Don’t think about huge yachts or luxurious homes; the newest sign of prestige in the Hamptons can be seen in the garden.
A $58,000 plant has emerged as the newest desirable item among affluent individuals living in an exclusive area of New York’s East End.
The Hindu-Pan topiary ignited a fierce auction battle early this spring, as reported by Marders, the leading nursery in Bridgehampton.
This small, rounded evergreen garden plant features brief, blueish-green leaves.
It has a thick growth pattern and develops slowly, ideal for home owners who want to create an impact with minimal maintenance required.
Charlie Marder, who co-founded Marders alongside his wife Kathleen in 1975, said to the Daily Mail that although the fee seems high, it represents the expense and difficulty involved in relocating an aged specimen between 60 and 80 years old.
“It’s more than just a tree; it’s like a time capsule. It symbolizes many years of development,” Marders stated.
Marders collects various specialized trees from throughout the country, with some priced at an astonishing $95,000.
He will not provide them to clients unless a property assessment is conducted, ensuring the garden offers sufficient area and daylight for the valuable tree to flourish.
Should the garden fail to meet expectations, Marders mentioned that he has occasionally turned down customers.
He disclosed that five enthusiastic buyers competed for a $58,000 Hindu-Pan topiary earlier this year.
For those considering profiting from the craze, one specimen remains available: a 65-foot crepe myrtle priced at $95,000.
Marders stated that the standard well-kept grassy areas and precisely shaped shrubs, which were previously associated with affluent neighborhoods, are becoming less common.
His shop presently offers a wide variety of rocks — glacial, structural, historical, and certain rare excavated stones that are showcased in the outdoor area and frequently used in their designs.
Marders stated that individuals seek gardens that are logical, rather than simply standard landscape design.
“Residents of the Hamptons desire open areas that match their house’s design, their geographical setting, their eco-friendly values, and the type of outdoor life they prefer,” he stated.
He mentioned that individuals started placing greater importance on gardening areas during the 1970s, as upscale cuisine became common practice and social gatherings shifted outdoors.
Marders noted that interest has increased since the pandemic, as individuals spent more time at home and began to view their properties in a new light.
A popular item in Hampton gardens this season is Nassella grass, according to
The Cut
.
It has been reported that residents are increasingly asking their landscapers for Nassella – a fine-bladed grass featuring golden, straw-like ends.
It has now surpassed the previously popular Japanese forest grass, Hakonechloa.
The Pinewood Ferennial Gardens located in the North Folk expects to sell 9,000 plants by the conclusion of the summer season.
A client requested 600 units of the rare herb in June. She was informed that she could only receive 80.
“Popular designers adopt an item, and everyone else follows suit,” said assistant manager Ken Johnson to The Cut.
In addition to costly plants, a popular gardening style in the Hamptons is the ‘longevity garden’.
According to
Modern Luxury
Longevity gardens extend beyond mere beauty – they are connected to the realm of well-being.
Renowned landscape designer and founder of the LaGuardia Design Group, Christopher LaGuardia, introduced the idea alongside his daughter Charlotte, who is a licensed nutritionist.
In unison, they are establishing gardens aimed at ‘promoting well-being, energy, and mindful existence’.
The green spaces include a mix of nutrient-rich plants and designs that encourage mental clarity and physical activity.
No element embodies ‘The Hamptons’ quite like the fusion of high-end gardening and ‘wellness’.
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