Enchanted Garden

A gently winding gravel footpath leads visitors through the garden to the door of a whimsical -- and practical -- straw bale home. "There's very little lawn here because there's so much I want to grow," says homeowner David Warburton.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

The Three Little Pigs never imagined a straw house such as this -- a stuccoed post-and-beam structure with straw bale infill for insulation. Landscape designer David Warburton and his wife, Anne-Marie, built their straw bale house an hour northwest of Toronto for all sorts of practical reasons, but it also stands as a reaction to "alternative" houses that conserve resources at the expense of aesthetics. "Our first priority was to build a beautiful home," says David. With a bulging file of images torn from magazines, the couple met with an architect who synthesized elements from the Adirondacks, southern France, New Mexico, and Scandinavia into a pleasing, cohesive whole.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

David's relaxed garden design is inspired by gardens in the European countryside, and contains a mix of plants both attractive and tasty.

Pictured: Lush pink peonies bloom for weeks.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

He uses the garden in teaching gardening classes and to show prospective clients his work.

Pictured: Cedar benches on a pond bridge.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

In the English tradition, David plans to open a small specialty nursery enabling visitors to see plants in a setting, then purchase the ones they like.

Pictured: A stray grapevine grows among peonies.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

"The house and garden suit each other, and wonderfully reflect us," says David. "Here, we feel completely at home."

Pictured: Wisteria by the front door.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

Australian Shepherds Callie and Teddy shadow David as he works in his ornamental kitchen garden. "People planted like this forever until the Victorians decided to separate the useful from the ornamental."

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

The rustic cedar pergola - planted with climbing roses, golden hops vine, hardy kiwi, and grapes - offers a shady, scenic spot to rest and enjoy the views, scents, and sounds of the garden.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

Ferns and hostas provide contrasts in color and texture.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert

An oriental 'Coral Reef' poppy.

Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: Enchanted Garden

Robin Stubbert