“Reclaiming the Past” — Southern Lady, 2020
Frances and Miller Gorrie approached Troy Rhone Gardens to revive the garden adjoining their 1929 Tudor home. Their Alabama garden was full of antique artifacts from around the world but needed new life.
Rejuvenating Timeworn Pieces with a New Shimmer
Uncovering snapshots from the past, Troy restored the garden’s cobblestones, handmade pavers, granite curbing, and hand-stamped bricks to their original beauty. These vintage elements, now beautifully revived, add a breath of European history to the garden’s ambiance.
The garden fence is a historic item from Birmingham’s Tutwiler Hotel — before it was demolished in 1974. This particular fence was part of a balcony President Warren G. Harding used as a parade stand during his 1921 visit. The fence is the owner’s favorite feature, and Troy completely refurbished it to bring out the timeless beauty of the ironwork. Now restored, it sits amongst hydrangeas and luster leaf holly hedges.
Poolside Antique Landscape Restoration
The focal feature of the garden is a pool house, set at the back of the property. The pool runs alongside the home, reminiscent of classic palatial garden designs. The brick esterase overlooks a lovely scene.
Around the pool are planters, corbels, and a bench emanating Old-World character. The garden restoration also features stately wooden doors with large iron knockers and antique light fixtures. Frances Miller owns an outdoor furniture market, Blackjack Gardens. And Blackjack Horticulture, a separate company, maintains the lush grounds, which now feel like an art gallery.
Miller Gorrie is well pleased with the results of the garden renovation, and he reflects on his decision to turn the reigns over to Troy Rhone:
“We love to let him work, since it pays off handsomely and leads to beautiful outdoor spaces.” — Miller Gorrie, Homeowner
Sprucing Up the Putting Green
Troy worked for 18 months on the project and this included resurfacing a special feature for the owner — a putting green. Miller, an avid golfer, loves having room for his golf game in the garden. Troy spruced up the existing putting green, resurfacing it and redesigning the gardens that surround it.
Troy also added a new large oval lawn near the pool with beautiful cutting gardens. This poolside area effortlessly matches the other revamped spaces, and the cutting garden is a special addition for grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“She wanted a place for cut flowers and perennials, as well as a place for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play.” — Troy Rhone
Read the full article in Southern Lady magazine.