A Country Garden in the City

A Country Garden in the City

Springfield, MA
Woodland/shade garden

When Ralph D'Amico and Bob Pellin first moved to their home, the main design element was the lawn, with a few large pine trees in the rear. Removal of those trees enabled the start of true gardens. Lots of shade meant lots of container gardens with blasts of color from annuals. A wealth of hostas was also added. The backyard is now divided into three small garden "rooms." Thirty-nine years of plantings means the lawn is now minimal. Specimen trees such as their favorite mimosa tree help give their yard a homey atmosphere. A lovely weeping cherry, lost during the October 2011 snowstorm, was replaced with a "Fern Grotto" and a small brick patio. The gardens are the summer home of their numerous houseplants, including Ralph's prize-winning Clivia miniata. Recent additions include a garden on the side of their home with numerous native perennials benefiting pollinators. Their hope is to establish an English Country Garden feel in their inner-city neighborhood.

This garden's estimated size is 1,000 sq. feet.

Open Days 2024:  Saturday, August 3
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • New 2f41bc3dbc0fde770515d2030fc6561cd80051035879a6f5ef41cbb2a9d59670New garden or feature
  • This garden allows photography
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Nature friendly f372a65207813459a0d18d2caa5c1eece145dbb205535bacd45d09e443889605Nature-friendly

A Country Garden in the City
Springfield, Hampden County, MA, 01108
Exact addresses and host-provided directions appear on e-tickets after purchase.

Nearby Gardens

See All Gardens ›
Our Color-Filled Retreat - CANCELED

Springfield, MA

Our Color-Filled Retreat - CANCELED
Half an acre overflowing with Itoh and tree peonies, scores of hydrangeas and David Austin roses, mult...

Suburban Garden in Transition

West Springfield, MA

Suburban Garden in Transition
We moved six years ago to a garden I referred to as lollipop trees, bonbon shrubs, and boring lawn...

Rock Valley Paradise - CANCELLED

Holyoke, MA

Rock Valley Paradise - CANCELLED
The garden is my sanctuary, my activity, and my happy place. Although I do have flowers and herbs, my ...