Saturday, October 18, 2014

Tour a Charming Pennsylvania Garden


        Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects and Landscape Designers: Dear Garden Associates, Inc.

Tucked away on a farm in Bucks County Pennsylvania, just north of Philadelphia, you'll find a charming historic property. Lush gardens and paths lead to a European-style guest cottage.

The main house sits on a hill, overlooking the peaceful Pennsylvania countryside. The outbuildings were lovingly restored--and one building was turned into a guest cottage.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.


The exterior is composed of several elements--stucco, old stone, shake roof, farmhouse windows. Blue French doors open onto a Juliet balcony.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.

An iron balcony overlooks a purple-and-green themed garden. Salvia and catmint flop over the stone steps. It must be magical at night when the outdoor lanterns are casting a cozy glow.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.

Romantic details abound--climbing roses, natural stone walls, crushed stone paths, old bricks, and another blue door.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.

From the main house, you can see the guest cottage. Wonder what it looks like inside? Maybe a bed and a small bath? A loveseat? A bookshelf? A gourmet coffee machine and a tiny fridge? I don't see a satellite dish, so this cottage would be the perfect place to unplug from the world. Sometimes it's important to slow down and think about where you've been, where you are, and where you're going.


Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.


Shall we walk down the stone path? Weeding would be a full-time job; but a little Round-up would keep the path cleared. Deep weeding would be good for the mind and body, right?
A gentle curve in the path keeps the "eye" moving.
There's so much to learn. Are these hostas, I wonder?
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.


A path leads away from the guest house. It's also illuminated at night.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.



Another view of the guest house. You can enjoy coffee and croissants at a small table, which overlooks a forest.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.


And yet another view: from the cottage, a stone path leads to the main house. Here, we have little
bursts of color.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.

Path gardens are enchanting, aren't they? They connect the main house to outbuildings, inviting you to take pause...to live fully in the moment. This path has a controlled wildness, something that is, for me, difficult to pull off. As a  novice gardener, my work is either skimpy or crazy-wild.

I tried to study the different elements.

1. The Colors:

While roses are sprinkled in here and there, two colors dominate--green and purple--yet it's never boring because of the many variations.

2. Texture:
Ostrich ferns add a wonderful, lacy texture. They are deer resistant, prefer dappled light, and thrive in moist soil.


3. Beauty in Numbers
"Walker's Low" Catmint has been planted in large clumps and rows, offering unbroken (and calming)
views, allowing bits of color to surprise and enchant the visitor.

3. Old Fashioned Charm
Hand's down, roses are the quickest way to add charm and color to a garden.
Don't you love the buttery color of a Graham Thomas rose?

Ruffled pinkness is the signature feature of old English roses. This one, "Abraham Darby,"
adds color and texture.

A New Dawn Climber reminds me of debutantes in ball gowns--all of them clumped together, whispering and giggling, slightly flushed from dancing. On a more practical note, in addition to adding color, a climbing rose brings vertical interest to any landscaping project.


Neon yellow yarrow at the edge of a lush green lawn. Love the old wooden bridge in the distance.
Farmhouse Landscape by Pipersville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Dear Garden Associates, Inc.



Meadow Sage (Salvia x sylvestris ‘May Night’) is found in all of the gardens.

Planting season is over, but the dreaming season never stops for gardeners. I hope these photos lead to many wonderful dreams. Have a great weekend.

Sources:

Dear Garden Associates
Guest Cottage Project on Houzz

Shared at Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.

No comments:

Post a Comment