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New England Gardening

Two Special CT Gardens on View: Open Days

14 years ago

Two more talented GW folks from New England are being honored by having their gardens included in the Garden conservancy's Open Days program this summer:

On Sunday, June 7th, we get to visit George's (ego 45) garden in

Westport, CT. . .

On Sunday, July 12th, we can drop in on Monique's "The Anthony

Garden" in Wallingford, CT. . .

Let's all turn out to show our fellow gardeners how pleased we are that they're getting national recognition. . .and I'll bet we could "lift" a few ideas!

Here's a link with more detailed information. . .

Here is a link that might be useful: The Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program

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Comments (38)

Richard Dollard
14 years ago
Do we just show up? Richie
hunt4carl
Original Author
14 years ago
There is a nominal $5 admission fee to visit any garden on the Open Days program - unless you're a member of The Garden Conservancy and use their
half-price tickets. The hours that each garden is open, and complete
directions to find them, can be found on the website link in my original post
above.

Carl
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Lovely views!! And beautiful daylilies. Yes, they open new ones every day now, so exciting. I like Raspberry Fantasy, Beautiful Edgings and South Seas the most. My Strutter's Ball was doing great until I divided it this year. What an adventure for your little Babe.. Poor thing. I hope he'll now be afraid of that or any other big trees! His twin brother Max here climbed.. me the other day. I sure was scared it happened so quickly! Thankfully the scratches on the chest, neck and head were minor, but I was in a kind of shock for hours.
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I went last Friday (passed it twice - third time was the charm). I was a little thrown when someone posted that the prices were "modest" due to my own naivety. I was very surprised to see some of these small pots priced at $20.00, $35.00, $50.00 and $65.00 - but of course those are for those much, much, more savvy than I am! Prices in the catalogue went up to $300.00. I ended buying 8 plants ranging from $5.00 to $8.00 - they do have a quite a few in the lower price range. The plants are really pretty - so delicate looking yet they should be "hardy". The staff was very helpful. The pots are small but 4 out of the 8 I bought spread. They had some other shade plants and few for the sun but I bought only epimediums - probably more of the common variety (the woman told me a couple of these could probably be found in select nursuries): Alpinum Alpinum - 'Shrimp Girl' Rubrum Grandiflorum f. flavescens #4 Pubigeum Youngianum Niveum Youngianum 'John Gallagher' Sasakii They will give you a catalogue (with a very nice picture inset) on arrival so you can look up the plants you are interested in when you are there. I think I bought more than I need because of the distance but it was a very pleasant drive. The epimediums and other plants are on display for purchase, the nursury is in the back so you can see how the plants you are interested look in the ground and a nice perennial garden to stroll through. The whole area is not very large. The phone number is 978-249-3863. I did notice in the catalogue that this is the last year the event will be held in Hubbardston. They'll be in Sharon, CT May 15th: Granby, CT May 22-23rd: Boylston, MA June 5th; West Dover, VT June 25th; Reboth, MA July 17th; PA in August and at Tower Hill Botanical Garden (where ?) on Sept. 11th.
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Thank you for awsome CT garden tours!
Q
Comments (10)
I want to thank our gracious hosts in Connecticut for a fabulous day touring some of the most amazing gardens that I have ever seen. On my way home today I was thinking about how my written description and photographs wont come close to sharing with you just how captivating and moving each individual garden actually is in the same way that a photograph of a painting can not come close to the experience of standing in front of a master piece taking in and understanding the subtities of the brush stroke, light, and true color as my eye sees it. Our group consisted of Cloud9, diggerdee, Ego, Theshadylady, idabean, vtskier, Monique her funny and equally passionate gardener hubby, and myself. Our morning began at shadyladys beautiful home nestled in a heavily forested area of gently rolling hills with beautiful rock outcroppings and bordered by old stone walls. Shadyladys design talents were immediately evident as she is accenting the beauty of her awe inspiring native surroundings by installing stone paths leading into a woodland room that is sheltered behind a very long mixed border filled with so many interesting plants I dont know where to begin. Enviously I stood in her very large very cool and calming moss garden bordered by old stone walls. We left shadyladys beautiful home and adorable wee ones and headed up the street to her neighbor/friend Marians property where it was clear that this was the home of a life long serious gardener. The transition between the native surrounding woodland and more formal gardens was seamlessly achieved in every bed throughout the vast property which is no easy task in my mind. Ego was so taken with this beautiful garden that he tried (although come on we all knew better) to prepare us that his garden was a garbage dump in comparison!!! Driving through