James Farmer is virtually a family identify, not solely in his native South however from coast to coast. From authoring a number of best-selling books on design to exhibiting America how one can set the proper vacation desk on nationwide tv, he has put his trademark type on the map and is taken into account a recent voice for an upcoming technology of designers and owners.
But, for all his fame, James has remained grounded, conserving near his center Georgia roots, the place he says he received his earliest begin as a designer by serving to his mom’s pals with their gardening initiatives. “I’ve had an curiosity in gardening since childhood,” he mentioned, noting that each of his grandfathers nurtured his love of the land. Later, in highschool, he labored part-time at a landscaping firm. He pursued that curiosity in faculty, the place he doubled-majored in artwork historical past and panorama design earlier than shifting again residence and beginning his design enterprise in downtown Perry.
Naturally, out of doors areas play a key position at James’s own residence, Farmdale, the place he has lived for 10 years. “I deal with the outside like an architectural floorplan, with locations for eating and lounging,” he mentioned. “I consider it as an extension of my home, albeit with a distinct scale as a result of there’s no ceiling.” He makes use of constructions reminiscent of cabanas, partitions, and parterres to outline areas and add curiosity.
He admits that as a result of he doesn’t stay in a neighborhood—Farmdale sits on acres of wooded household land—he has been in a position to do issues a bit otherwise than many householders. For instance, when he added a pool to the property, he determined to put it on the aspect of the house in order that it balances the carport. “Sisters, not twins,” he says. “I needed the backyard to be the yard function. When it’s chilly and wintry, I prefer to look out and see a backyard, not a pool.”
The general format of Farmdale’s backyard is that of a Spanish Cross, a backyard design with a central point of interest and a cross formed pathway that divides the house into quadrants. On a visit to close by Macon, James discovered an outdated church steeple that he repurposed into his yard’s point of interest. “I really like the connection to one thing native
in addition to the that means and symbolism behind it,” he says.
As for favourite crops, he jokes that he gravitates to these ending in ya. “Camellia and hydrangea are nice,” James says. Tea olives are additionally a a favourite. And he encourages residence gardeners to incorporate some tropical crops like old school ginger within the combine. For shade and perfume in cooler months, he recommends Lenten roses and winter honeysuckle.
He advises owners to not overlook their backyard’s “secret season”—that interval from late summer time to early fall when many crops are starting to look drained from the warmth however might be given a second lease on life. “You may reduce your summer time blooming annuals in late July,” James says. “And they’re going to come again with recent foliage and flowers, taking you all the way in which into fall.”
With regards to out of doors dwelling and entertaining, southerners have a definite benefit. “We will take pleasure in our out of doors areas nearly year-round,” he says, noting that he has hosted 30 individuals for Thanksgiving dinner in his carport. “From April to November, we put the ‘nation’ in ‘membership.’”
In reality, the out of doors areas at Farmdale are as nicely tended and nicely used because the indoor rooms. James has hosted engagement events, guide signings, household dinners, and even a marriage outdoors. “My sister’s marriage ceremony was probably the most great occasions I’ve held outside,” he says. “There’s one thing so particular about that Southern hallmark of hospitality the place we collect outdoors. It’s just like the church custom of dinner on the grounds. It’s great to have fun life’s occasions within the backyard.”
James’s newest design guide, Dwelling Once more—A Return to Gracious Interiors, is about to be launched in September. Preorders and signed copies can be found on his web site.
This text seems in our Spring 2025 situation of GEORGIA DESIGN.
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