Ecology + Design

Garden Tour Designed by Jay Archer | Sat Sept 17 | Rye, NY

Don’t miss this chance to tour a private garden in Rye, designed and built by Jay Archer!

The event is Saturday, September 17th from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Rubber boots are encouraged if you would like to tour the adjacent wetland. Thanks to the Ecological Landscape Alliance for organizing the event! Follow the link for all details.

Constructed waterfall, stream and natural stone patio in Rye, NY.

About The Secret Garden of Celestial Happiness

These nature immersion gardens represent a complete landscape renovation designed and built by Jay Archer. Explore the ever-evolving project!

At the heart of this project was the complete removal of the entire backyard – formerly a large lawn.

As with all of Jay’s projects, this design is based in nature-based principles and is rich with habitat features that are anchored with native plant material. This garden is a model of biodiversity, resource conservation and is a pollinator paradise!

There are four zones within this landscape:

Stepping stone path and mixed garden border leads from the front entrance to the backyard.

Zone One: Eco-Hybrid Front Yard Landscape

Predominantly native plants mixed with traditional non-natives that also attract pollinators.

         Features: Mixed perennial curb border, Porous Pave driveway

Backyard features many natives, and a network of natural stone pathways.

Zone Two: ReWilding Zone

Evolved as a combination of plants that occur naturally from the adjacent wetlands, coupled with a design and planting composition. Formerly was a lawn with a mosquito problem.

         Features: Rain Garden, Passive Irrigation, Natural Stone Patios, Fire Pit

Trail to the wetland area has been managed to better absorb stormwater.

Zone Three: Transitional Zone

The buffer between the adjacent disturbed wetland and the designed landscape. A glimpse of the future, featuring assisted migration (Bald Cyprus) and naturalized foreigners (Dawn Redwood) that are eco-adapted to our region. We maintain a woodland trail to access and enjoy the wetland setting.

         Features: Woodchip Garden Paths and Woodland Planting

22-acre wetland borders the property. Past restoration projects by the municipality have been abandoned.

Zone Four: Disturbed Wetland

Previously was an aquatic restoration project by Westchester County.

Features: Managed Views, Log Bridges, Seating Areas

Design choices based upon ecological principles, plant selections, and maintenance practices are all critical elements in creating healthy ecosystems. As a landscape ecologist, Jay Archer has successfully combined all three elements and the resulting landscape is a model of biodiversity and resource conservation. The landscape is also inherently people-focused, designed to improve our health, quality of life and connection to nature.

View from zone two looking towards the wetland.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday September 17th!

Green Jay Landscape Design

Where Design Meets Ecology

914-560-6570

Contact Us To Schedule a Free

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Let’s discuss your goals and determine if we are a good fit for your project.

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