Egos iron gates and up the long winding driveway to his beautiful home it was immediately evident that he is by anyones definition a true plantsman. His vast plant collection coupled with immense horticultural knowledge made our tour an inspiring experience. Sharing with us many of his gardening tips including his success in hacking back to 6inches a very mature 12 Kalmia that had become leggy on the bottom and how it returned lush and full after a few short years. His enthusiasm for hacking back to 6 inches certain shrubs that were damaged or stressed became one of many running jokes throughout the day (I should mention Cloud9 aka the Queen of Witty and droll (not drool) was at her humorous best on Sunday). Anyone who has visited the Hydrangea forum probably has a pretty good idea that Ego has more than a few varieties and a vast amount of information to share about the species, but believe me Hydrangeas are only a small part of a massive collection of interesting and rare shrubs, trees, and perennials. Egos property has the challenge of gardening with mature oaks and maples whos roots can make digging impossible , seeing a pair of Annabell Hydrangeas growing between two monster oaks he shared a tip to add 4-6 inches of soil and plant only young small specimens. If this wasnt enough to make every gardeners juices flowing Egos beautiful daughter with the assistance of his adorable grand daughter put together some yummy breakfast treats. Who hasnt drooled over every photo that Monique has ever posted on GW? With that in mind I was thinking during the drive to her garden is she a talented photographer who knows how to capture the best side of every plant? Could any garden really be that beautiful? Well I am here to state unequivocally that although I am sure Monique is a very talented photographer no photo can come close to capturing the real beauty of her garden. Her property which she has the very active participation of her hubby is about 1 acre of what was cow pasture 17 years ago before they moved into their lovely home. With an amazing eye for design, vast knowledge of plants, and unwavering commitment to getting their hands dirty, they have created a very special garden that for lack of a better word I would describe as perfect. They have not created this garden oasis alone as they have the help from their pup dogs who keep the gardens clear of any bunny foolish enough to enter. Not only did Monique go to the trouble of writing up directions to each garden but when we first arrived we were greeted with homemade lemonade, lavender tea cake, and lavender cookies that were delicate yet the flavor lingeredyum. Shortly after our rowdy group arrived so did a woman from the Ct garden Conservancy who was evaluating their garden for future Open Days Garden Tours we all agreed the Conservancy would be lucky to be able to include this special garden as part of their tour. Digger Dee asked Monique if she had a specific design or vision when they first began the garden and Monique told us which beds they first created but there was no one vision that the garden more or less evolved over time. Driving down VTskiers quiet street you know immediately when you have arrived to this very lively garden. Although a small lot Vtskier has been able to create gardens loaded with rare and interesting plants without crowding a single onehow does she do that??? The front garden is a shady and cool oasis with meandering paths leading from one grouping of amazing plant companions to the next. The back full sun zone 7 microclimate is a tropical garden with many unusual plants that blend so well with the brightly colored garden shed. In each garden it is clear that Vtskier has such a vast knowledge of plants that she has utilized the right place for the right plant more maximum potential. With two beautiful fountains the sound throughout the garden of falling water is as soothing as the plant combinations. The sound of running water although soothing I am here to warn does not drown out the sound of the electronic whoopee cushion!! Sitting on her patio enjoying some of the best shrimp I have ever tasted, wine, cheese and more gardening conversation as the sun was going down made for the perfect ending to the perfect day. Many thanks to all of the Ct gardeners for an unforgettable day.
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ctlady_gw
14 years ago
I'm planning to get to both!! What a great opportunity, especially for those of us fortunate enough to have "babies" from these fabulous two gardeners, both contributors to the CT Plant Swap, in our own gardens (not that there will be ANY comparison, but still... fame by association! :)

(Also, note that the discounted tickets you can order through the Conservancy -- whether you are a member or not -- "do not expire" and can be used in other years. 6 tickets for $25 ($15 if you are a Conservancy member) -- pretty good deal, especially if you can use them for more than one season of garden viewing pleasure!)
ego45
14 years ago
Special bonus features for GW-visitors:
-If you like something, just say so and I'll try to propagate or divide it for you for the fall swap,
-Taking cuttings from my hydrangea collection will be permitted :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: June 7th
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
This sounds like fun. I've never done anything like this before. Richie
the_shady_lady
14 years ago
George,

Do you need help collecting tickets and registering guests? Let me know. I could probably help for a while.

