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Ties That Bond

19 years ago

During a recent trip I was fortunate enough to visit a number of private gardens created by non professional but highly passionate gardeners. I suppose it goes without saying that each garden was unique unto itself but I asked the same questions of each gardener, did they have a time period when they were obsessed about one species, how were a majority of their plants started, when they first began did they have a vision of what they wanted to achieve or did their garden just evolve, ect? Their answers were the common bonds that tie all gardeners together. I was thinking that it is those same bonds that we all share here on GW in our posts that tie us together but other than a few snap shots posted here and there with the exception of Idabeans AMAZING garden I have never had the privilege of visiting any other GWers garden. Would the thought of opening your garden to NE forum members for a day or weekend with other members in your region be something that would interest anyone? kt

Comments (73)

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Very exciting Carolyn would you prefer to open your garden in the spring?

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI

    Monique Wallingford Ct
    debl - Wallingford Ct
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct
    Ego45 - Westport Ct


    teri55 - Southeastern Ma.
    Idabean Eastern Ma
    Arbo_retum Eastern Ma
    Littleonefb Eastern Ma
    Mayalena Eastern Ma

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'd love to be able to visit other GW'ers gardens if I can swing the schedule. Mine might be worth a visit in two or three years (or better yet, 5) since it's a long trip for most of you and the house has, by necessity, taken priority over the gardens for most of the past 10 years. (Not too much use in planting around a house that needs reroofing, chimneys rebuilt, new windows, doors, and paint on siding that needs repair.) As areas have become finished and safe for planting, I've been doing that, but it's a long slow process, and still lots to do . . .

    Thanks, KT, for suggesting garden visits, and if anyone is already in or passing through my area I probably wouldn't mind a casual visitor if given some advance warning. (I'm just a few miles off of I-93 about 15 minutes north of Concord, NH.)

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thanks. I'd be happy to have visitors in the spring (maybe May 5th or 12th?). The only thing is that, of course, for the first time in years, I barely planted any new bulbs this past fall. I can see that many of the old tulips split up into useless bulblets, but there should still be a hopefully decent showing.

    I'd be very nervous to have people drive from far to specifically see my garden on a precious spring weekend. But here is what I can offer: good snacks, and I'm 15 minutes away from Blithewold, which is a gorgeous public garden/arboretum/mansion on the water in Bristol. It's beautiful there any time of year, but in May they might still be hanging onto some of the tens of thousands of daffodils growing in the woodland there. Certainly there are nice things to do in Providence & Newport also, and I can also mention a few great nurseries nearby.

    Are there any other RI garden-webbers out there who would want to open up on the same day?

    Last, can you believe I've forgotten how to load photos onto photobucket? But I'll try to post pics again sometime in April.

    Carolyn

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - maybe May 5th or 12th

    Monique Wallingford Ct
    debl - Wallingford Ct
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct
    Ego45 - Westport Ct

    teri55 - Southeastern Ma.
    Idabean Eastern Ma
    Arbo_retum Eastern Ma
    Littleonefb Eastern Ma
    Mayalena Eastern Ma

    nhbabs - NH - casual visitor if given some advance warning

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I've decided I want to do a connecticut day or weekend.
    idabean

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    idabean/marie,
    I am thinking it might take me a week before I leave the nutmeg state...don't forget about all the great nurseries they have as well. kt

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I could do a three day weekend. Fortunately and unfortunately I am employed three days a week as of this Monday, first time working for real pay in quite a few years. Which creates the common conundrum: more money, less time to garden and plant what I can buy.

    Anyone else for moving forward on a Nutmeg Tour?
    Marie

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I'd love to do a CT weekend, but I could probably only go for 2, as my spouse and kids will object strenuously (plus I am disappearing for a weekend alone in April....) I would love to go to RI for a day, also, tho I have to set up my soon-to-be-7 year old's birthday party first, so I know my dates....

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    C'mon down folks! If you're coming for a weekend I would be happy to host a lunch or dinner at my house. It's probably a good idea to start tossing around some potential dates.

