With its stunning mountain views and secluded location, this wooded niche seemed ideal for a backyard retreat. The homeowners, however, were unsure of exactly how to create such a space. So they turned to landscape designer Brent Donaldson and gave him carte blanche to do what he wanted with the project. The result is a hand-built arbor with a pair of wooden bed swings and piles of plush pillows—the perfect combination for relaxation. But the icing on the cake is the splay of New Dawn roses spilling over the arbor. “The structure is stained a very dark color and has a rather cathedral-like look to it, ” explains Brent. “We needed something to soften up the pergola and create more of a soothing environment. New Dawn roses were a good choice because they grow fast and bloom like crazy.”
Like all roses, New Dawn roses do require a bit of maintenance. “They need the typical care of any type of rose, ” explains Brent. “And they are very susceptible to black spots, so it is important to find a good preventive spray.”