Virginia
ego45
14 years ago
Virginia, that would be great!
Carl and Dee already offered their help and just in case there will be no visitors at least we will have a nice company to chat :-)))
BTW, it seems like my yellow ITOH peony, Garden Treasure, will bloom right on time for the show. I'm praying for no rain ... :-))
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
George,
I'm planning on being one of your visitors! Richie
ego45
14 years ago
Richie, probably in your honor PINK cornus kousa 'Satomi' decided to bloom first time ever in my garden :-)
Can't say it's very impressive, but at least a departure from a traditional white.

With a little bid of luck both of mine rarely seen satsuki azaleas, 'Shugetsu' and 'Getsutoku' might start blooming on a weekend.
Monique z6a CT
14 years ago
I'll be there for a visit George!
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
That's a beautiful variety!
ego45
14 years ago
Monique, it will be a great pleasure to see you and Les again.
I know it's impossible to surprise you by anything... but Abelia mosanensis is blooming and smell is heavenly :-)
Problem is, it had been almost entirely swamped by Heptacodium and is hard to find :-(

BTW, if anyone is interested, Oliver will be running its traditional perennial and alpine sale (30% off) on June 7th and they are only 5 minutes away from me.
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
Thanks George for a great garden tour and lunch!!! You are a great host! We have never done anything like that before. I learned a few new things and saw many new plants as well. Richie
ctlady_gw
14 years ago
Just wanted to add my thanks, too! (Along with a heartfelt "WOW!!") Both George's garden and his gracious hospitality to his fellow swappers were beyond compare (never expected LUNCH, complete with wine!) Thanks again, George!!!
Monique z6a CT
14 years ago
My husband and I had a great time at George's yesterday. We got a personal tour that allowed us to hear all about the plants and their attributes and his "experiments". I've never been to a garden conservancy tour and come away with parting gifts-we appreciate the plants. We had fun talking to Dee, Carl and Richie, but missed seeing everyone else. George certainly has a beautiful garden!
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
Monique,
Was it you at the swap that told me you had a dogwood from my house and it was about 4-5 feet tall. I thought it was a Monique that told me but now I am not sure? Richie
ego45
14 years ago
Thank you all for the kind words and I take them at 100%, not just as a standard politeness :-)))

I would like publicly express my unmeasurable gratitude to our mutual friends, Dee, Virginia and Carl.
Without their indispensable help I wouldn't be able to carry all the load of questions and overall pressure to be a host.
But that's what friends are for, right?

It was an interesting experience to show my garden to more than a 100 visitors just in one day and to answer all the questions ranging from, "Is this a pachysandra?" (several times Carl had to show his expertise in a subject) to "How big that Leucosceptrum stellipilum (or Acanthopanax sieboldianus) of yours eventualy will be?" :-))))

Over all I'm happy and probably will do it next year, only in July for hydrangeas primes, though at the end of the day I hardly was able to drug my feet to the bed and was swearing not even think about to do it ever again. :-)

Monique+Les's GARDEN is next.
Don't miss it!!!!!!!
ego45
14 years ago
Oh, Monique, small tip:
-arrange day off for yourself on Monday after the Open Day.
You will need it :-))
diggerdee zone 6 CT
14 years ago
What a handsome group! LOL! I think George's beautiful garden made us all look great!

It was such a gorgeous day and, as usual, the garden was glorious. Everybody who left that day had wonderful things to say about the garden.

A big thanks to George and his wife for their hospitality. Boy, I wish my day job was as enjoyable as yesterday, lol!

:)
Dee
ego45
14 years ago
Have you marked your calendars?
Monique's garden will be open on Sunday July 12.
THE Garden you can't afford to miss!!!!

Here is a link that might be useful: Open Day
Monique z6a CT
14 years ago
Thanks George! I'm open from 10am-4pm. I hope some of you can make it. I posted a link below to some of my photos. Here are a few of them...

Here is a link that might be useful: Monique's garden photos
hunt4carl
Original Author
14 years ago
Holy Toledo !!!

I can't wait to actually SEE this garden. . .
ego45
14 years ago
That's funny.
Picture #3 is almost identical to what I have as a screensaver :-)

And here is another my favorite

Have you filled your gas tanks already?
diggerdee zone 6 CT
14 years ago
I'm ready!

Just making some last minute arrangements with my cousin and possibly a friend, but I will be there in the morning, and I cannot wait!

Hope to see many of you on Sunday!
:)
Dee
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
We will be there too! See ya!
the_shady_lady
14 years ago
This is a FABULOUS garden. If you have never been there - donÂt miss it!

It's killing me that I will not be able to attend. I am helping my friend in Easton who is also on Open Days Tour. If you are in the area (lower Ffld county), it too, is an excellent garden to visit. The address is 95 Wilson Road. It's listed as Blooming Hill on the Conservancy website.

