The North Star Garden

living — Washington, DC

“God set the North Star in the heavens. He gave me the strength in my limbs. He meant that I should be free.” -Harriet Tubman

The North Star Garden is a small rowhome garden adjacent to an alley four blocks from the Supreme Court in Washington, DC. The project scope focused on a public-facing front garden and a private back garden between the home and the existing garage.

The project approach was to respect the 19th-century cultural heritage of the site while providing a functional garden for 21st-century urban family living. Material selections and design choices were made to complement the historic Capitol Hill Neighborhood, respond to the contemporary architectural addition, highlight the cultural significance of the property, and create a space of functional beauty that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

A small plaque in front of the house notes that Frederick Douglass lived in the building from 1871 to 1877.

Photos by Allen Russ unless otherwise noted.

THE HOME OF FREDERICK DOUGLASS FROM 1871-1877

“Since its inaugural issue in 1847, Frederick Douglass’s publication, The North Star, illuminated the path to freedom. Through courageous journalism, it ignited minds and hearts, steadfastly promoting the relentless pursuit of justice.”

Douglass and his family are depicted in this historic photo from 1876.

Photo Source: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

2024_Potomac ASLA Submission_The North Star Garden_Page_03

STUDYING THE STARS

Quilting patterns were used as code for the Underground Railroad. Fifteen distinct patterns formed a primitive Morse Code, guiding runaway slaves. The North Star pattern was a crucial motif, symbolizing guidance towards freedom.

A STAGE FOR THE STARS

Capitol Hill’s front gardens serve as “Public Space” or “Parking Space,” owned by the District Department of Transportation. Homeowners maintain and enhance them within guidelines. Moody Graham collaborated with the Office of Historic Preservation and Public Space staff to honor Frederick Douglass and blend with the neighborhood’s historic fabric.

PLANTING THE FOREST & AN IMPERFECT PAST

Specimen trees were tagged at a local nursery and delivered to the site. Due to their size, the trees were planted first, and the stonework was formed around them, allowing soil volume for future root growth.

Using reclaimed granite curb stones reduced the project’s carbon footprint, preserved the historic material, and created a natural permeable paver to keep rainwater on-site. The patio was cut and laid out in the contractor’s yard to allow for adjustments and minimize noise on-site.

Landscape Architecture Photographs – Washington DC, Maryland, MD, Virginia, VA

THE LAYERED GARDEN

The re-assembled garden paving
provides a weathered foundation
for layers of planting. Creeping
thyme groundcovers, native
perennials, evergreen shrubs,
climbing vines, and a green
roof maximize the living elements
in a small garden.

AT HOME IN THE GARDEN

The landscape blends cooking and entertaining spaces, echoing the historic rowhome gardens where city dwellers gathered, and fostered community and family bonds. A custom wood planter overflows with herbs, and additional planters provide color and texture.

21ST CENTURY ADDITION

In 2020, the house underwent expansion and renovation, featuring a rear addition, copper roofing, and expansive groundfloor windows overlooking the garden. Moody Graham enhanced the modern rear addition by framing interior views, layering the garden, and incorporating copper details throughout the project.