Last night, for the very first time during this very warm winter, the heavens spilled some measurable snow in my Hudson Valley 'hood. The total accumulation was only two inches -- enough to make the garden sparkle. Wanna see the plants and statues all decked out in their crisp, white apparel? Grab your mittens and take a walk with me:
Naturally, we should treat ourselves to some cake before we head outside. It's a particularly decadent cake, because I made it with chocolate and red wine. Here's the recipe.
Now click your heels three times, and...
SWOOSH! We are standing at the garden gate, with a view of the Boxwood Garden. Please proceed.
If you'd like to see ribbons of enduring green (or white!) in your garden, then by all means obtain some boxwood. This Buxus is easy to grow. It's also a cinch to propagate. I grew most of my collection (320 plants) from simple cuttings.
Framing the boxwood are 190 upright yews, or Taxus Hicksii. These evergreens were obtained as teeny-tiny specimens. And my, how they've grown!
As we exit the boxwood garden and walk north, we encounter an ascending, snow-obscured path. Feeling brave? Take my arm, and I'll guide you up the path to a trio of white pines.
The pines in question. We're at the top of the hill now, looking west through an opening in the trees. Straight ahead, between two cast-iron urns, is a headless statue of Venus de Milo.
To our right is a row of arborvitate. If you listen carefully, you'll hear birds chirping nervously among the evergreen boughs. The "arbs" were no taller than I am at planting time. Now, at 18 feet, they've become statuesque beauties.
And speaking of statuesque beauties, here's Venus de Milo. In case you're wondering, she lost her head in a lawn-mowing accident.
Making a sharp right past the statue, we bump into the Kitchen Garden. The raised beds provide structural interest even in the snow.
Opposite the kitchen beds is the Pool Garden. Shall we open the gate?
I hate to break this to you, but can't skinny-dip swim today. But we can certainly say "hello" to some classical statuary!
Standing among the snow-frosted hemlock hedge is Mr. Satyr. He's a lecherous soldier.
Pictured above is “Autumn,” dressed to kill in an ermine hat with matching stole.
And here is Ms. Summer, all decked out for a night at the opera.
One fine day, I intend to purchase Ms. Winter and Ms. Spring. Then my collection of cement-cast seasons will be complete.
Beyond the pool and kitchen gardens is the Woodland Garden. The metal arch that marked the garden's entrance was unfortunately toppled during a recent wind storm. And that's a shame, because now we will have to hop over the thing.
We won't linger in the Woodland for long, because there isn't much to see here in February.
Behind the Woodland is a Hudson River tributary. And ducks. Lots and lots of shivering ducks.
What's that you say?
You'd like more cake?
Alrighty then. Let's head back to the house.
Our view from Kitchen Garden. We could make our descent via the Serpentine Garden, or simply slide, on our backsides, down the hill. The choice is entirely yours.
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was fun. I'm so glad you chose the faster descent.
While I fetch the cake...
Please warm yourself by the fire. And as we sit and swoon, I hope you'll tell me all about your own garden. Is it buried in snow?
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More house and garden fun:
Angelic Zucchini Fritters
House Tour: The Entrance Hall
A Short Walk in the Kitchen Garden
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