I'll be thinking of you Monique and Les!!

Virginia
diggerdee zone 6 CT
14 years ago
Virginia, is your friend's garden open all day? I'm going to Monique's with my cousin, who lives in Newtown. Maybe she will want to take a swing by Easton in the afternoon....

:)
Dee
the_shady_lady
14 years ago
Open from 10 to 3. Of course special arrangements could be made...
Monique z6a CT
14 years ago
Well, my garden is as ready as it is going to be. I'm exhausted! I just hope the thunderstorms tonight do not cause any damage. I'll have to get up early and deadhead daylilies and remove caging from around the plants the bunnies have been snacking on. Looking forward to seeing some Gardenwebbers!
diggerdee zone 6 CT
14 years ago
LOL, Virginia! No, that's okay. If we go, we'll be there before 3. My cousin likes to garden, but she's not a diehard like us and I'm not sure if she would be up for two gardens in one day. So I don't want you and your friend to go to any trouble. I'll see how she feels about it tomorrow.

Good luck to you and your friend tomorrow!

Monique, at least the storms will clear up by morning, so it shouldn't actually be raining during the day. Funny, I was thinking of you this afternoon while I was deadheading MY daylilies. I was thinking of seeing if you needed any help to get ready tomorrow morning. But unfortunately, I am driving up with someone and I don't think she'd want to be there THAT early - although she probably wouldn't mind being put to work, lol.

I'm sure everything will be perfect! See you tomorrow!

:)
Dee
ego45
14 years ago
Virginia, Blooming Hill was already on my itinerary and was marked as 'if time permitting'. Now I have to make sure I'll see you :-))
Richard Dollard
14 years ago
You have a very nice garden! I am sorry I don't know your husbands name. We had a nice tour. It was nice seeing everyone from the swap too. Enjoy the rest of the summer everyone and see you all in the fall. Thanks, Richie
cloud_9
14 years ago
I could only go late in the afternoon. (I feel lucky to get away at all!) I'm sorry I missed most of my garden pals, but I am so glad I got to see Les and Monique's gorgeous garden again! What a feast for the senses! I would have liked to have seen Virginia's friend's garden, but they were two completely different directions from where I am now. I hope that went well also.
Deb
ego45
14 years ago
I'm sitting here very quite because I'm still speechless and trying to absorb ideas I got from Monique's and Les's garden.

Quote of the day (from unknown to me visitor), 'I don't know what else Garden Conservancy is preserving, but THIS one should be on their mission list!"

I ask her where to sign :-))
ctlady_gw
14 years ago
Aaargh!!! After having these two gardens (George's and Monique's) on my schedule since MAY, I ended up in Washington, DC, this weekend and didn't get back until tonight -- so I missed this incredible garden! But thanks to Monique's pictures and photo album, I at least got a taste of what it must have been like ... thank you so much Monique for posting them! I hope the Anthony Garden will be on display again some time! I was SO looking forward to this (and would have enjoyed it SO MUCH MORE than slogging along on the New Jersey Turnpike and sitting in a miles-long backup for the GW Bridge!!)
diggerdee zone 6 CT
14 years ago
Deb & Marty, I was wondering where you guys were! Sorry I missed you Deb, and even sorrier you couldn't make it at all, Marty.

It was also great to see Sue again (although I completely missed her somehow on the way in????) and also to see Liliane.

Beautiful day, GORGEOUS garden, what else can I say? Except that I wish I had brought a camera!

Thank you, Monique and Les, for sharing your incredible talent and hard work with us!

:)
Dee

P.S. Sorry I didn't make it to Easton, Virginia. I was all set to go and looked at the clock and it was 3:00! I got visiting with my cousin (and showing her MY garden, which was a pretty sorry endeavor after being at Monique and Les' garden) and by the time she left it was later than I thought. Hope your open day went well too!
the_shady_lady
14 years ago
Hi everyone!

What a beautiful day it was! We had a good crowd in Easton, although nothing like the first time in May when the Police came and threatened to tow cars!!

Sorry I missed The Anthony garden yesterday. I would have loved to have been able to go and perhaps IÂll get a chance to visit later this summer. I encouraged my friend, Margo to go. She called me on her cell phone on the way home and said she and her friends were totally blown away. I knew they would be. ;)

Virginia
Monique z6a CT
14 years ago
Thanks to everyone who visited the garden yesterday-it was nice to see some familiar faces. I was exhausted-7 hours of standing, walking and talking-although it was loads of fun.

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