Hi Maureen, I have been studying your picture. I think the little globe evergreen still looks lost there. Not sure another one on the other side would fix it, like you said the slope is a problem. Of course, in the future, when he is bigger, it will look different. Here is what I am thinking. I love the stone markers, from what I can see, but I really had to look to find them. So I think they need to be higher. This would more clearly mark the entryway. Could you build an inexpensive and small pedestal for them, I'm thinking like a 1 ft x 1 ft x 2 ft high pedestal out of bricks or pavers or treated wood, and top with the markers? Then perhaps the globe evergreen in front of each, and you could even adjust the height of the pedestal so that it looks even in height. The globes in front would hide any difference in the height of the pedestal. I hope you see what I am talking about. Then, if you want a garden that looks good year round, you will have to carefully think of evergreens or plants with winter interest like berries, or bark, or very early spring bloom to put in there. Weighing all the options and then having to make a decision is the hardest part. I torment over stuff like this! Laurie

Andrew Jackson Downing was the first great American landscaper. One of his books, Victorian Cottage Residences, (published 1842) is still available. Here is a link that might be useful: Victorian Cottage Residences

Ginny, I've been following the updates in the local paper... You can too, if you do a Google search to find the Salem News online edition. Every few weeks they usually have an article about what's going on at the site. The basic scoop -- a big developer, the Archstone Corporation had the winning bid for the development of the hospital campus, but the stipulation was that they had to preserve the Kirkbride (that's the big gothic main building). Archstone had its engineers do an initial check of the structure, and reported that with some minor adjustments they could preserve the building. After Archstone got the deal, though, they proposed a plan radically different from their original. Now, they claimed that the age and degree of decrepitude of the Kirkbride would make it impossible to save anything but the front facade. The Danvers town council was outraged (as were many residents). On top of that, relatives of some of the patients who had died and were buried on the campus were very concerned that any development plans that go through must honor and preserve the modest cemetery. The deal was just a big mess. Archstone dropped out. Another company (the name eludes me right now) took it up and apparently has provided a plan that preserves the Kirkbride exterior and its main interior structure... but with major renovations. There are supposed to be lots of new condo buildings, plus use of the Kirkbride and neighboring brick buildings, but I don't know what those uses will be. I presume offices and/or more housing. I drive by there quite regularly, and have always been taken by the beauty of the setting and the drama of the campus structures. I hope that any development that is undertaken preserves the dignity of the place, and its lush green setting.

I love questions such as this. They allow me to research and revisit the work of such talentented designers as Lutyens. My thoughts on your questions: 1. I find many references to Lutyens returning to former houses he designed and working on the landscapes, including the addition of a Japanese garden in some situations. He is credited with the ability ..."to build in a style that combined the best of the east and the west". He is also known to have a love of paradox...contrary to common sense. Plus, estates of that period had many types of gardens and it is not uncommon practice. So...if you are in the hands of a good LA well grounded with Lutyens and his brilliant career the addition of a Japanese garden should be acceptable. 2. You are fortunate to obtain the old marble parts to construct an herb garden. Your planned use arranging them into a formal shape works. Too bad that you could not also purchase the marble urn. Somewhere the right urn or statue lurks to replace it. With some searching you will know it when you see it. I am surprised that your LA has not given you guidance on planting an herb garden. Usually they were bordered with a low, neatly trimmed boxwood hedge and planted with culinary herbs and flowers. Lots on on-line information to aid your selections. 3. There is a Hydrangea Forum here on GW with many knowledgeable gardeners posting. Suggest asking this question there where you should find all sorts of suggestions and advice.