Whimsical Shaded Hillside Gardens

About

The property was purchased 50 years ago when it was a forested hillside in the Connecticut River Valley. The house, gardens, and stone walls were built by my husband and me and have evolved through the years.

These are primarily shade gardens which are divided into specific rooms delineated by the stone walls, plant varieties, and colors of its whimsical ornaments.

Road tripping across the United States, I have visited many gardens. I always buy a plant or souvenir garden ornament from each. Please ask me about a particular ornament or plant and I most likely can tell you its story.

My gardens also pay homage to my grandmother’s gardens, and I have many of her original plants. I am also well aware of my physical limitations and I am gracefully accepting my new challenge. I am making the necessary adjustments including handrails on the garden stairs, easy care perennials, and a seating area in every garden.

My goal is to continue to maintain the gardens on my own. I hope you can come and share in my joyful gardens!

This garden's estimated size is 1.5 acres.

This Garden Host reports the following Terrain Notes about the garden: You must walk up a driveway to access the gardens. Most gardens are on a hillside but the paths are level covered with pea stone, flagstone, or grass. One of the gardens in the woods has tree roots running through the pathways and is not recommended for anyone with a mobility issues.

2026 Open Day Date: Saturday, July 11

Open Day Hours: 10am–4pm