Recognized by the Western Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in the Landmark Gardens Tour, 2006

Initially, there were no gardens here. There was a stunning 100 year old tulip tree, a giant apple tree (with lovely pink blossoms) and a huge Catalpa tree, plus a fragrant hedge of mature lilacs. There was, thankfully, a large naturalized pond, home to a blue heron, a beaver, Mr. and Mrs. Mallard and many, many frogs. Around the house were only poorly graded lawns. Now Colonial Revival gardens surround our 1850's brick, Federal farmhouse on 11 acres. We installed large pastures as close backdrops to the gardens.

The principal axes were designed to maximize views of our treasured animals as ornaments. The formal entrance garden features a "snaffle bit" parterre of Korean boxwood, containing David Austen English Roses. The formal framework in the pleasure garden was inspired by an Arthur Shurcliffe-designed garden in Williamsburg. We fashioned Paths and stone walls out of barn stones original to the property. We chose perennials to contrast with the highly architectural framework. They spill over in a riot of color from April to November. Stretch tulip mixes, hyacinths and naturalized daffodils, as well as many varieties of allium, announce the arrival of Spring. Later, peonies, hydrangea standards, roses, Russian sage and much more compete for space. The rose "Social Climber" scrambles up four cast iron tuteurs.

This garden overlooks "the boys" (dressage mounts Hobbit and Worthy.) Sharing the fence line are "New Dawn" roses. From there you can step down into"The Girl's Garden" so named because it overlooks the ewe's pasture, home to four of Williamsburg's vintage breed of sheep, Leicester Longwools Hazel, Pearl, Fern and Eva. The vegetable and herb gardens are situated just outside the Bunny Cottage, where Beatrix and Benjamin Potter live and enjoy regular harvests. We are training a group of apple and plum trees into espalier "candelabras" on the east side of the house. Each garden we create for our small group of clients helps to fund the maintenance and expansion of this one!