    Sue

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I think Sue is right in regards to talking about potential dates. If you are one of the brave and generous would you post what ever dates would work for you. Oh, and of course it goes with out saying we are still hoping to hear from more gardeners who would like to join in the fun. kt

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    My gardens are not anything I could show off, but I would be happy to show off my 12 x 16' greenhouse that I built and offer a reststop on your way to the CT gardens. I live in Berlin, MA - 3 miles off 495 or 290.

    Sue

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    We need to narrow it down a bit further-what month are we talking about for a CT tour?

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    How about mid-June? Maybe either the 16th or the 23rd? Of course, everything will have been perfect the week before or the week after, but that's the chance we have to take!

    Deb

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Please count me in as a Nutmeg visitor - I can do a weekend just about any time after mid-May.
    Thanks - DtD

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Katy, I don't see your garden on the list. I am new to this forum, however I was digging in the archives for information on shrubs and trees and came across a great thread entitled "Balance in the Garden". When I saw the pictures of your garden, I though, "This is a place I would like to visit." I have been known to stock a garden until someone is outside weeding and strike up a conversation with the hopes of being "invited in".

    While I would be more than happy for anyone to visit my garden, and people have come off the street to do just that, the gardens are very modest and truly simply a "collection" of different plants - one of everything (check my page). Recent garden tours and forum readings have spurred ideas for redesigning all my gardens, creating more flow (inspired by Gordon Haywood's books), structure, form and bones. So, if someone is visiting another great garden nearby, it might be fun to pop in, but it is not a destination garden.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Westport Historical Society will have 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10. Usually it includes 5 to 6 private gardens in Westport vicinity (Wilton, Weston, Norwalk, Fairfield) of which at least one (and normaly two) will be something to die for....and if after all that you will be interested to visit my garden and take some rest by the pool..... you are welcome!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th or 12th

    Monique Wallingford Ct
    debl - Wallingford Ct - June 16th or 23rd?
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct
    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

    goffmode - Berlin Ma - 3 miles off 495 or 290.
    hostabuff - Northeastern Ma
    teri55 - Southeastern Ma.
    Idabean Eastern Ma
    Arbo_retum Eastern Ma
    Littleonefb Eastern Ma
    Mayalena Eastern Ma

    nhbabs - NH - casual visitor if given some advance warning

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    If there will be interest in Westport GT, I probably could arrange with organizers pre-pay and group discount for tickets. Don't know particulars, though.
    Alternatively, last weekend of June is a date when Oliver Nursery in Fairfield (IMO by far the best collector's nursery in CT) will have their traditional once-a-year sale. Well worth to attend even if you don't need anything, hahaha :-)
    I'm within 7-10 minutes driving distance from them and could host a little party on either day, Sat or Sun.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Olivers is on my list of "things to do as soon as the opportunity presents itself" so I'd be very interested in that event, especially if it includes a visit to George's garden.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Realistically, I must admit to being overcommitted for May and out of town for most of June, so I think I'll have to pass. Waaaa.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Nan, sale at Oliver or not, Westport GT or not, shine or rain, you are always welcome to my garden. :-)))

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th or 12th
    Monique Wallingford Ct
    debl - Wallingford Ct - June 16th or 23rd?
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct
    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

    goffmode - Berlin Ma - 3 miles off 495 or 290.
    hostabuff - Northeastern Ma
    teri55 - Southeastern Ma.
    Idabean Eastern Ma
    Arbo_retum Eastern Ma
    Littleonefb Eastern Ma

    nhbabs - NH - casual visitor if given some advance warning

    I would love to hear some more suggested dates for the Nutmeg Tour and MA as well. Of course we are open to putting more names on the list of very brave gardeners willing to share their gardens. kt
    hostabuff, I hope you got my email....I wish we could either count on Garden Web mail or show email address's in our profile.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I would sure love to be on the visitors list. It would be a treat to take a day trip and see some of your gardens.

    I would invite you to mine, but I don't have a garden. It's more like a plant campground.

