Walkway Entrance
Stone Bench and Plantings
Entrance Garden
Before, 1
Before, 2
Before, 3
Tucked along a quiet street in the historic East Side of Providence, this intimate shade garden was created for renowned artist Gretchen Dow Simpson, whose distinctive artwork graced dozens of covers of The New Yorker magazine. Conceived as an informal, lawn-free conservation garden, the design embraces the natural character of its setting. Weathered, moss-covered stepping stones meander through layered, naturalistic plantings, while a “found” stone bench offers a quiet moment of reflection. The composition feels uncontrived and enduring, as though the garden had always belonged to the property.
This project holds a special place for me. Gretchen was not only a client, but a friend and an inspiration. Our shared appreciation for art, nature, and understated beauty made the creative process particularly meaningful. Although she has since passed, her influence remains, along with a beautiful piece of her artwork on my wall—a lasting reminder of our friendship and a garden that reflects her spirit.
