Water Gardens
Our water gardens range from a newly-dug pond to shallow watering holes for the former residents (dairy cows) that we have repurposed for water lilies and other flowers, turtles, frogs and salamanders. Native irises peak in June. Clethra alnifolia, sweet pepperbush, perfumes the late summer air. This shaded bench overlooks steeplebush, Spiraea tomentosa, and Joe-pye. […]
Successional Shrubland
The field we call successional shrubland is likely abandoned pasture, and probably never produced hay. Unlike the other fields that had been mowed at least annually for hay, this field is well on its way toward reverting back to forest. This meadow is being overtaken by highbush blueberry and other shrubs. Without this mowed path, […]
Northern Hardwoods
While hemlocks make up the largest percent of our forest cover, we also have a diverse assortment of northern hardwood species and their associated understory, especially on the higher, drier terrain. Birches make exclamation points at the edge of the woods. Our largest ash tree; hoping EAB doesn’t find her. Northern hardwoods: birch, beech, and […]
Natural Meadows
The title of this gallery could accurately be re-titled “Successional Hayfields,” as these fields have had no inputs other than occasional mowing for the last 20 years. It is fascinating to see species of goldenrod and asters, as well as common milkweed, overcoming timothy and other hay grasses. Goldenrods peak after the tall white asters […]
Farm, Forest, and Lake
A short drive from the the Gardens, our managed forest preserve borders a shallow lake. An “antique” farmhouse and barn are located at the edge of the forest. The farmhouse is over 100 years old. Bluestone patio by Darder Stoneworks Old farm fields surround the house. and the barn. Old field/meadow in full bloom. Mowed […]
Ephemeral Ponds
Ephemeral ponds, also called vernal ponds, are small bodies of water that typically do not hold water throughout the season. For this reason, they cannot support fish. This makes them ideally suited to be safe breeding habitat for amphibians like frogs and salamanders. Turtle Pond is being restored. This wood frog is returning to the […]
Blueberry Barrens
We call this area of the Preserve blueberry barrens because blueberries, both highbush and lowbush (Vaccinium spp.) are the dominant species of plants found here in the sandy, depauperate soil, with mountain laurels (Kalmia latifolia), another member of the heath or Ericaceous family. running a close second. The bright green groundcover in the center is […]
Forest Garden
The Forest Garden was begun in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which ripped out a swath of our hemlock forest near the cabin. This created enough of an opening to enable us to enlarge the area protected by the deer fence and to create a much larger shade garden. This clump of double-blooming bloodroot makes […]
Antique Apples
While there are native species of crabapples, the trees that produce edible apples are not. They are useful, however, for native insects as host plants and, of course, for nectar. Our black bears like them, too. The older “antique” apple trees are still producing, and we have planted additional heritage varieties. Barring a late frost, […]
Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
Native trees and shrubs of the Northeast, and their cultivated varieties, can be found throughout the Gardens. This is the lovely golden form of our native hoptree, Ptelea trifoliata ‘Aurea’. This young tupelo, Nyssa sylvatica, already provides a stunning splash of scarlet in the autumn landscape. Note the browse line, as the driveway is […]