Crafting a Legacy Landscape at Smith Mountain Lake

From vision to reality, how one couple’s dedication shaped a timeless landscape that seamlessly blends natural beauty with functional outdoor living.

Anyone who’s cruised by boat into Smith Mountain Lake’s Compass Cove community has likely marveled at the stunning home of Frederick Wilt and Nancy Campbell. It’s not just the soaring timber frame structure that catches your eye, but the extraordinary landscape and hardscape surrounding it—a project over 20 years in the making.

The couple purchased their lakefront lot in 2002. From 2003 to 2006, they designed and built their nearly 10,000-square-foot home, which was featured on the 2009 SML Charity Home Tour. A few years later, they acquired the adjacent lot, giving them the space to expand their outdoor vision.

“Our goal was to have plenty of room to entertain, both indoors and out,” said Nancy, explaining that, with two children and 11 grandchildren, their vision centered on creating areas for family to gather, relax and play.

Today, the Wilt-Campbell property features two docks, a sandy beach, firepit, gazebo with hot tub, paved paths and a fishing trail that ends at two rustic lakeside benches made from timber leftover from the home construction.

From the very beginning, the Campbells partnered with Seven Oaks Landscape-Hardscape. The collaboration has spanned two decades, during which the property has been transformed into a dynamic, vibrant space.

“Landscapes are living works of art and always changing,” said Galen Layman, project manager for Seven Oaks. “The Campbells appreciate and value landscaping and have been committed to maintaining it.”

The design balances functionality and beauty. Layman said practical elements like drainage systems were incorporated early, ensuring the firepit and beach areas remained usable in all weather. A walking path winds along the shoreline, leading to a picturesque pergola on the point—a favorite spot for both quiet reflection and family celebrations, including the weddings of Nancy’s two daughters.

One of the defining features of the Wilt-Campbells’ landscape is its year-round vibrancy. They blend perennials for seasonal blooms with annuals for consistent color from spring to fall.

“I like having a combination because then you always have color,” Nancy said. “And annuals bloom longer than most people think.”

Each spring, Seven Oaks consults with the couple on their annual selections. 

“We’ll ask what colors they want to go with for the year and create a master plan,” said Layman. He said the team also prioritizes plants that can withstand deer, a persistent challenge for lakefront gardeners. Ornamental grasses, such as those lining the property, have proven particularly deer-resistant.

Allison Welch of Seven Oaks emphasized the value of annuals.

“A lot of people shy away from them because they don’t like the idea of replanting every year. But in our climate, you get non-stop color from May through October. Annuals are a great deal and provide a big bang for your buck,” she said.

Full of Character

The Wilt-Campbells’ property features an array of unique elements, from the whimsical cryptomeria trees to a hillside covered in periwinkle ground cover that glows in spring. Their lakeside pergola is draped in akebia quinata, also known as “chocolate vine” for its chocolate scent. Layman said it’s a quick-growing vine that can provide shade in a relatively short time.

Closer to the house, a fireplace and grilling station creates the feel and focal point of an outdoor room. A hot tub is also nestled under an open-air gazebo, surrounded by hydrangea, Russian sage and catmint. Peonies, one of Nancy’s favorite flowers, add timeless elegance nearby. 

“Peonies can live for decades,” Layman said. “Use peony support rings to keep them upright in heavy spring rains. Their flower heads are so big that sometimes the stems struggle to hold them up.”

Challenges & Triumphs

Creating such an expansive landscape hasn’t been without its challenges. Frederick was particularly determined to include a willow tree and pampas grass. 

“We planted the pampas grass three times, and it died three times,” Nancy said. “And the first willow tree we had was destroyed by a beaver. We looked out the window one day and saw it dragging the tree across the cove.”

Despite these setbacks, the Campbells’ dedication and the expertise of Seven Oaks have resulted in a property that balances beauty, functionality and harmony with the lakefront environment.

Native plants, a clear theme, expert guidance and patience are key to creating a thriving lakeside landscape.

For those looking to create their own lakeside haven, Nancy recommended choosing plants native to Virginia because they’re easier to grow, stay healthier and grow faster than non-native plants and trees.

Layman advised starting with a clear theme and sticking to it.

“Some examples we’ve done for customers include mountain lodge, contemporary, formal and Japanese themes,” he said. “Unfortunately, deer pressure is moving to the forefront of plant selection, and the list of suitable plants shrinks every year. Getting help from landscape professionals can increase success.

“Patience is also key. Beautiful landscapes require a commitment to consistent maintenance. It’s tempting to install a landscape and expect it to remain looking that way forever. Nature takes its time.”