Bold scale can work in small spaces and the gardens of this 19th-century house on P Street NW in historic Georgetown are a perfect example. In the lower level garden, a 40-foot pool is edged with an abundant border of Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) that sets off both Oak Leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) and a stand of Cryptomeria japonica. These large trees were craned over the garden wall during installation.

In the upper level garden, the terrace overlaps an expansive lily pond thickly planted with Roses (Rosa), Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophyll) and Spiderwort (Tradescantia). Creating just the right amount of visual tension, both terrace and pool are set at a 20-degree angle to the house and garden walls. The reflection of the sky in the lily pool makes the space feel significantly larger.