Gardens at Clock Barn—Home of Maureen and Mike Ruettgers

The Ruettgers family has been gardening here for nearly 40 years, although their house and drying barn date to 1790. Entering the gardens through an arched gate, explore the old barn with trays full of herbs and flowers from the adjacent cutting garden. These trays were built as a 1930s WPA Project for drying digitalis leaves used medicinally. East of the barn are beds of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that are rotated throughout the season. An adjacent Belgian fence espalier encloses a garden room displaying calendulas, Verbena bonariensis, other herbs, and ornamental vegetables. Beyond the cordon of pears is the new fall border featuring Salvia madrensis, tithonia, Abyssinian banana, and many dahlias. Near the center of the property, a grape arbor leads to a walled garden with four quadrants anchored by antique roses. Mixed borders there feature sweeps of nasturtiums, 'Amistad' & 'Indigo Spires' salvia, 'Prairie Sun' rudbeckia, heleniums, and edible herbs. A second tier is flanked by two reflecting pools ringed by Allium lusitanicum and herbal tapestries. The greenhouse and potting area is filled with scented geraniums, succulents, gingers, bay, and rosemary varietals. Beyond, a canopy of 100-year-old oaks shades woodland gardens. Favorite woodland plantings include Paeonia japonica and P. obovata, anemones, epimediums, Kirengeshoma palmata, and hosta from the garden of Francis Williams. Look for the new tree fort, a koi pond, sculptures, and choice specimens of dogwood, magnolia, and maple. Pass through a hornbeam arch to the Clock Barn. Up on the patio at the house, investigate a collection of Italian pots and troughs filled with favorite specimens, then go around the corner to discover the secret garden.

Garden Extra: The September 2024 Open Day will include a small exhibit on the history of floral and vegetable arranging.  Floral designers from surrounding garden clubs will create arrangements to be displayed throughout the gardens and in the Clock Barn with a special emphasis on fall blooms and use of vegetables in arrangements.

Open Days 2024:  Saturday, September 14
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.