Report from Polly Hill

20 years ago

Just back from 2 truly wonderful days on Martha's Vineyard with fellow GW-NE Forum members cloud9, arbo_retum and idabean, organized and hosted by runktrun.

I probably can't adequately describe what a gracious hostess and fabulous gardener Katy is, but I'll tell you that the highlight of the weekend was spending time in Katy's beautiful garden and talking with her about her plants and her design. She has a great eye for plant combinations, and for setting a scene or a mood. Her unbelievable generosity in showing us her island was really remarkable too.

The Polly Hill Arboretum is a destination you'll want to put on your list of must-see places. If you like Stewartia, Viburnum, Magnolia, conifers, or shrubs and trees in general, this is a great place to visit. There is public transportation from the ferry right to the aboretum, by the way.

We attended a workshop on mushrooms led by the entertaining and knowledgeable mycologist-explorer Lawrence Millman, talked about gardening, took a tour of the arboretum, talked about trees and shrubs, visited two outstanding (if ridiculously expensive) nurseries, talked about plants, saw an award-winning garden designed by Cape landscape architect Chris Horiuchi, talked about garden design, visited Mytoi Garden on Chappaquiddick, talked about gardening, drank a little wine, talked about gardens, ate several fabulous meals, watched sunset at Menemsha, and had a chance to talk with fellow gardeners about our favorite subject.

I'm sure I've left something out, it was an action packed weekend of full-strength horticulture with 5 really wonderful gardeners; I learned *a lot* from each of them and had a lot of laughs in the process. Wow! What a weekend - wish you could have all been there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Polly Hill

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Comments (7)

mayalena
20 years ago
Have I mentioned feeling jealous? I've thot of you all on and off over the weekend, and I've KNOWN you've been having lots of fun...without me! Katy -- if I ever find myself on MV, may I please visit your garden briefly?
ML
arbo_retum
20 years ago
what a glorious weekend we all had. seconds to all of articulate nan's comments. sincere and heartfelt thanks to a truly gracious, warm and generous host couple - katy and joe;what wonderful representatives of a very special piece of new england.I had not been back to MV since I lived there 34 yrs ago and now I want to return again and again!
My Toi, the Japanese garden on Chappaquidick, was a particularly awe-filled treat for me. let's hope we can continue our weekend garden intensives in seasons to come.
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Cady
20 years ago
So glad to read a glowing review on what I knew was going to be a marvelous adventure. What an amazing opportunity presented by a generous soul.
Sue W (CT zone 6a)
20 years ago
I just knew this was going to be a fabulous time and I was right. Pooh on me for having to miss it.

Sue
cloud_9
20 years ago
I am still basking in the afterglow of our fabulous weekend! I am so grateful to Katy for being a wonderful hostess and providing such a top-notch experience for all of us. Brava! It was so much fun meeting new faces for familiar GW "voices" and seeing familiar faces again. I certainly am going to treasure plants from Katy and Nan that will bring back memories of this weekend.
Deb
runktrun
20 years ago
Thanks everyone Joe and I had a really wonderful time. Yesterday while puttering around the all too quiet house I kept on thinking of the many things that we didnÂt have a chance to go and experience and of all the things I meant to say but never did so I have begun planning the second annual. Now letÂs see note to self remove sale signs at nurseries. kt
Marie Tulin Boston burbs z 6a
20 years ago
Hello All,
I do n't want to be the last to celebrate a wonderful weekend, but my internet connection has been fussy. I can't write much because I have to run out and plant a couple of things I got on the Vineyard. I have some wonderful souvenirs, a few of which were bought at the expense of peace of mind about getting to the ferry. But the best souvenir is the experience of gracious hosts, a48 hours of garden imersion, an excellent dinner, getting to see new and old friends, and a newfound appreciation of potential for relationships through the web. Of all the things computers mean to me, these gardening relationships are the most prized. In fact, since the computer is just a tool, it is really amazing that something so alive was discovered and nurtured through computer relationships.

So, thank you Katie and Joe, Nan, Mindy and Debra, the weather gods, and whatever/whoever had a hand in this special gift./Idabean

Marie