    I still call myself a gardener though, even though I have only been at it for a couple of years.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Down right hillarious It's more like a plant campground. kt

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    For June, the 16/17 is the best for me and the 9/10 & 23/24 not as good but possibly do-able if those are better for everyone else.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th or 12th

    Monique Wallingford Ct - For June, the 16/17 is the best for me and the 9/10 & 23/24 not as good but possibly do-able if those are better for everyone else

    debl - Wallingford Ct - June 16th or 23rd?
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct
    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

    goffmode - Berlin Ma - 3 miles off 495 or 290.
    hostabuff - Northeastern Ma
    teri55 - Southeastern Ma.
    Idabean Eastern Ma
    Arbo_retum Eastern Ma
    Littleonefb Eastern Ma

    nhbabs - NH - casual visitor if given some advance warning

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sorry to be so long in responding, but I have been away from my computer. June 16 would not work for me, I have an out-of-town obligation. But that should not change things if this is the best date for most people. June 23 is good for me and I'd be happy to have folks stop by if that date is chosen. My garden in in Hebron, on the northeast side of the highest hill in town which is how parts of my yard get to be zone 5, though I do have zone 7 spots too. I'll try to stay better connected as dates are set.

    Donna

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Most weekends in June should be OK with me but later is better. Unfortunately I'm having somewhat major surgery on Monday that will lay me up for a few weeks. I do have a no lifting restriction for 4 weeks and the doctor has already figured out that I'm not a good one for sitting around...lol. With the exception of my containers and tender plants the garden pretty much takes care of itself but I can't promise it will be as spiffy as I would normally like for visitors.

    Sue

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Sue,
    I am sorry that you are having major surgery, what a rotten break. Will you have help in the yard? Is there something we here on GW can offer? No lifting for four weeks means with out a doubt you must hire Flavio the pool boy to follow you around (for at least 8 weeks). Hope you know we will be sending positive thoughts your way. kt

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    On June 1 and 2, White Flower Farm has a number of events going on. Sydney Eddison of annual flowers fame is speaking, and there are tours. Maybe this could be combined with some Connecticut gardens visits. I couldn't forward the link, unfortunately, but just visit White Flower Farm

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Hi everyone! Well those May obligations are pouring in...May 12th weekend I need to be out of state for a bridal shower, but parts of May 5th would still work for a visit (in the morning I need to be at a 1st communion, but should be home by 12:30 pm). So anyone is welcome on May 5th, say between 12:30 and 4 pm (a friend's 40th birthday party that night!). I'd love to have you, and would be happy to have snacks here, etc.

    I can't promise too much from my garden...I think it is squirrels (?) who are doing a lot of damage. But if the trip isn't too far for you, or you have other reasons to want to be in Rhode Island, that's great. Also, although Blithewold daffodil days will officially be past, since we are having such a chilly April, they may still be in bloom. Blithewold is about 15 minutes from my house.

    I guess if anyone thinks they will be able to make it, please let me know so I'll be sure to save the day. Alternatively, if anyone wants to stop by on a random weekday, just email me and I'd be happy to show you around!

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th, say between 12:30 and 4 pm
    Would those folks planning on visiting Carolyns Rhode Island garden please RSVP here or e-mail her directly

    Nutmeg Tour June 2007
    It appears that either the weekend of 6/23 or 6/16Monique would the 23rd be do-able at all for you??

    Monique Wallingford Ct - For June, the 16/17 is the best for me and the 9/10 & 23/24 not as good but possibly do-able if those are better for everyone else

    debl - Wallingford Ct - June 16th or 23rd?

    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct - Most weekends in June should be OK with me but later is better.

    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct - June 23rd

    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I can do the 23rd, but we have a party planned at our house for the night before, so we won't be getting up too early. I'd prefer Sunday the 24th, but can do the Saturday as long as my garden isn't on the agenda for the morning LOL

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th, say between 12:30 and 4 pm
    Would those folks planning on visiting Carolyns Rhode Island garden please RSVP here or e-mail her directly


    Nutmeg Tour June 23/24 2007

    Monique Wallingford Ct - I'd prefer Sunday the 24th, but can do the Saturday as long as my garden isn't on the agenda for the morning.

    debl - Wallingford Ct - June 16th or 23rd?

