When Cammie Crowder and Harrison Walker purchased their Italianate home in Forest Park, the yard was simply an afterthought. Overshadowed by the masterfully renovated interior, the dormant, ivy-covered landscape went largely unnoticed—until summer arrived.
“Everything started to bloom, and it was like a jungle,” Cammie recalls. As newlyweds, scientists, and nature enthusiasts, the couple decided to tackle the untamed yard themselves. Garden tools in hand, they set out to rein in the wild bamboo, wisteria, and invasive plants that sprung from every corner of the property, which was much larger than they initially realized. “We got poison ivy and poison oak so many times,” Cammie shares, noting that the vines had even overtaken their mailbox. “We quickly realized that we were in over our heads.”
Curiosity took hold as Cammie and Harrison began exploring the history of their property. “We started asking, ‘What’s the story here?’” Cammie says. Conversations with longtime neighbors revealed that the property was once known for its thriving garden. “Everyone was telling us, ‘Oh, that house used to have a beautiful garden. It’s such a shame that it doesn’t anymore,’” she recalls.
As they dug deeper, the couple also discovered that the Forest Park neighborhood had been saved from demolition in the 1970s. When developers planned to plow through the area to expand Highway 78, community members intervened to have it protected. Their home was part of a larger preservation story. They also learned that the first owner’s granddaughter, Catherine Hammond, an avid gardener, funded a downtown Birmingham garden through the Episcopal Church of the Advent. This inspired Cammie and Harrison to restore their landscape in a way that would honor its roots.
Cammie and Harrison’s vision for the property crystallized during their honeymoon to Lake Como, where they toured Italian villas with breathtaking gardens. “We were taking all these pictures of the plants, identifying them, and realizing, ‘We have that plant in our yard!’” Cammie explains. They decided to create a garden that reflected the home’s Italianate ties. To help bring this vision to life, they enlisted landscape designer Amy Murphree, who is known for her expertise and passion for plants. “Amy was so good about listening to us and dreaming it up—and she’s just a beautiful person,” Cammie says. “She designed something equal parts historical, Italian-inspired, and whimsical.”
Execution was in the capable hands of Aaron Sanders and his team at Acre Group. “I don’t know if everybody would have wanted to touch the project because of the challenges of working with original structures. It’s on steep hills, and there wasn’t a stitch of grass anywhere on the property,” Amy says. “Aaron and his guys knew every detail, including how tall walls should be, down to the inch. They did a phenomenal job.”
"This project had its share of challenges, especially with the grade, overgrowth, and all the components, but that is also part of what made it a lot of fun," Aaron says. "It was an honor for us to be part of the team and work with such incredible people. Amy did such a great job of capturing Cammie’s vision and balancing new with the old. As it started coming together everyone got more and more excited, and the end result is incredible."
As the installation progressed, the team uncovered hidden gems—stone walls, terraces, and winding paths—that they preserved whenever possible. “It felt like we were uncovering a secret garden,” Cammie says.
Over nearly a year, the landscape transformed into a stunning retreat featuring over 50 plant varieties, from evergreens to blooming annuals. Italian Cypress trees stand tall, offering a dramatic architectural presence, while Arbequina Olive trees bring Mediterranean charm with their silvery foliage. Six varieties of hydrangeas, including Gatsby Pink Oakleaf, offer vibrant blooms and stunning seasonal colors. Hedges of Winter Gem Boxwood provide a sophisticated evergreen backdrop and a sense of structure that elevates the overall design.
The garden features a statuary, bird bath, sundial, obelisk, and a luxurious cocktail pool. Terracotta pots, sourced from Greece and filled with whimsical ornamentals, add timeless elegance and charm. “Cammie’s taste is kind of old world, eclectic,” says Amy. “The pool was European-inspired, and we used old limestone and chert rock, which was popular when the Forest Park neighborhood was built. The walls were made of all different kinds of granite and cobble.”
The outdoor spaces throughout the yard have become a daily haven. Both dedicated neuroscientists at UAB–Cammie holds a Ph.D, and Harrison is an M.D.–the couple delights in having a vacation-like space to relax and unwind. “We both work a lot but love to travel, so we wanted to create a home that feels like you're on a vacation, touring the villas in Italy—our own little home oasis,” Cammie explains. “We envisioned a place where we can host other people, have dinner parties, and grow in friendship and community.” One of their favorite things is to sit on their front porch with a glass of wine, watch the sunset, and talk about their day.
Cammie and Harrison have enjoyed their newfound hobby, too. “We’ve gotten really into gardening,” says Cammie. “Harrison loves mulching leaves and composting. We’re both really into reusing everything we can from the yard.” Their two doodles, Bernie and Coco, have also embraced the lifestyle. “They’re always outside with us,” Cammie says. “I’ll put Coco’s leash on my belt loop while weeding, and Bernie relaxes around the yard.”
The couple has particularly cherished the warm and welcoming reception from their neighbors. “This neighborhood was like a big hug when we moved in and throughout this project,” Cammie says, noting neighborhood book clubs, garden clubs, and the hospitable spirit of the area. “We’d be working in the yard, and cars would stop by just to say, ‘We love what you’re doing!’” she says. “It was so encouraging.”
What began as an ambitious renovation became a bridge to new friendships and a deeper connection to the community. The flourishing garden Cammie and Harrison have cultivated in Forest Park is a sanctuary. It’s a living tribute to history, and it’s a vibrant testament to the transformative power of renewal.
Local Resources:
Landscape Design: Amy Murphree Landscape Design
Landscape Installation & Lighting: Aaron Sanders Acre Group Lawn & Landscaping
Cocktail Pool: Keith Coley
Cooper Awning and Iron Work: Copper Works Corp
Greek Urns: The Fish Market
Outdoor Stone Tables: Elegant Earth
"This project had its share of challenges, especially with the grade, overgrowth, and all the components, but that is also part of what made it a lot of fun. As it started coming together everyone got more and more excited, and the end result is incredible." Aaron Sanders, Acre Group