junior league of greater princeton designer show house and gardens XVII

Certainly not to be neglected is the amazing gardens section of the location. Ronni Hock Garden and Landscape of Lawrenceville was one of the designers to work that area, selecting the entrance to Priory Court (the front beds on either side of the limestone columns).

"I wanted to seduce the visitor - inviting them to explore the architectural splendor and detail of this home," says Ronni Hock. "The architect, Alfred Hopkins, was inspired by his travels throughout Europe and drawn to this Princeton site by an arboretum on an estate surrounded by magnificent trees. 

In fact, his original design and revisions were titled 'Plan of trees with house.' With this in mind, I decided to punctuate the limestone pillars with six Malus 'Prairiefire' (crabapples)-three on either side of each pillar-within a formal Renaissance parterre, framing the front of the estate. The garden beds are highlighted by Roses, Alliums, Verbascum, climbing Hydrangeas, Camassia and a hedge of Peonies," she says.

Hock is a pro at this event, having had her designs · chosen for the last four outings. "In fact, I formally launched my business in 2006 with the Showhouse affair at Hodge House. Needless to say, I owe the women of the Princeton Junior League a debt of gratitude. My work first came to the attention of many of my clients through these wonderful events. In addition, I was drawn to Priory Court because of the architect's love and inspiration for this particular location and I wanted, in a small way, to complement his vision," she says.