Guest Garden Tours: Recreating A Masterpiece
Recreating a Masterpeice:
I recently had the opportunity to visit the ‘new’ garden of a truly inspirational pair of gardeners who have recently relocated. I am still trying to find photos of their last garden – jaw dropping, and used on many occasions as the setting for the RBG fundraisers – but will have to continue the search later.
The new property sits on a corner lot, giving the gardeners four sides to work with! At present many of the planting seem to ‘dot’ a ‘mulched’ landscape, but in time this corner will be ‘the’ corner to watch!
While the 136 year old stone residence is sure to attract attention, the clever creation of various ‘tiers’ will also ensure that the landscape is equally worthy of attention!
As was the case with the previous garden, the owners were steadfast in creating a wonderful sitting/entertaining area that would cast the surrounding garden creations in leading roles!
The wizardry starts with this raised knoll section at the rear-side of the property. At the distant edge of the mulch is a drop of at least 15 feet to street level. It was jaw dropping to realize how high the majority of the property actually sits!
With two sides of the property visible to passers-by, it was important to create entrances that would be applealing to the eye. While the front entrance, with it’s spectacular portico is cast in sunshine, this side entrance, heavily cast in the shade of a magnificent Silver Maple, relies on the presence of ’substantial’ stone-scaping to create a ‘Tuscan inspired’ palate.
I am still twitching with excitment at the thought of watching this woodland garden come into itself. I have already designated some of my ‘children’ to ’study abroad’ at this most esteemed of horticultural Universities!
I first met this truly masterful gardening couple while employed at a regional specialty nurseryand have enjoyed learning about new and exciting plants that thrive in their gardens. If you look closely, you can see the illiptical, lance shaped tomentose foliage of none other than Meconopsis grandis in the background of this photo. I am so thrilled to see someone else willing to take the ‘Poppy Challenge!’ It was a lonely and often ridiculing road up until now!
When I as delicately as possible alluded to the difficulty in leaving such a magnificent mature garden behind, they both eluded to the fact that the deer had become a constant threat to their plants, but also smiled and responded that many of their ‘children’ had made the journey as well. This display of assorted pots, each filled with one exciting plant or another truly made my heart sing!
Already newly placed plantings are responding positively, as is the case with Gentiana septemfida.
I am releived to know that winter snow removal is far enough removed not to interfere with the success of this new garden installation!
Stay tuned for future postings regarding this most exciting new garden collector’s garden installation!