Lost Pond

About

Lost Pond is the garden of the novelist and filmmaker, Anne Landsman, and architect James Wagman. The property sits at the intersection of three roads, and the first plantings were large structural trees along the edges. Once a sense of privacy was established, planting began within, tying the house to the landscape with perennials, bulbs, evergreens and ferns edging the front and side patios as well as the stone walk leading to the entrance. A vernal pond was dug on the southern border in a wetland area, and meadows with native plants were seeded with meadow designer Heather Grimes. The impulse throughout was to create a habitat welcoming to birds and other species. Later a natural swimming pool was built close to the house, in collaboration with water garden designer Anthony Archer- Wills. This system relies solely on gravel and plantings to filter the water in the swimming area. With the construction of the pool, the garden expanded significantly. In the filter pond beneath a spillover, lilies, lotuses, lancifolia, bog bean, water irises, alligator flag and hippuris abound, creating an inviting haven for frogs and other amphibians. Above, the water in the swimming area is “gin clear.” Lilac, leatherleaf viburnum and roses scent the air, and grasses and other perennials repeat the motifs that thread through the entire garden. There are hidden references to Landsman’s South African childhood in the planting of succulents weaving between the terrace stone and a treasure in the pool garden, water hawthorn. Bees are everywhere, and an elegant heron often makes a stopover. Throughout, the emphasis is on harmony, repetition, and the creation and maintenance of a pollinator-friendly sanctuary.

This garden’s estimated size is 5-1/2 acres.

2025 Open Days: Saturday, August 16

Hours: 10-4