testament to creativity, Joan and David have managed to create a path for strolling through a restored wooded area, providing serenity just yards away from the busy thoroughfare that arrived after they did!
Favorite Plants:
- Limelight hydrangea. Hydrangea paniculate.
- Star magnolia. Magnolia stellate.
- Tall phlox. Phlox paniculate.
- Autumn joy sedum. Sedum spectabile.
- Iris. Iris germanica and Iris sibirica.
Master Gardeners of Douglas County, KS 