Phoenix House Gardens

In 2008 I moved from the woods of Michigan to 2½ acres in the city of Greenfield. I had a relatively blank slate to work with. I had trees and shrubs planted as a barrier next to the busy street. Then I created an 80-foot labyrinth with gardens leading up to and surrounding the center gazebo which holds a large, hollowed-out tree trunk with a seat and many carved animals. There is a small streambed with a Japanese bridge, and a back deck with a built-in water feature. Behind an ancient and huge ash tree, I planted a berry patch and a vegetable garden, while off to the side are a variety of fruit trees and a grape vine. My desire to create a pollinator home for our many small-winged creatures was central to my thinking as well as creating a quiet refuge for myself and my friends. Unfortunately, many small, four-legged creatures were drawn to this space as well, and I feel like the voles have a subway system underneath the whole property! Gardening is a vibrant and challenging love affair whose reward is a living connection to the earth.

This garden's estimated size is 1½ acres.

Open Days 2024:  Saturday, June 1
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Garden Extra: Martha Thompson of Shelburne will be selling rare and unusual plants from her collection during the Open Day.