At Home
by Chrysa Smith
Step inside of the Doylestown Free Library and you can immerse yourself in a world of creativity and knowledge. Or walk through the library, out the back door and do the same. Because right behind the walls sits a virtual garden of delight, with parts of it meant to engage, others meant to calm. All of it, meant to enjoy.
It’s all thanks to visionary Bill Dear of Dear Garden Associates in Pipersville; a man with infinite knowledge of horticulture, love of the outdoors and creator of many of the most beautiful landscapes in Bucks County and beyond. With something like 25 years of experience, Dear not only knows his plants and trees, he knows how to make them shine within minimalist landscapes that serve as backdrops for front porch sitting and backyard dwelling.
“I’m trying to create a feel,” Dear says, “There’s a difference between gardening and landscaping.” And the creation of a feeling with landscaping is just what he did at the library. “We turned it into a park.” Dear describes the transformation of a large grass lot. “It became a park with rooms.” There’s a mini amphitheater for book readings or little performers, a maze for kids to lose themselves in. One of my favorites is a path with a great metal reading frog seated on one of the many benches, waiting for some book-loving kiddos and fun-loving adults. The outdoor rooms are modern and meant to be enjoyed by groups, one with a Japanese maple and simplistic stone seating set as a serene place for individuals. It’s all intertwined with stonework that’s sculptural, as Dear’s goal was to create year-round interest.
That’s one place to get a taste of Dear’s designs. And he is now working with another library in Lower Bucks. But the majority of his work is residential. Dear meets with potential or existing clients, reviews their goals, takes a look at their property and discerns what it is that they are hoping to accomplish. And Dears goal? To create a plan as if they had done it themselves, only with the company’s vast knowledge of gardening, horticultural and landscape design.
Depending on the depth of the project, it can take anywhere from a week or two to two months to have a design plan in hand. And that can be anything from beautifying a landscape to envisioning a new pool with hardscaping and landscaping. In the case of a pool, for example, Dear will come up with several concepts from which clients can pick and choose, and using as much local materials as he can. Once they’ve decided on a concept that will work, Dear recommends pool orientation and design, then deals with the pool company or sub-contractors to make the plan come to life.
Dear comes by his line of work as a result of his early decision to major in architecture. The only problem was that architecture was, well structural—like how much weight concrete could withstand. It didn’t speak to his creative side. So while working at some farms, he came to the realization that being outside and tending plants was what he enjoyed doing. He got some practical experience in the world of gardening. And, with innate creativity, noticed what was and wasn’t being done in gardening. Putting it all together, Dear opened his business in Pipersville in 2004, and seems like he’s never looked back.
The favorite parts of his job are problem-solving, diversity and making people happy. “The projects are always different. It’s never boring. And because most of my work is residential, I get to interact directly with people, where I can get feedback and make sure they’re happy.”
One of the things that sets Dear apart is his knowledge of trees and landscapes. He says he knows, for example, when trees are healthy or not. So his design won’t be based on something that’s not going to work long-term. So, his suggestions will be made on the basis of what exists, what may not last and what could be.
What could be might involve water features. Or stonework. Or retaining walls. It’s literally all over the place. Although Dear is quite quick to say that he “Thinks long-term. I keep things simple. It’s not about show. It’s about being serene. I tend to do less and do it right. More sprawling isn’t necessarily better.” So, one of the important questions he asks clients before coming up with a plan is: “Do you enjoy gardening?” The answer to that question will determine how much maintenance will be required and the size of beds.
Dear’s approach works. He has attracted clients from as far away as Princeton and the Main Line. Mostly from referrals, Dear still has clients since the formation of his company some 14 years ago. Some have now used him on house number three. Others have had a developmental relationship with him; growing as their families have grown and changed.
When asked what his favorite project to date may be, Dear circles back to the Doylestown Library. While it isn’t residential, it’s not surprising. There, he can make a lasting impact for not just one family, but for thousands of visitors all year long.
Dear Garden Associates is located at 6746 Old Easton Road, Pipersville, PA 18947. For more information, visit www.deargarden.com.
Chrysa Smith is a freelance writer based in Bucks County, confessing that she has no real green thumb of her own.