Elevated Forest and Edible Landscape
At a bustling corner in Newburgh, a striking cedar fence immediately catches the eye, with young trees thriving alongside it. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice the fence weaving in and out of peaks created by a large earthen berm. This berm, dotted with plants, elevates the garden above the sloping street and adds a sculptural dimension to the site. Beyond the fence, shrubs like blueberries and blackberries flourish, while raised agricultural beds host a variety of vegetables. Together, the fence, berms, trees, and edible plants address urban noise and visual clutter in a way that is both functional and artistic.
When our clients approached us with this challenge, we reimagined the property’s terrain to achieve their goals. Local regulations limiting fence heights along street-facing properties required an innovative solution. By raising the ground level with a three-foot earthen berm, we achieved the necessary height for privacy while adhering to city codes. The cedar fence, weaving gracefully through the berms, provides visual separation and creates distinct zones: edible plants flourish within the fence's interior, easily accessible to the homeowners, while ornamental plantings enhance the external view.
The process of creating physical 3D models by hand played a pivotal role in shaping this project. Early on, these models allowed us to experiment with the berm's contours, the placement of the cedar fence, and the balance between edible and ornamental plantings. By engaging directly with the physical qualities of the site—its slope, texture, and spatial dynamics—we refined ideas that balanced aesthetic appeal and practical needs. These handcrafted models served as essential communication tools, helping the homeowners visualize the interplay of berms, fences, and plantings, ensuring a unified vision.
On the quieter side of the property, the homeowners sought an inviting entrance for friends and neighbors. Here, the cedar fence transitions seamlessly into a wire fence, complemented by a welcoming wooden gateway. An arbor, planted with species that thrive locally, adds character and supports pollinator habitats. This side of the property creates an open and engaging space that contrasts with the privacy-focused street-facing garden.
Berms and fences are also highly effective in addressing street noise from passing cars. In this project, the elevated earthen berm acts as a sound buffer, reducing noise before it reaches the garden and living spaces. Combined with the cedar fence, the berm absorbs and redirects sound waves, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment for the homeowners. Thoughtful planting along the berm further enhances this effect, breaking up sound patterns while also contributing to visual interest and layering within the space.
Mounds have been a versatile element in landscapes throughout history. Ancient cultures used mounds as burial sites, reflecting reverence and connection to the past. Others shaped them into platforms for temples or gathering spaces, elevating these features for visibility and significance. In agriculture, mounds improved soil drainage and supported crops in areas prone to flooding. These earthworks demonstrate the adaptability of human communities in shaping their environments to meet cultural, practical, and spiritual needs. This project draws inspiration from such traditions, adapting mounding techniques to serve modern goals of privacy, noise reduction, and visual harmony.
As the trees on the berm mature, they will create an elevated canopy, offering a captivating perspective as pedestrians pass below the treetops. Future additions include screen plantings on the home’s far side and a pergola to provide both shade and sculptural interest.
This project demonstrates how creative landforms and thoughtful planting strategies can reshape urban spaces into areas that blend artistic vision with ecological function.