TOUR

GARDEN

1

I would like to think of my gardens as a flora, fauna and fairy friendly place. My 7-year-old daughter and I are firm believers in garden and woodland fairies. I try to stay organic for the sake of the wildlife and my two daughters, Gabrielia and Asia. Pete and I are avid birdwatchers and try to keep our feathered friends happy with feeders, firs and a brush pile for shelter, berry-producing plants, ample dead trees for the woodpeckers and running-water. We have spotted about 50 species of birds in our backyard. The northern yellow-shafted flicker and a bit of milky spore help remove grubs from my lawn. I ask that people appreciate my "freedom lawn" complete with numerous child friendly dandelions, which improve my clay lawn with their taper roots (sort of).

My garden design is completely my own. I incorporate much stone as I love the textures and it provides wonderful contrast. All the stone walkways, garden edging" and fieldstone walls have been made by my husband and me. They are a bit rustic, but having grown up in an old Maine farmhouse I prefer it that way. Water features are a necessity for me. The back water garden was constructed by my husband and me. It took us 4 attempts and 2 locations to get it right. Needless to say, we had the front water garden placed professionally. We did have three giant goldfish, which last year became dinner for a fox and a great blue heron. I also did both the lighting and wiring for the water garden in the backyard. The point I am making is that anyone can do this with a little planning, vision and hard work!

The plants are a variety of things I have tried over the years. Being a wildlife-friendly yard, we also have varieties of animals that like to destroy my gardens such as rabbits, woodchucks and, of course, deer. Many of my plants, such as meadow sage, mints, lavenders and chives, are chosen for their ability to repel these pests. My vegetable garden is too small for the deer to jump into and a fine wire mesh helps with the rabbits. I sometimes buy Liquid Fence or Deer Off to repel the deer. Often I make my own concoction of water, garlic and eggs, which I blend and then let sit in the sun for a couple of days. My husband refers to mine as "Neighbor Off."

Points of interest in my garden include a weeping, plum that people often stop to admire in the springtime when it is in bloom. My lamppost in the back is a Grant Massey sculpture that I hope to use someday at my home on the coast of Maine. The large rock by the mailbox is "Pride Rock", named by my daughter when she was 4 years old. Lastly, if you look closely in the gardens you will find fairy houses, and multiple flower fairies made by Gabriella. Good luck in finding these treasures. ENJOY!