19305 Afton Road
Now entering its third summer, the garden at 19305 Afton Road is a vibrant example of how formal design and native plantings can harmoniously coexist. When the current homeowners moved in, the backyard bore little resemblance to what you see today. Only the original fence and a stand of pine trees along the southern border remain—among them, a stately White Pine, the State Tree of Michigan.
The transformation of both front and back yards was entrusted to Brian Rankel and Danny Jones of B & D Garden Design. Their vision reflects the homeowners’ love of European-style formal gardens and their commitment to using native plants that support local ecosystems. In the front yard, the only holdover from the original landscaping is a large yew anchoring the southern edge. The rest has been thoughtfully designed to create structure and beauty year-round.
In the backyard, the design challenge was to blend formality with functionality—to create a space that felt elegant while also being ecologically supportive. The result is a serene, symmetrical layout reminiscent of the grand gardens of Europe. The design draws particular inspiration from the Château de Villandry in France, known for its geometric parterres. Centered around a charming fountain, the garden is outlined with clipped boxwood hedges that bring order and rhythm to the space. Even in winter, a dusting of snow highlights the structure, transforming the garden into a quiet, contemplative retreat.
Four statues—representing the four seasons—grace each corner of the fountain and hold personal significance: they were brought from the homeowners’ previous residence. Facing the fountain is a classic teak Lutyens bench, a nod to the English gardens that inspired much of the design.
Beyond the aesthetics, the garden is alive with purpose. Native plants, which line the borders and fill the beds, attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and songbirds. The sound of water from the fountain is not only soothing to visitors but also draws in birds who come to bathe and drink. Along the north border, you’ll find a variety of culinary herbs, a favorite of the Lady of the House, who enjoys incorporating them into her cooking. A special note of caution: while mint thrives here, it has a tendency to take over. The homeowners wisely keep it contained in a separate pot to prevent it from spreading.
Whether your preference leans formal or wild, this garden demonstrates that beauty and biodiversity can flourish side by side. As you walk through the neighborhood today, consider this: if each of us were to plant even one native species in our own yards, we could create a continuous habitat for birds, bees, and butterflies—just as they are now traveling from garden to garden on the Palmer Woods House and Garden Tour.