A Place for Us and Nature

About

My late husband and I began to transform our property in 2002 when we purchased the home as a weekend getaway. We wanted the garden to give us a retreat from our stressful professional lives so everything we’ve done has been with that goal in mind.

Mother Nature dictated some of the things we would do including the removal of countless eastern red cedar trees that continue to die as a result of bark beetle attacks and other cedars that were felled by heavy snow. To make room for more plants we eliminated all of the lawn.

In addition, we made two ponds and added other water features that contribute to making the garden a haven for us and for nature’s critters. There are places to

sit and relax at each pond to absorb the healing energy nature offers us.

My passion for Japanese maples is evident throughout the property with 34 unique species that are sometimes in plain view and sometimes tucked into a corner. The garden is equal parts sun and shade, so I’m able to pack in a wide variety of plants. And I do pack them in! I describe my gardening style as “dense” and “organized chaos.” The garden is connected by way of a continuous path around the property that allows you to wander, explore and enjoy at your own pace.

A unique feature that I have is a glasshouse perched on the second floor of the home. I repurposed an unused deck that extended from the primary bedroom. In its place I now have a winter refuge for all of the tender plants that live on the pool deck during the summer as well as a place to get a jumpstart on planting seeds in the late winter.