    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct - Most weekends in June should be OK with me but later is better.

    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct - June 23rd

    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Either 23 or 24 is fine with me
    marie/idabean

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    The 23rd is also fine with me. The 24th is the CT NOFA organic farm tour and I'll be going to that for the day.
    Deb

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th, say between 12:30 and 4 pm
    Would those folks planning on visiting Carolyns Rhode Island garden please RSVP here or e-mail her directly

    Nutmeg Tour June 23/24 2007

    Monique Wallingford Ct - I'd prefer Sunday the 24th, but can do the Saturday as long as my garden isn't on the agenda for the morning.

    debl - Wallingford Ct - 23rd is also fine with me. The 24th is the CT NOFA organic farm tour.

    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct - Most weekends in June should be OK with me but later is better.

    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct - June 23rd

    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Just wanted to let everyone know that I started a thread for the Billerica/Boston Area Spring Plant swap. Date is June 4th, rain date June 5th.
    Everyone is welcome, with or without plants to swap.

    My gardens will only just be in the beginning stages of sprouts but you can get an idea of what is there.

    To see them as they come to life, both annuals and perennials throughout the summer, all that's needed is a phone call in advance to be sure I'm home.

    Love to see as many of you as possible at my swap.

    Fran

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th, say between 12:30 and 4 pm
    Would those folks planning on visiting Carolyns Rhode Island garden please RSVP here or e-mail her directly
    Nutmeg Tour June 23/24 2007
    Monique Wallingford Ct - I'd prefer Sunday the 24th, but can do the Saturday as long as my garden isn't on the agenda for the morning.
    debl - Wallingford Ct - 23rd is also fine with me. The 24th is the CT NOFA organic farm tour.
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct - Most weekends in June should be OK with me but later is better.
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct - June 23rd
    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

    Could someone familiar with the area comment on whether trying to include these Conservancy Gardens during the weekend would be biting off more than we could chew

    June 24 Hartford County Open Day
    The Murray Gardens
    576 Thompson Street
    Glastonbury, Connecticut
    Regular Hours: 10:00-4:00pm
    This is a colorful collection of gardens created for new construction, utilizing mature plantings of perennials divided and moved from our previous property and unusual native trees. The property features three perennial borders and a daylily bed planted along old stone walls and fences, a carpet rose bank and herb garden, and woodland paths with a wide variety of shade plants and garden art in a naturalized front yard setting. Our backyard includes sun and shade plantings built into the pool deck and an inviting sunken Japanese garden accessed by a footbridge over a small stream connecting two ponds.

    _June 24 Hartford County Open Day
    Archer_Chiarmonte Garden
    131 Burlington Road
    Harwinton, Connecticut
    Regular Hours: 10:00-4:00pm
    The Catlin House, an eighteenth-century farmhouse in Harwinton, Connecticut, is blessed to sit atop a south-facing hill with views to the south and west. The garden is entered through a rustic grape arbor paved with natural fieldstone. At the top of the garden near the house there is a granite terrace with herb garden, period trellises, French antique wire plant stands, and a granite farm sink that has been used to display plants. The property is surrounded by ancient stone walls with granite steps leading down into the gardens. About seven years ago we worked with garden designer Rob Camp Fuoco to add several new Colonial revival-style gardens. A happy froggy (a Longwood gardens reproduction) presides over the blue and lime green water garden. Close by is a pink, red, and white garden, featuring a French cider millstone which appears to float on English chimney pots (a tricky engineering achievement!). Rustic French seats add to the charm of this garden. The garden picture ends with the View Garden, early nineteenth-century hay barn, and the dahlia garden which sit at the lower end of the property.

