Plymouth Area Garden Tour 2014 report: this was sponsored by the Plymouth Area Democrats Campaign Office Fund. My husband and I decided that we would see all 8 gardens before having a late lunch in Moultonborough so we started with the Rumney area gardens, then one in Plymouth and then 3 in Holderness. I should have gotten clear directions to the Rumney area since driving directions were based on starting at a different point. Fortunately, my husband was somewhat familiar with the area and guessed better than I did. Gardens were mostly homeowner planned, planted and maintained but one was professionally done and included an impressive slope (facing the house) and also wonderful stonework that replaced a scraggly lawn area due to shade. Another garden had over 350 labeled day lilies. Another dealt with a very steep lot and experience with zone 5-6 plants that didn't survive the first winter in zone 3/maybe 4. Another steep, hilly garden provided walking sticks and had whimsical treatments throughout planting areas including a shed with a hanging bed. This gardener successfully grew a blue lace cap hydrangea usually not hardy in that area, against the foundation of the house/sunroom. Actually, steep slopes/hillside gardens seemed to be the theme this year and all were well done. My husband was intrigued by a large area of exposed ledge that had planting areas terraced by rocks. A lot of gardens had maidenhair ferns which I don't remember seeing so much of. I much admired the gardener who ended up with a sunny, long roadside border that was thriving. She said lots of bark mulch kept weeds down. The gardener who had to learn what shrubs and perennials would survive in his area (formerly gardened on coast of Maine) recommended a Sandwich Nursery that only sells plants hardy for that area. I remember on a tour several years ago visiting this nursery and meeting a gardener who said she had 22 fewer growing days than at her former home in Nashua. I would do this tour again. It is held every two years so next date is July 16, 2016.

Definitely don't forget about EGO's garden but Moniques is not a garden you will want to miss either. In my opinion this is one of those rare gardens where photos don't do it justice. Here is how the conservancy describes the garden; This suburban yard was a cow pasture fifteen years ago. Over the years, the owners developed a passion for plants and created a collectorÂs garden full of unusual flora. The front garden with hydrangeas, crape myrtle, Japanese maples, and a gold dawn redwood only hints at what is around the corner. A stroll through the plum-colored arbor leads to the backyard where a lush colorful scene explodes in front of you. Large mixed borders containing foliage of chartreuse, blue, maroon, cream, and green abounds along with vibrant flowers. Emphasis is on interesting woody plants with either summer to autumn bloom times or colorful foliage. Perennials accent the mixed borders with punches of color. Vines such as clematis, roses, hydrangeas, and honeysuckle bloom on various structures and up into shrubs and trees. Walking along the many garden paths leads to hidden treasures and the opportunity to smell the wonderful floral fragrances. Colorful containers of annuals are scattered around the yard, but are especially concentrated in the numerous seating areas, beckoning one to relax amongst them. Since a lot of open gardens this year are in New England and the area, would it be worthwhile to post them as they come up - say, two weeks in advance - so that a gaggle of gardeners could go together? Great idea Carl it's always much more fun to visit a garden with other gardeners rather than friends or family who think a garden visit should be nothing more than a quick walk through on the way to what ever destination you have bribed them with in the first place.

Amy, I've been to quite a few of the Hartford area gardens and they have all been very nice. If you have some time, Dr. Nick Nickou's garden in Branford is open this weekend. It's a guided tour and well worth the drive. Dr. Nickou is a well known plantsman and has an incredible collection of mature woody plants in his garden. I also highly recommend the garden in Plantsville. It was designed by George Trecina whose Meriden garden is also open at least once this season. You have to wait til September but don't miss Steve Silk's garden in Farmington and Jan Nickel in Avon. Jo, I'll have to check the schedule. Because I always seem to be pressed for time I usually head for the local gardens but I'm intrigued by just about all of them. Marty, Tom's family is all in the Litchfield area but I've never been to any of the open days out that way. Maybe this year. I used to go to the Litchfield historic house tour every year but the past two years it's been the same weekend as idyllunion. WFF used to have their open house the same weekend as the tour but a few years ago they changed it to earlier in the season-the end of June I think. Too many garden events, not enough time, huh? Sue

When the owner was asked by another visitor if she would be open again next year, she grimaced about the amount of work but I have a feeling her gardens are that spectacular every year (and weed free). She said she bought the property across the road and was planning an apple orchard. I feel lucky to have gone this year. She recommended Christopher Lloyd's book on succession gardening. Danielle's sister's garden in Nashua used to be on Open Days several years ago although I visited when it was on the local garden tour to raise money for the symphony. She was at Danielle's when I visited. Said her garden had a lot of vole and rabbit damage this year so she has lost a lot of plants. She had already started downsizing her tropical collection she planted in pots and next year when her husband retires, they plan to do a lot of traveling. I don't think her garden will ever be open to the public again which is a shame because she gardens on a small suburban neighborhood lot with a steep backyard slope that's shady. No professional landscape designer but she did need some gardening help. Lucky you to have visited the Epsom garden 10 years ago so to know how much it has changed. Funny thing, I didn't notice the pollinators but I did notice how well the red in the red and cream sunflowers along the side of the garage marched the paint color. Comments were made that the dark red was a great back drop for all the colors. It was painted three years ago ... I wonder how the painters dealt with all the plants? Maybe it was fall.