The Association of Landscape Designers awarded Mary Palmer Dargan, RLA, principal of Dargan Landscape Architects of Cashiers, NC. the prestigious International GOLD landscape design award at their recent conference in Chicago.
Ushuata, created for Judy & George DIxon in Cashiers,NC, was applauded by the judges as being ” A wonderful project. A great design that blends the site, its context , the environment and grounds. Great variety in design elements and features. Excellent job weaving materials – stone and plants – into the site.
Softer hardscape is appreciated for a lighter footprint on the land. Circular stairs – a stunning elevation transition in harmony with the site. Excellent mix of intimate and larger spaces making an overall welcoming and beautiful landscape. Well done.”
The Cashiers team of John Warren, Natural Landscapes and Wayne Miller of Miller Landscapes worked tirelessly for 3 years to develop the grounds. Edmund Taylor, horticulturist supreme, managed the plant material collections of rare evergreen and deciduous trees, flowering shrubs, vines, perennials, dahlias and woodland plantings for well over a decade.
Ushuata is situated on 12 acres of mountaintop with 280 degree vistas over western NC. The property was generously shared to benefit The Joy Garden tour thrice in the past 15 years. As the plant collections matured, it became a botanical garden featuring the range of plants that thrive in our area at 4500′ elevation. Sustainable practices such as water harvesting and composting exhibited good stewardship of the land.
