As you enter this property, the front gardens are an alluring suggestion of what’s to come. Salvia and Obedient Plants punctuated by Variegated Iris’ and Peonies tempt your affections. Then the perennial Hibiscus which blooms a dramatic white and pink competes for your gaze with the panicle blooms on the mature Hydrangea. Talk about romance. If you’re thinking Hanna and Andy are lovebirds, you’d be right. They have intentionally planted many native species that attract hummingbirds by the dozens to the gardens.

 

 

Think you smell skunk or marijuana? Don’t be fooled. That’s the Fritillaria making sure it gets some attention before you leave the front.

As you venture to the backyard through the gate on your right, feast your eyes, on one of the prettiest vegetable gardens you will ever see. Mixed with Rose of Sharon, Clematis and Berries, this expanse of cucumbers (grown vertically), tomatoes, dill and annuals has been artfully planted for both beauty and plenty.

The solidity of the stone terraced backyard is softened with a series of splendid arches that frame the garden with climbing Roses, standard Hydrangea trees and Lavender. A pond sits quietly in the corner surrounded by water plants and in the corner behind, a wrought iron table and chairs for those languid summer evenings.

 

As you take in the backyard, notice the many ‘zones’ that with good soil and care, the couple have created. Careful thought was put into spaces to relax, sit, sip, feel the warmth of a fire and wonder at the vast array of colourful blooms. The couple have varied heights and colours, mass and unique in what appears random but as you stand back, you can see the exquisite beauty and rhythm of these thoughtfully placed blooms, arches, fountains and statuary. Now see Astilbe, Hosta, Coral Bells, Spirea and Japanese Grasses that are planted to surprise, flatter and delight.

Hummingbirds love so much of what is planted here. Hanna points to the Canna Lilies that are potted and very happy to offer some sweetness to the local insect and bird community.  Watch for the bee hotel too – full of happy buzzers and minding their own business.

 

Andy is clearly the gallant gentlemen who happily adds his strength and ideas while Hanna is the elegant planner and dreamer whose vision comes to life when they both set their minds to it. They are very committed to feeding pollinators and understand their critical role on earth.

 

Hanna and Andy know that providing a good, healthy soil foundation combats the stubbornness of the clay base. Hanna started gardening with her grandmother when she was five years old in Poland.  She recalls the satisfaction of seeing things grow healthy.  It’s with this tender loving attitude that these two have created one of the most loved and lovely gardens.