In the sphere of luxury homes and estates, gardens are historically recognized as distinguishing components of a property’s grandeur. Like at the Palace of Versailles or Generalife, the meticulously-planned and cultivated gardens are, for some, the main attraction. They often complement the architecture, enhance the ambiance of the structure, and serve as the most dynamic places to display art. ​

Landscape architect Robert Bell collaborates with clients to decide on their garden’s central statement piece, such as a striking sculpture, vintage bench, or modern frivolity. A well-curated piece can define the garden’s scale or mood and serve as a visual focal point to guide you through the space. He builds the garden’s design around the art in conjunction with the existing architecture, integrating lush plantings and custom hardscape features.

In Palm Beach, Bell sources artisanal, hand-made elements to add detail and dimension, including curlicue wrought iron gates, glazed clay tiles, and hand-hewn textured coral. To complement the tropical Florida vegetation, he adorns the landscape with a variety of vivid flowers and plants that naturally exhibit sculptural forms, such as foxtail agave and angel trumpets. Sometimes he’ll incorporate shrubs sculpted into geometric shapes or life-like figures, like elephants or giraffes.

In the Hamptons, Bell opts for clean lines and classic shingle styles, using rectilinear limestone or classic bluestone cut into dramatic swoops for walks and pool terraces. Gates and pergolas are constructed with light-colored woods like ipe or carved teak with stainless steel fastenings, paired with grasses and taller plants like bluestars and Russian sage that ripple in the wind and display a gentle liveliness.

From swirling kinetic sculptures that act as weathervanes to dramatic forms that double as furniture, each element in the garden works together in harmony to create an added dimension to the property and delight those who step inside or catch a glimpse from afar.

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