Evans
Jane and Greg Evans
120 Spring Valley Court
Greg Evans maintains that a “real” gardener is willing to move a plant three times to get it right. Apparently this also applies to Greg and his wife Jane. This is their third house in Columbia. They have most recently moved from Charleston and the influence of that city is found throughout this space in the ironwork designed by Greg and executed by a craftsman on Johns Island. As you move through this seemingly compact space, you will find it hard to believe that this garden is only two years old. It is a jewel box of color, variety and whimsy.
A good example is the pyracantha on the wall of the small enclosed patio. In a scene worthy of Alfred Hitchcock, Jane says she sipped coffee there one morning and watched the birds devour all its berries in a single day. The Evans’ son was married beneath the wooden arbor which Greg built and in testimony to the generational feel of this garden, Greg’s father fashioned the lamp in 1976. The piece moves with them into each new landscape.
Be prepared for an amazing backyard—home to the Azalea Railroad. The miniature landscape began this past December and trunk lines have already been added. Jane delights in the search for just the right plants to add, the latest discovery being the Irish moss. Talk about sharing your husband’s hobby! But it’s hard to tell which is closer to Greg’s heart (besides Jane, of course)……the train or its garden environment. An Amtrak poster should look this good! This is a couple that believes in going green. Greg used the discarded concrete from his old patio and driveway and that of his neighbor to construct the terraces and levels in the backyard and he did the work himself.
Jane and Greg have obviously found the fun in gardening. Each new planting season builds upon the previous one and the result is outstanding. You might expect this patio home to be dedicated to little effort and easy maintenance...not so. Greg’s advice is to talk to your plants…obviously his like what he has to say and are rewarding Greg and Jane with a heartfelt “thank you”!
