Native Beauty at Beresford Hall – A Neighborhood Example
December 8, 2008 – 10:16 am
Backyard Habitat of Dan & Joy Newlin
Yesterday afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting a gorgeous neighborhood in the Wando/Cainhoy area near Daniel Island. Beresford Hall is a 547 acre community off Clements Ferry Road built in 2004 around a central concept of conservation. Unlike many developments that maximize density, (i.e. cram as many homes as possible per acre) DesignWorks chose nature first. The neighborhood was planned around the 583 grand trees and natural waterways that already existed.
The designers also designated the most beautiful site as common area so that all 200 homes could share the gorgeous water views, water access and other neighborhood amenities like parks and nature trails. Winding streets, large lots and well-built homes abound. But my favorite part of the entire plan, native plantings.
At the core of every homesite is a native planting edict. All homes are required to utilize a majority of native plants in their landscaping plans and are strictly forbidden to plant exotic invasive species.
To make it easy on homeowners, Beresford Hall provides a comprehensive list of native plants and trees in their Covenants and Restrictions. I found this list extremely helpful as a reference for my own yard.
Another rule they enforce is the prohibition of rounding shrubs to non-natural forms. Plants, shrubs and trees are encouraged to grow in their natural forms within areas called Nature Curtains, curving areas along the roadside that mimic nature’s corridors. Natural, un-dyed mulch is recommended.
You would think with all these restrictions to manicuring, that the neighborhood would look messy. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Wide streets allow for parking off the grass, sidewalks allow for great nature walks and yards look wonderfully inviting, especially to wildlife. As I walked around the yard I saw no less than 15 different species of birds darting in and out of the shrubbery.
If you get a chance, this neighborhood would make a great day trip for your garden club. If your interest is homeownership, I’ll gladly show you around. Homes are incredibly well built with large open floorplans that maximize views of the natural landscaping. They easily accomodate large families, usually featuring 4-5 bedrooms, formal dining, eat-in kitchen, den and formal living room, quality hardiplank exteriors, architectural shingled roof and 2-3 car garages. Starting in the mid 800’s. There’s nothing like seeing to believing. Take 526 Exit 23B towards Cainhoy. Beresford Hall is about 3 miles down the road on your right.
