If ever there was a quintessential, charming Midwestern neighborhood, it quite possibly might be the one that John Mathews and his family live in. The homes along the tree-lined streets vary widely in style—from low-slung bungalows to traditional Capes. But the front yards? Those are all pretty standard fare. That is, until you pull up in front of the textural quilt that frames John’s house. What was once a simple expanse of turfgrass and standard shrubs surrounding a suburban home has been reimagined into a serene, Asian-inspired garden. Through careful design and plant selection, this front yard has become a tranquil retreat that blurs the boundaries between nature and architecture while creating a sense of depth and discovery.
Designer: John Mathews
What: Asian-inspired curbside garden
Size: 1,404 square feet total
Zone: 4b–5
Conditions: Partial to full shade; average, well-drained soil
Age: 11 years old
- Front hellstrip planting
- Dry streambed
- Curved boulder pathway
- Sidewalk
- Dawn redwood arch
- Cedar privacy fence
- Sunken garden
- Front entry and seating area
Turn the liabilities into assets
The original landscape was conventional, featuring a lawn that was bisected by a sidewalk and assorted evergreen shrubs that bordered the home. A grouping of yews (Taxus cv., Zones 4–9) was planted in a sunken bed between a concrete ramp and the house. Thankfully, a trio of mature shade trees provided a strong framework, but they lacked cohesion with the rest of the space. Varied light conditions complicated future plant selection even further. In essence, the property was filled with planting challenges.
The goal was ambitious yet clear: to eliminate all the turfgrass and create a garden infused with Asian elements that offered beauty, depth, and subtle surprises—all while screening or camouflaging any of the less desirable preexisting components. Dwarf trees and shrubs that would thrive in the dappled light, interspersed with carefully selected perennials, became the centerpiece of this vision. The sheer variety and volume of species allows the space to feel expansive despite its actual size.
Layer the plantings and balance the proportions
Plant choice was crucial for John, but equally important was placement. “The plants would allow me to play with proportions and to have many different textures and colors within the small space. I did not want everything to be seen from the street or sidewalk,” John says. The area between the street curb and sidewalk was planted with dwarf trees and evergreens, along with shorter perennials. “By using a correct scale for the perennials, it helps to create the feeling that the dwarf trees and shrubs are much larger than they really are,” John explains. When the house is viewed from across the road, the sidewalk completely disappears and gives the garden much more depth (photo above). The layers of plants reveal themselves gradually, from the curb to the front door, drawing visitors deeper into the landscape’s embrace.
The mature anchor trees were preserved, forming a canopy that complements the Asian theme. Beneath them, dwarf ginkgos (Ginkgo biloba and cvs., Zones 3–9), arborvitae (Arborvitae spp. and cvs., Zones 2–8), and Japanese maples (Acer palmatum and cvs., Zones 5–9) were strategically placed to frame the space. These are paired with petite herbaceous perennials and small-scale shrubs, ensuring proper proportions. The careful sizing and placement of plants creates an illusion of vastness within the compact yard.
Hidden gems and personal touches elevate the space
Of course, it isn’t just the plants that make this front yard truly extraordinary. A curved boulder pathway winds from the street to a custom slatted side gate, inviting visitors into the garden while creating a sense of depth. The meandering walkway bends beneath a carefully trained dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides cv., Zones 4–8) that forms a natural tunnel. This interplay of the pathway and vertical elements encourages exploration and creates a feeling of mystery. The addition of a dry streambed (inspired by a recent visit to Kyoto, Japan) further enhances the space, visually separating the front and side gardens.
A unique cedar fence designed and built by John discreetly screens the concrete ramp leading to the front door. Behind it, the space was filled with soil to create a sunken garden, complete with a small cascading stream and dwarf perennials. This hidden area can only be discovered if you journey deeper into the garden. It adds a feeling of surprise and intimacy to the design. Not to be forgotten are the Japanese lanterns positioned at the front entry. They are visible from inside the home and help connect the garden to the architecture. This transformation is not just a lesson in landscape design but also a testament to how even the most utilitarian suburban yard can become a harmonious and meaningful space, blending functionality with artistry.
Notable Textural Plants for Creating Depth
These are a few of the plants that John selected to provide proper proportion and scale in a small space.
1. Brass buttons
Leptinella squalida
Zones: 4–9
Size: 2 inches tall and 12 inches wide
Conditions: Partial shade; well-drained soil
Native range: New Zealand
*This is a favorite plant of the resident tortoise, Sheldon.
2. ‘Tamukeyama’ Japanese maple
Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Tamukeyama’
Zones: 5–8
Size: 6 to 10 feet tall and 10 to 12 feet wide
Conditions: Partial shade; moist, well-drained soil
Native range: Japan
3. ‘Bonsai’ dawn redwood
Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Bonsai’
Zones: 4–8
Size: 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide
Conditions: Partial shade; well-drained soil
Native range: Central and western China
4. ‘Troll’ ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba ‘Troll’
Zones: 3–9
Size: 2 to 3 feet tall and wide
Conditions: Partial shade; well-drained soil
Native range: South central and southeast China
5. ‘Aureola’ Japanese forest grass
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’
Zones: 5–9
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Conditions: Full sun to partial shade; well-drained soil
Native range: Japan
Danielle Sherry is the executive editor.
Photos, except where noted: Danielle Sherry
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