The Stephen Merrick House, built about 1850, is known for its striking front- facing ashlar stone blocks and Greek inspired portico. The house was desIgned and constructed with with simplicity, balance, and symmetry in mind.
To support and not distract from the house’s facade, the front yard is landscaped with a simple hedge that draws the eye to the front portico.
This garden will feature the works of MAG Artist Kenna McCall.
The view from the side of the house is very different. Rubble stone replaces the front’s precisely cut stonework. Just as the house changes, so too does the garden.
A large, informal perennial garden echoes the randomness of the rubble stone side walls.
Allium, peonies, and irises discovered in an abandoned garden at the back of the property have been relocated to this perennial bed. These older varieties of perennials dictate the side gardens’ mauve, pink and white colour scheme.
Purple tulips start the growing season off, Allium, irises, lupines, peonies, Shasta daisies, Russian Sage, and Autumn Joy sedum follow.
The dried flower heads from hydrangeas and sedums add winter interest.
Minimalist landscaping with clean hard edges composed of cement, metal, and stone complements the recently constructed addition.
The center piece of the backyard is a 150-year-old cast iron fountain surrounded by formal landscaping.
The utilization of similar shrubs and geometric forms (circles and rectangles) units the differing landscape styles.
The very back of the yard transitions into a woodland. Invasive weeds that overtook this area are being removed and replaced with ostrich ferns, bloodroot, wild ginger, and Dutchman’s breeches. If you look closely, you can even spot jack-in-the-pulpit.
The yard holds surprises from the past, including cast iron fences and the rubble from a long ago collapsed structure.
The consistent use of shrubs and ground covers with burgundy foliage and pink flowers unites the varying landscape styles and transforms the backyard into a garden retreat.
The doors to Studio Ten Six will be open. This studio features the works of Digital Painter, William Ellison.