Even though the lot is large for its location in the city’s historic Fan District, “the garden is small enough to need a permanent foundation of green,” says Will. This preference for greenness is balanced with streamlined embellishments. Playing off an existing goldfish pond, the Massies incorporated stone garden ornaments, a cedar trellis, and brick from the walkways of an old Richmond school.

As with any Southern garden, the summer’s heat can be a challenge, but the family has made adjustments by incorporating shade, lattice, and other elements for comfort.

“You have to create a little oasis to get some relief from the sun,” says Will. And the family, along with their cockapoo, Gretel, spend a lot of time in their garden oasis, enjoying dinner together often and using the lawn for entertaining.

Stick is most happy with a part of the garden that serves this purpose. The trellis enclosure creates a focal point and a roomlike space,” he says. “The garden’s hallways and rooms link it to the house in a graceful manner.”

A livable area that functions as an extension of their house, Will’s high-maintenance garden is just what he envisioned. “Gardening has always been a central part of my life,” he says.