The James Beard Garden Makeover

For more about the James Beard Foundation's garden makeover, please read our article "Makeover: The James Beard Garden" and our series of online-only posts about the project at gardendesign.com/jamesbeardgarden. 

The garden of the James Beard Foundation, on Manhattan's West 12th Street, is ready now to welcome guests in style. A new True outdoor refrigerator and prep area extends the foundation's storage and workspace.

A bust of James Beard gets a fitting spot, nestled in the garden and in full view from every angle.

A view looking back at the house shows the glass solarium, an earlier addition, which allows diners to view the garden year-round.

White variegated caladium is used to great effect in this semi-shaded garden; its heavily mottled foliage naturally illuminates dark corners of the garden.

A fountain topped with a statue of a pig, original to the garden, was never used, and the pool below it became a breeding ground for mosquitoes. To honor the past, the fountain was cleaned and raised to provide a sculptural focal point.

A “before” shot of the garden: Overgrown plants make the garden feel dark and crowded; cracked pavers and general wear and tear make it difficult to bring guests outside.

A new teak bench from Barlow Tyrie’s Wimbledon Collection adds much-needed seating. A Just Terraces’ Swingers container is planted with an annual fern and coleus for a seasonal display.

An attractive stainless-steel countertop was fashioned for a custom three-unit True Professional Series refrigerator and wine storage area.