Judy Aull’s Garden

This year the Symphony Designers’ Showhouse offers the added bonus of a captivating and tranquil garden space to tour. Mature trees, inviting seating areas, fountains, a gazebo, park-like lawn and tasteful antiques placed throughout provide visitors a serene old world experience on a grand scale.

Carefully curated by the late Judy Aull, Showhouse homeowner, the garden has been featured in a number of charity garden fundraisers and has been lovingly maintained.

“There is a story to tell behind every gardener’s gate, and mine is no different,” said Judy Aull. “Gardening provides me with a total sense of serenity, satisfaction and accomplishment.”

Welcome to Judy Aull’s Garden

A tour of Judy Aull’s garden starts on the west side of the house through the antique iron gates. The entrance is edged with Liriope, Pachysandra, Ajuga, and Yews. A Canadian Hemlock is on the left corner of the house, and a cast iron urn is in the center filled with colorful annuals.

More of the garden reveals itself when walking a few steps up the brick path. An 18th century fountain covered by a gazebo is to your left, surrounded by English ivy, Hostas, Boxwoods and Hydrangeas. A 19th century wall fountain made of brick and stucco is on your right and a park-like lawn and pool are mid-lawn on the left. A glass conservatory was added in 2017 to the back of the house.

Walking counterclockwise along the perimeter of the yard, you will find a path of pea gravel and stone pavers. In view on both sides is a deep border of shrubs, ornamental trees, perennials, potted plants, and seating areas. An antique water well sits on the west side of the yard and is used as a planter in season. Around it you see Hostas, Abelias and a Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick. Virginia Creeper and a Climbing Hydrangea covers the fence on down the path. On the left side you will see a Hinoki Cypress, Holly, a variety of Lungwort and other varieties of Hydrangeas. Looking up along the path, you will see tall trees which provide the garden with shade. This tree canopy creates the perfect environment for shade-loving plants in the garden.

The southwest corner of the garden is dedicated to relaxation with an inviting seating area. This area Judy called her Serenity Garden. It has a large grouping of Oakleaf Hydrangeas which forms a backdrop for Solomon’s Seal, Celadine Poppies, Ligularia, and Jack Frost Brunnera. As you follow the path, you will see Astilbe, Japanese Painted Ferns, and more hydrangeas. One of Judy’s favorites was the Tardiva Hydrangea to the left, directly behind the pool.

Along the back fence to the right, you will come upon a variety of Coral Bells. To the left, is what Judy called her Whimsical Garden. Some of the plants you will see in here include Chameleon, Ajuga, Forget-me-Nots, Becky Shasta Daisies, Hydrangeas, Iris, Euyonomous, Bee Balm and Viburnum. Recently added to this garden area is a cast-iron birdbath sporting frogs and turtles along its edge. It is filled with brightly colored annuals and other unique plants that give it a little bit of whimsy.

In the center of the yard, the rectangular shaped pool is surrounded by blue stone pavers and two large planters filled with Elephant Ears and annuals. At the pool’s entrance you will see Dwarf Butterfly Bush, Spirea, Stella d’Oro Daylilies, Russian Sage, and Spiral Green Mountain Boxwoods. Carolina allspice is gracefully growing up the cement wall by the hot tub and variegated Liriope just below.

On the eastern fence is a row of Leatherleaf Viburnum. On the right, past the black gate, is the “Holly Hospital” where plants are nursed back to health. More Hostas, Azaleas, Hydrangeas, and a Seven Sons’ tree lead down to the sunken patio (our Café area). Just added to the garage wall is a trellis with three varieties of clematis. Nestled among the plants lining the patio, you will find a bronze sculpture of an eagle on display. This special piece was created in 1980 by Pat Hilton in recognition of David Aull’s contribution to the Hilton Hotel chain.

“The Glory of Gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul.”
-Alfred Austen