Wombat Crossing

My husband (now deceased) and I started our garden in 1991 as complete novices. As the site was set in 25 acres of woodland containing existing mature native trees (oak, pine, hickory, maples, dogwood—a particular favorite—and a stand of grey birch) and variable topography on an escarpment, we focused on augmenting these existing features with other native plants but have not excluded exotics. After installing a deer fence around the house and 2–3 acres, we planted many native understory trees and bushes to complement the larger trees and provide shelter and food for birds and small animals. While changing the topography somewhat to accommodate a swimming pool, we then concentrated on creating clearings and views outside the deer fence, particularly to the west where we created a large wet meadow (which had been choked with non-native honeysuckle). In this project, we were helped by an ice storm that downed trees on our western ridge, which created a "keyhole" through which the setting sun aligns twice a year. A walk to the keyhole affords a distant western vista and a view down the escarpment to the Agawamuck Creek.

This garden's estimated size is 25 acres total, 2 acres of gardens.

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