A High-Style Courtyard Garden in Santa Fe

An Unclassifiable Space

"Unclassifiable" might be the best adjective for Gwill Newman's courtyard garden. It has many elements of a classic Santa Fe courtyard—heavily plastered walls with sensuous rounded edges, deep shady portals supported by peeled pine logs, a central fountain sparkling in the sun—yet it doesn't feel traditional. Perhaps it's the restrained plant palette: instead of a riot of annuals and perennials, Newman limited her selection to two pairs of gray-green 'Wichita Blue' junipers and a series of yellow 'Graham Thomas' roses. The result feels almost Tuscan or Provençal, reinforced by paler-than-typical colors for gravel, sandstone, and stucco.

A Personal Vision Realized

Newman daydreamed about such a courtyard for decades. When she and her husband moved to Santa Fe from Chicago, she set about creating a uniquely personal space. The Mediterranean colors of plants and hardscape reflect the pale floors and pastel furniture she favors indoors. The style is Bauhaus-influenced: "Those architects believed in stripping away all nonessentials," she says. "They thought living that way would make people behave better. Plotting evil would be very difficult in this space," she adds with amusement. "It makes me much too happy."

Landscape Lessons

Keep It Simple

For a garden that exudes calm, eliminate excess. Keep hardscape colors monochromatic—Newman's sandstone tiles, gravel, and stucco are all closely matched shades of soft beige. Her planting scheme is equally restrained, with yellow 'Graham Thomas' roses climbing the columns.

Watch Scale

In a simple space, all elements must be in proportion. Because the courtyard is large (46 by 46 feet), Newman needed a dramatic central focal point. When the white marble fountain was installed, she found its final tier too massive and had it removed.

Add Texture

To add interest without disturbing serenity, vary textures. Newman counterbalanced smooth sandstone and stucco with crunchy gravel. She contrasted sleek walls with rugged wood, starting with wood-and-iron entrance gates imported from India. Wicker furniture and metal chandeliers add further textural variation.

Contact

Info: Peter Meek, PLM Construction Services, Santa Fe (505/424-4100)