Garden Plans, revised

Because of technical problems with the distribution of my blog, I am reposting this one, written in early November, 2023. I’ haven’t made any changes, so “last week” was actually many weeks ago.

This is the last blog I will be re-posting. While I won’t commit to weekly blog posts going forward, I am aiming to write more regularly, both about what I’m doing in my own garden and about gardens I’ve visited recently and will be visiting in the months ahead.

I’ve been living at York House for almost three weeks now, and I’m loving it. Almost every day I’ve spent time looking out the windows and walking around the house, trying to understand what the land has to offer.

The most prominent feature is the view of Lake Massawippi.

York House, Oct 23, 2023

But competing for star billing are enormous boulders and rock outcroppings, including the one below that is near the front of the house. I started to clear it last weekend, leaving only moss and tiny ferns, and it is even more beautiful now than it was before.

The variety of mosses that appear on this boulder is amazing.

There is a lot more still to do. Another photo of the same area taken from a different point of view shows how hidden the rocks are by small trees, bushes and autumn leaves.

The crabapple tree desperately needs to be pruned. Or maybe replaced next year, after I see how well it blooms.

Another huge boulder, or series of boulders, sits on the opposite side of the house.

The building you see on the left is the garage. The propane tank just barely visible is next to the house and the entrance to the basement.

I look out onto this boulder from my office window and I know the view will be spectacular once more of the rock is exposed. As will be the view of the rock outcroppings that line the path leading down the hill, towards the Upper Room and beyond.

The path to the Upper Room starts here, beside the old, twisted crabapple tree.

The rock face you see below looms up on the right-hand side of the path. I think it is just waiting to become a major player in the garden design.

I’m proceeding carefully, going step by step, taking time to decide what to leave and what to remove. I feel sure, though, that once the crags and angles of each of these rocky areas are exposed, they will become even more powerful and more compelling than they are now.

I can’t wait to see the results, and to show you the progress along the way.