Originally designed by Alice Recknagel Ireys - a prominent landscape architect during the second half of the 20th century - as her personal garden, this project was, in part, a historic garden restoration. Realizing the garden’s historic importance to their Brooklyn community, the clients were committed to maintaining the integrity of Alice Ireys’ design from the project’s inception. A plan of Ireys’ city garden, as described in her book published in 1967, became the framework for the restoration.

Ireys’ layout for the garden - consisting of an upper and lower terrace - was maintained. The original fan-shaped bluestone upper terrace was stored on site during the restoration and relaid. In the lower terrace, brick seatwalls were created - following Ireys’ original lines - to provide the clients with additional seating. Two gracefully curved staircases were added to connect the interior parlor and basement levels with the garden. Great care was taken to save and replant many of the mature plantings original to the garden.

Photos:
F. Fleischer

 

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