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A block long oasis in midtown Manhattan provides an axis of green inspired by traditional French parterre gardens.
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The garden entrance delivers a dramatic surprise of urns packed with a pyramid of colorful tropicals that seem to be floating on a carpet of white begonias.
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A plan view of the garden entrance reveals the geometry of plantings coordinated to complement the hardscaping patterns and symmetry of the garden.
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Perennial strips line the garden axis with silver and lavender tones laced with colorful annuals featured in the summer color scheme.
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An elegant urn nested in a bed of liriope draws the eye down the garden axis and encourages visitors to pause beside the quadrant of rectangle urns and discover a sanctuary from the city.
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Seated beside an antique rectangular urn a visitor can pause to review their experience with a view of the central garden fountain and entrance beyond. The precision of plantings in alternating heights, colors, and textures frames the garden with color blocking and fascination.
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An aerial view of the garden’s western parterres showcases the order and symmetry achieved with the plantings, which delivers a soothing and refreshing visual contrast to the chaos of 57th street for residents.
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The final destination of the garden is the inviting grotto, where the sounds of the city evaporate and shadows and secrecy create a cool and private world reminiscent of ancient caves and Italian gardens.
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The client’s initial aversion to coleus has been replaced with a request to repeat the rich tapestry of texture and color next year.
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A view from a terrace above the grotto reveals the climax of color at the rear of the garden achieved with a diverse collection of coleus.