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Photos & Info |
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In
June 2001, when we purchased this corner property of nearly one acre in Sunapee
Harbor ~ it was an over-grown, run-down wreck! Throughout that summer and fall
we gutted then renovated the Main House as our home, while removing the existing
dilapidated cabins and building the new cottages, which we opened (as
Sunapee
Harbor Cottages) for hosting nightly lodging guests in January 2002.
During the construction period (which required extensive excavation), we invited
friends and neighbors to salvage any plants on the property, taking them to
their own gardens (assorted perennials and shrubs, very mature hydrangea and
raspberry bushes). In the spring, we began landscaping - building many stone
retaining walls to establish contour and dimension, then incorporating some
initial garden plantings... carefully selected, with respect to seasonal
offerings, budget and overall (long term) design ~ ~ combined with some
"original" plantings, salvaged and returned by friends.
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For
several years (7 and counting), we've continually added to those initial sparse
plantings and our cottage gardens now encompass more than one-quarter of the
property! Some would consider this process a task ~ but I’ve approached it as a
canvas to paint with color and texture, while discovering the bonus of
“wholesome” therapy! There’s nothing quite like immersing yourself in nature and
digging in the earth to clears one’s head.
My perception of a Cottage Garden is sort of "shabby chic"... a playful mix of color, shape and size - highlighted with unique attractions - defined, yet not confined - and always full of surprises! In keeping with that vision, our gardens also host many whimsical elements ~ from large iron flowers to concrete sculptures of all sizes and unique painted pieces.
Custom
"star" Bird Bath
- designed
and cast by Greg of Kelley Custom Concrete
and painted by Sheila of Spotted Dog Design
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I started harvesting, drying, sorting and saving seeds from plants in our
gardens as a cost-saving experiment to expand our gardens… and over time, I
learned what worked and how (plus, what didn’t and why!) As the typical story
evolves ~ I was soon sharing my seeds with family,
friends and guests. In 2008,
a long-time ‘frequent guest’ convinced me to package and sell these hardy,
“heirloom” seeds… so everyone enjoying our gardens can bring some of it to their
home! All the seeds, currently packaged for sale, have been grown in several
geographic locations for a minimum of 4 years - successfully proving their hardy
heritage!
We approach
seed cultivation in our gardens as a partnership with nature - giving due credit
and respect to the birds and bees as co-inhabitants and the roles they play.
Throughout the summer, while we enjoy our surroundings of beautiful blooms - our
'partners' are continuously busy, feasting and pollinating (which we also enjoy
observing!).
I've come to believe a mutual trust and appreciation has been
established with our partners - as often I am working in the gardens
side-by-side with bees and/ or hummingbirds, with no expression of fear or
aggression on their part. (think they've come to realize that my "deadheading"
produces more blooms for their endeavors!) Although, I must admit, at times our
guests question this concept! For example.... if a guest expresses a bit a panic
when observing a bee in close proximity and I tell them, "don't worry - our
bees are friendly", they initially look at me a bit peculiar... but
eventually
realize the truth in my statement!
We are never
greedy when harvesting our seeds... making certain to leave plenty of goodies
for our airborne partners to enjoy and for those, passing through Sunapee
Harbor, to rest and take nourishment during their fall migration.
September
provides us a special prelude to the colorful days of autumn - a wonderful month
of "sparkly" days... with vivid blue skies, clear warm days, crisp cool
evenings, and amazing stars filling night skies - as our native wildlife
scurries to gather food for the winter and we enjoy the garden's last blooms
before preparing it for snow-covered slumber, while harvesting the last seeds of
the season.
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This corner property is now a showcase in the Harbor - enhanced by our lush cottage gardens, displaying a vast assortment of perennials... including the “mother” plants (from which these seeds were initially harvested), along with their abundant "off-spring". The variety of seed packets offered the first year (2009) include 3 annuals and 10 perennials — with several more perennial varieties available next year (and in years to come) having completed their trial period of 4+ years! |
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 This website will continue to grow... along with our seed varieties. Stop by and visit us in Sunapee Harbor! ***We will be packaging our seeds with "garden art" by Spotted Dog Design for the holidays... creative gifts for garden enthusiasts! (to be posted soon!) |
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Website for "Garden Art" will be linked SOON! |
