Napier Constructs Emotional Garden Plot for His Family, Packing it with Tale-Telling Elements
In a heartfelt endeavor, Ben Napier constructed a charming greenhouse and garden for his beloved wife Erin and their children, Helen and Mae. This wasn't just another project; it was a labor of love, aimed at passing on the traditional art of gardening and instilling a deep respect for nature in their children. Ben shared, "We both want our kids to grow up with a love of gardening..."
The idea for this magical sanctuary was sparked during a property renovation, where Ben reclaimed materials to incorporate into the greenhouse's design. Each element was lovingly selected and placed to align with the existing architecture of their Laurel, Mississippi farm. "Erin is an incredible designer with a great eye..." Ben admitted, acknowledging that achieving the desired aesthetic was no simple task.
Ben's greenhouse is an ode to memories and the beauty of their location. He stockpiled materials diligently, ensuring every detail was deliberate. Sourced from local businesses and even his own workshop, the materials were seamlessly integrated with repurposed granite flooring, reclaimed windows, and stained glass from a trusted friend.
The greenhouse is more than just a structure; it's a testament to their journey together. Ben crafted the wooden frames and siding himself, mixed with oak tables and garden gates that harkened back to his Scottish reveries. He incorporated cultural references like New York City park benches, remnants from the 1939 World's Fair, and even repurposed Titanic railing pieces, which holds sentimental value for Erin.
Planting a selection of seasonal herbs, produce, and sentimental blooms, Ben enlisted the help of experts like James Farmer and Emily Grohovsky to ensure a thriving garden. Memories run deep in this green space, with 'Limelight' hydrangeas, Japanese maples, and sweet olives gracing the verdant landscape. The girls' favorites, blackberry bushes, pear trees, and an assortment of colorful blossoms fill the space, offering the girls a hands-on learning experience in the art of gardening.
As the girls continue to explore and cultivate their new garden, Ben reflects on their progress and cherishes the moments they share together. The garden serves not only as a stunning addition to their home but also as a bonding experience, a classroom, and a place to make everlasting memories. "At this point, we're just piquing their curiosity..." Ben says, hinting at the endless possibilities that await the young gardeners in their magical sanctuary.
- Ben Napier, inspired by his southern living, deconstructed materials from a property renovation to craft a greenhouse, blending gardening ideas and landscaping, creating a charming greenhouse and garden for his wife and children.
- The greenhouse, story of the Napier family's journey and love for culture and lifestyle, showcases oak tables, garden gates, and wooden frames, blending memories of New York City, Scotland, and the Titanic, all carefully selected to align with the existing architecture of their farm.
- Ben, with help from experts like James Farmer and Emily Grohovsky, planted a variety of seasonal plantings in the greenhouse, including 'Limelight' hydrangeas, Japanese maples, sweet olives, blackberry bushes, pear trees, and an assortment of colorful blossoms.
- The greenhouse, infused with sentimental value and gardening ideas, is more than just a structure; it's a testament to Ben and Erin's love for each other and their commitment to passing on the traditional art of gardening to their daughters, Helen and Mae.
- As the Napier girls continue to learn and cultivate their new garden, Ben appreciates the moments they share together, the garden serving as a bonding experience, a classroom, and a place to make everlasting memories, piquing their curiosity and opening doors to endless possibilities in gardening.
