Landscape

Outdoor Paradises: A Gorgeous Garden With Architect Julie Rokke

Rokke Garden

For the invitation to explore the outdoor spaces on this private property, we can thank architect Julie Rokke whose passion for gardening has blossomed over the years.

Photos by Hillary Ehlen

It’s not every day we’re lucky enough to see curb appeal featuring a river of perennials leading up to the front door of a 1928 home. If you think the front of this house is gorgeous, just wait until you see the backyard. For the invitation to explore the outdoor spaces on this private property, we can thank architect Julie Rokke whose passion for gardening has blossomed over the years.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

Rokke’s passion for gardening has strong roots. “My mother was in the National Horticultural Society. She was a national flower show judge,” Rokke said. When Rokke was a little girl, her mother had a huge garden and would often ask her to pull weeds. Naturally, Rokke began to think of gardening as a chore. It wasn’t until she grew up that Rokke started to see things differently. “After I got my own house, I realized that I really liked it,” she said. 

Though her mother passed away before Rokke and her husband moved into the house, gardening allows Rokke to feel her presence. “When I’m in the garden, I always feel like she’s here,” Rokke said.

the front Yard

In front of her 1928 home, Rokke created a curved flower bed, which she wanted to look like a river. The plants in this flower bed change throughout the year. “I try to get it so there’s always color in the garden,” Rokke said. Right now, she has everything from day lilies to angel trumpet growing in front of her house.

Rokke Garden
In her spare time, Rokke makes wedding bouquets and centerpieces for friends and family members.
Rokke Garden
These alliums are stunning even when all that’s left is the seed head.
Rokke Garden
Day lilies
Rokke Garden
Angel Trumpets

the Backyard

The front yard is charming upon arrival, but the backyard is even more bewitching. A mature tree shades the area between the house and the detached garage, which Rokke designed to reflect the period of her historic home. “I designed the garage. When we moved in, there was just a single stall garage attached and there was no place in the house that you could see the garden.” However, that is not the case at all anymore.

Rokke Garden

Rokke Garden

Rokke Garden

Rokke Garden
These table grapes are safe to eat and remind the Rokkes of their grown son who lives in California.
Rokke Garden
Rokke’s herb garden contains a curry leaf plant and lime basil.

A Big Little Threat

This summer, rabbits have been wreaking havoc on Rokke’s garden. To deter them from feeding on her plants, she and a neighbor have placed chicken wire around the bottom of their shared fence that AAA Fence Contractor’s built. Rokke also uses cages around specific plants to help protect them from unwelcome wild creatures and varmints.

Rokke Garden

 

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