Nina Rudolph of Rudolph Garten- und Landschaftsbau set out to realize a family's complete vision—and succeeded beyond expectations. On nearly 700 m² in Dreieich near Offenbach, she designed an impressive private garden that captured hearts immediately. Within a year of completion, the project earned recognition as one of Germany's most beautiful private gardens in 2018. The garden's centerpiece is undeniably the pool, which anchors the rear portion of the landscape. Surrounding it are thoughtfully arranged seating areas and quiet retreats. All technical systems are discreetly housed in the pool building, which also accommodates a changing room and shower. The owners' vision for a covered dining area came to life through rattan lighting that creates an inviting atmosphere. "When you sit here," Rudolph notes, "you experience the best of both worlds—the comfort of indoors with the openness of outdoors."

The rear garden remains refreshingly open—no walls or fences to obstruct the view. Instead, layered plantings of evergreen and deciduous species create visual interest year-round. Strategic nighttime illumination transforms key elements into sculptural focal points: a multi-stemmed 'Cunningham's White' rhododendron, espalier linden trees at the back, and amelanchier specimens in the front garden. This lighting approach effectively extends the perceived living space into the evening hours.

Every planting decision factored in the site's existing conditions. "The mature trees in neighboring properties cast significant shade, so we could only select plants that thrive in dappled light," explains Rudolph. "White giant ornamental allium fills the beds strategically—it catches enough sun in spring before the deciduous trees leaf out." Evergreen sedges like 'Icedance' and Japanese forest grass brighten the shadier zones, while the espalier lindens serve double duty: adding structure and gracefully screening the neighboring conifers.

The panicle hydrangea 'Grandiflora' flourishes in light shade and is particularly stunning in the front garden. This north-facing space follows a refined design language: clean lines, formal geometry, and 'Ilex crenata' hedging punctuated by two standard amelanchier specimens. Accent plantings of shade grasses add textural depth. All blooms throughout the garden are white—a deliberate choice that subtly reinforces the villa's classic, understated elegance.

www.rudolph-galabau.de

Photography Credits:

Martin Joppen
www.martinjoppen.de

(Published in CUBE Frankfurt 01|20)