Russell
Yvonne and Donald Russell
2400 Bermuda Hills Road
This couple is working their way around Spring Valley leaving a legacy of beauty behind. The spectacular house and its landscape are only two years old yet give the impression of a thoughtfully planned and executed Southern garden that has taken much longer to evolve. Yvonne Russell wants to be able to walk through her garden and the resulting “rooms” were given the same careful attention she gave to the home’s interior.
The placement of the house facing a roadside hill resulted in garden designs and elevations that are unusual. The walls are poured concrete instead of the usual stacked stone and are softened by plantings of rosemary and kiwi vine. Located below the road, the property is in a runoff area from the homes across the street. Undaunted by the challenge, the Russells have channeled that water into a stream that runs through the property and out onto the golf course. As a result, the careful choice of fertilizers and treatments is important to the couple. Apparently being a good neighbor can pay off handsomely!
No stiletto heels here….this is a garden you’ll want to explore by foot. You’ll walk down the fairly steep slope of the driveway but what a view opens up at the bottom of your trek! Pass through abundant plantings of annuals which will change to match the seasons. Resist the urge to pick a snack from the citrus trees in the Mediterranean inspired garden. Donald’s mother’s garden furniture is throughout, including the Japanese pagoda against the persimmon and bamboo backdrop. The antique roses are Dublin Bays. Yvonne can cite the provenance of every interesting plant in her garden.
You’ll notice the lovely ironwork scattered about, even on the walls of the porch areas. The structure at the bottom of the driveway is a perfect spot to hold the annual party celebrating the Night Blooming Cereus when the time is right. There is a vegetable garden that thrives here---a very green thumb can have a practical side as well. Yvonne’s favorite view of the house is from the golf course. It rises like a wedding cake decorated with garlands of plant life. She maintains that loving and being passionate about the process and results are what matter here.
Many Spring Valley residents are in better physical shape, thanks to the Russells. Walkers, runner and bikers make it a habit to pass by and see the latest project in the works. Yvonne and Donald are involved in a continuous effort that both these talented homeowners and residents anticipate and enjoy!
