BY CHARLOTTE NOLAN
Enquirer contributor
Jill Hanto's home in the Reserve in Montgomery was part of Homearama 1995. The landscaping was done by J.R. Thomas Landscaping Inc. of Loveland.
"The best part of my home is the outside," Ms. Hanto says. "Not that I don't have an incredible home, but the outside is so soothing. It's so peaceful."
Ms. Hanto's sprawling house is tucked at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Although just 3 years old, the landscape looks established and lush. Mature blue spruces, white pines, Norway spruces, clump Shubert plums and river birches frame the lot while Alberta spruces, boxwoods, viburnums and perennials fill in the gardens. Large limestone urns and wooden benches add architectural interest.
But with all its visual excitement, what you hear -- the gentle sound of water cascading over rocks -- is the first thing you notice.
On the left side of the driveway entrance rests a water garden, fashioned from fieldstones and featuring a red laceleaf Japanese maple. The area contributes a calm, serene feeling to a public space.
"The idea of running water sounded hokey to me at first. But I've found it really brings the outside in," Ms. Hanto says. "It's so creative, I never would have thought about it. It's kind of a surprise as you come down the driveway."
Ms. Hanto credits Thomas for garden living spaces using sight, sound, texture and color.
Every season was planned, every view considered.
"They paid attention to the placement of trees so that one side of my house wasn't the only side with color," she says. "There is excitement and surprise all through every season."
Ms. Hanto even leaves the fountain running during the winter for its "incredible icicle displays."
