Tranquil Hydrangea, Boxwoods and Yews curve slowly around to frame the front garden. You may notice that there are almost no straight lines, the hardscaping and gardens appear to be designed for a salubrious and smooth wander, with one planting leading you gently to the next.

 

Yellow Lilies, Peonies, Iris and Astilbe paint the front yard. Don’t forget to peak around the arched wall Heather added behind the tulip tree. There you will see a concrete bench, bird bath and many more trees and plantings inviting you to stop and stay awhile. Smile at the Japanese Maples that gracefully stand watch over the front garden as you round the pathway to the back.

 

Enter the backyard and breathe deeply as the scent of Honeysuckle tickles your senses. The paving stones, placed on gentle angles, introduce you to a path that leads to Rhododendrons, Clematis and more.  You’ll likely hear the fountain and wonder what is coming.  As you tip toe past some sleepy frogs on elevated rocks, you will discover a plentiful koi pond, dotted with waterlilies. (and frogs). Then gaze around at pagodas and buddhas sculptures that blend naturally with their surroundings. Up a few stone steps you’ll find the gazebo – Heather’s serene place. She and her two pups rest, read and snuggle here from Spring to early Winter, perhaps with a sip of cider or wine.

 

In the back you’ll see more lilies, tall grasses, enormous leaf blue Hosta, climbing yellow Roses and an upper deck with more sitting and dining areas. Along the back fence you’ll notice towering Cedars which have been pruned and tended to new life.  In this space, as you look skyward, notice the massive oak tree, which surely has seen some evolving life in its time.

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The ‘shed’ designed as the little sister to the main home is followed by a sturdy vintage garden arch where some young Wisterias have been planted with humble hopes for abundance. Further on, Oak Leaf Hydrangea proudly show their immense blossoms which will stay on through the red, maroon and yellows of late Fall.

 

Heather’s secret garden tip? Keep watching, prune as necessary. Observe daily. Your garden will reward you with the sights, sounds and smells of a space that is in perfect harmony with both its surroundings and the flow of the people who’ve nurtured it.