Montclair Magazine May 2017 | Page 39

Michael Del Pizzo INNOVATIVE GARDEN DESIGN Bloomfield horticulturist and landscape designer Michael Del Pizzo created a natural setting for this Montclair home that is beloved by birds, and features a wide array of organic, native plants. OPPOSITE PAGE A stepping stone pathway leads to a sitting area by a koi pond. Two of the property’s many birdbaths may be seen along the route. The garden features trees and shrubs that produce edible berries, flowers for pollinators and seeds for wildlife. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT The lovely koi pond is surrounded by golden ragwort, sweet bay magnolia and non-native mahonia. The latter two provide seeds and blue berries, respectively, for birds. The garden’s white candytuft, purple leaf plum tree and woolly thyme tolerate full sun exposure well. The white flowering tree behind the bird- bath is a serviceberry, which yields red berries in late spring. This rustic setting’s service- berry, viburnum, rhododendron and assorted native ferns offer not only serenity for the homeowner, but berries, seeds and shelter for wildlife. The natural bluestone pathway runs through a woodland garden with native plantings, such as redbud trees, sweet bay magnolia and dark pink/purple meadow rue. • • • > MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE MAY 2017 37