The homes in the Logan Circle neighborhood are an eclectic blend of sprawling Victorian town homes, quaint two story row homes, apartments and condos. On many blocks you will experience a diverse mix of artisan influences that is hard to find in other DC neighborhoods. The homes are grand, and the blocks vary from one to the other. Many times there is evidence of the diverse building styles held within each block as styles and architecture vary from house to house. There has also been quite a condo revival during the last decade in the 13th Street corridor. And the edginess of 14th Street has been replaced with Whole Foods and Starbucks.

The 1300 block of Corcoran, however, is a gentle coordinated throwback to a time gone by. The homes are enormous duplexes done in the New Orleans style dating back to 1880. Many have wonderful half spiral brick and stone entry stairs and fabulous, double glass inlayed entry doors. Ornate wood working is present in the unique bay windows, and the homes have rear wraparound porches. One of the challenges of their design is the shared garden centered between each duplex. Most of these spaces call for a definite blending of ideas from two homeowners to make them work. And if the neighbors are unable to get along, their courtyard could quickly become controversy.

This is not the case at 1336 Corcoran St. NW, home of Yolanda Caraway, president and CEO of the Caraway group, a public relations and affairs firm located in Washington. Caraway purchased the home about a year ago and says she fell in love with the meticulous workmanship throughout the house and gardens. The interior has been completely renovated, and no expense was spared on the gardens. She knew right away the home and the tranquil gardens were for her.

Her neighbors, Michael and Mark, have helped make her first summer an enjoyable one. “They are great neighbors,” says Caraway. “I can come home in the afternoon, sit on the back deck with a good book and enjoy the sight and sounds of both gardens. The waterfall and fish in their garden are quite relaxing, and we all enjoy the space.” There is a garden table in the center of the space where outdoor lunches and dinners are often enjoyed. The two gardens flank the homes, and though separate in design and ownership, the gardens are more of a grand courtyard than a divided space. Caraway says it reminds her of “Melrose Place.”

The Gardens
Her garden is filled with interest from early spring when hundreds of tulips, iris and hyacinth explode into bloom. This is followed in grand waves by flower after flower throughout the spring and summer. There are lilacs and hydrangeas, southern magnolias and daylilies, Rudbeckia and Echinacea, hosta and stargazer lilies. The lower deck is filled with planters that are home to tree roses and caladiums, ground orchids and seasonal annuals. Two large flowering Japanese Cherry shades her garden, and the front is a constant show place for seasonal color. There are accent lights along the pathways, and spotlights illuminate the cherry trees.

Her shared garden has a heated pond with Koi and gold fish. There are Japanese maples and Nandina, groundcover and lilies, hosta and perennial flowers. Two giant planters hold tropical banana plants, and the deck area is filled with flowering plants in planters. Camellias flank the carriage house, and the entire paved garden path is done in historically accurate brick.

Still to come…
Caraway has big plans to expand the outdoor living space by turning the remaining upper deck areas into a lush tropical oasis. There will be large trees like oleander, hibiscus, and banana, abundant flowers and lush tropicals. Large hanging planters are to be installed and filled with overflowing, flowering annuals. Her upper deck has a great view of the Washington and what better way to enjoy the views than in her private and shared oasis.

Derek Thomas, a certified professional horticulturist, is principal landscape designer at Thomas Landscapes and Maintenance. He can be reached at www.thomaslandscapes.com or 301-642-5182