    June 24 Hartford County Open Day
    Skyflower_Ingram Garden
    Simsbury, Connecticut
    Regular Hours: At the request of its owner, information about visiting this garden is available only through our Open Days Directories and in limited supply at other gardens open on this date
    This hilltop garden delivers all season long. Big sky, sunshine, and forest trees reflect on the elongated pond in the front yard. Drawn in by splashing sounds and open space, you will see specimen trees, shrubs, countless perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses, and more. What's up behind that massive stone foundation? The English sunken garden awaits you with thick rock walls, brick floors, a reflecting pool, and water fountain guarded by weeping pear trees and perennial beds. Up through the rose-covered arbor along an avenue of flowers, you arrive at the overlook terrace encased by curved stone walls, bluestone floors, blooming planters, and the house as a backdrop. Take a few steps down to check out the vegetable garden with its brick-lined pathways if you must, but everything can be viewed from the terrace, driveway, and street.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    and I'm in for the 23rd. Are you Katy?
    marie

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Marie,
    My sister is coming up from her tropical paradise and we are taking an extended long weekend to poke around that area of Ct with GW garden visits the highlight of our trip. I have never been to that area of Ct. for some reason I have always focused of Ct's coastal communities. The more I read about the Hartford area the more excited I get. Should we choose a cafe to meet at for either breakfast or lunch? If there will be others staying over night in the area I would be happy to share what ever info I come up with for accommodations. kt

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Just chiming in to say I am sorry I can't join you, as I will be out of town for most of June. I did treat myself to an unguided tour of ego45's garden last Sunday during the pouring, pouring rain. Beautiful and inspiring, even before leafing out and with very soggy shoes. Additionally, if you all happen to find yourselves heading south toward the Bronx, add Wave Hill to your list of "must-sees". It's really fabulous.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Katy,
    You bet! And I even have a hostess present from last fall for you(but not late for the gardening season at all) please do pass on info about place to stay.
    Do you have my email from previous correspondence?
    I said a prayer for your azaela, to speed it on its way to its Maker.
    Marie

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    tulipscarolan-Carolyn- Barrington RI - May 5th, say between 12:30 and 4 pm
    Would those folks planning on visiting Carolyns Rhode Island garden please RSVP here or e-mail her directly

    For those folks lucky enough to visit 2lips garden I think it is going to be a beautiful day and as Mayalena reported the daffodils should still be going strong at Blithewold as well.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    The weekend of the 24th is OK with me.

    As far as those open days gardens go...the one that would fit into the schedule somewhat seamlessly is the Murray garden in Glastonbury. It's probably 20-25 minutes from my house. The other two would be too far out of the way, IMO, but it all depends on how much driving people are interested in doing.

    Sue

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Let's keep this thread in sight. If others are interested in joining us, please do! This got started back in March, and I think the 24th was the consensus. Could possible garden hosts confirm that the 24th is still ok?


    Nutmeg Tour June 23/24 2007
    Monique Wallingford Ct - I'd prefer Sunday the 24th, but can do the Saturday as long as my garden isn't on the agenda for the morning.
    debl - Wallingford Ct - 23rd is also fine with me. The 24th is the CT NOFA organic farm tour.
    Vtskier Wethersfield Ct - Most weekends in June should be OK with me but later is better.
    burnthill_ctz5 Central Ct - June 23rd
    Ego45 - Westport Ct -Westport Historical Society 16th Annual Hidden Garden Tour on June 10

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Seems like 23/24 of June will be a date.
    If anyone is interested to travel in my direction before or after visiting Monique's , Sue's, debl's and burnthill's gardens, I'll be more than glad to have you on either 23 or 24.
    George.

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Thanks for your very generous offer my sister and I plan on being in the area for a long weekend and would love to visit your garden as well. As we get closer to the date I will be able to be more specific. Thanks Again, kt

  • 19 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    I can't do the 24th, but the 23rd is fine.

    Deb

  • 18 years ago
    last modified: 11 years ago

    Can we start planning for fall 2008/spring2008? Is anyone willing to share their garden with other gardeners? kt