Monday, June 30, 2014

Linda Allard's Gardens

A couple weekends ago was our annual "Idylls" get together. Our group decided to do some touring in New England this year. Kathy from "Garden Book" Sue from 'Idyll Haven' (wonder where she got that name?) also participated in our annual fun and frolics.This was our eleventh get together.

Sue did a great job of documenting some of our history in her "Idyll Haven" post from 2012 Another Idyllunion For the History Books 

Anyway we are a merry band of gardeners with a long history of friendship and sharing.  The combined knowledge of the gardeners in this group has turned me into a more educated gardener and raised my goals and expectations. Not to mention the unofficial, friendly, yearly competition as to who has the most container gardens spurred me into expanding my containers from a measly fifty or so the the 350 plus I have right now...  (yes indeed, I'm a bit crazy)

Anyway, this year we toured in CT and NH.  Kathy recently posted about the Michael Trapp Garden, a marvelous combination of beautifully constructed hardscape and classical elements so not to go over ground that has already been covered beautifully I thought I'd start with Highmeadows.

Linda Allard's Highmeadows gardens are sumptuous and extensive with lovely vistas of the Litchfield CT hills.  Surrounded by rose covered rock walls the garden includes a lush pottager, formal gardens with classical statuary, wisteria bower (would have loved to see that in bloom) and many delights.  The paths lead to an expanse of lawn with a large shaded patio overlooking the hills. The pool and pool house also boast a magnificent view.  A very beautiful outdoor garden space melded into the stunning landscape.








Would love to see this Wisteria in bloom. Gorgeous setting





Absolutely loved the peony supports































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23 comments:

  1. Mark and GazJune 30, 2014 at 1:46 PM

    A group trip out almost always is guaranteed to be fun, especially when it's to see fab gardens!

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  2. sharonJune 30, 2014 at 6:03 PM

    pink stunners

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  3. khakiJune 30, 2014 at 6:06 PM

    Beautiful!!!!!!!!! Great photos!!! I bet that Wisteria is breath-taking when it's in full bloom. What a great place!!!!

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 1, 2014 at 4:19 AM

      Yes indeed, it was pretty fabulous. I'm so lucky to have found the Idylls way back when. I never used to go outside my own garden and never did any garden tours. they really expand your thinking about designing your own gardens

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  4. ksJune 30, 2014 at 7:23 PM

    We may have been late for the Wisteria, but it was perfect timing for the roses and peonies, as your photos so eloquently display ...I especially love the image of the open gates looking out to the orchard..nice !

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 1, 2014 at 4:20 AM

      For sure Kathy. If I had space I'd put in a peony hedge like that. It was so impressive. and those supports! Oooo la la

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  5. Kris PetersonJune 30, 2014 at 9:10 PM

    Wow! Your group certainly knows how to pick your garden tours. I was captivated from the first photo. I'd give anything to be able to grow grass like that (but I guess it requires a LOT of water, which SoCal doesn't have). The picture of the roses framing the archway with the pool and the vista beyond - incredible!

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 1, 2014 at 4:21 AM

      Thanks Kris, wish all my blogging friends could have joined us. We always have a great time and see some terrific gardens

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  6. Jan JohnsenJuly 1, 2014 at 6:12 AM

    GORGEOUS garden and fabulous photos! Thank You!

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  7. LayaneeJuly 1, 2014 at 6:32 AM

    It is such fun traveling with gardeners! Love the photos!

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 1, 2014 at 8:13 AM

      Thanks for the comment Layanne! It really and truly is so much more fun when garden touring with a group of friends who are also gardeners

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  8. AlisonJuly 1, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    (Wondering if Blogger ate my comment) What a gorgeous garden! Thanks for sharing it. Wouldn't it be fabulous to have so much room for mass plantings?

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 1, 2014 at 12:09 PM

      Thanks Alison, I've been moderating all my comments since there has been a rash of spam on here lately. I was out of touch for a bit so I didn't see your comment to publish it until now. Sorry!

      And yes, it would be so fantastic to have that much room for plantings. The impact of those roses and peonies en masse was wonderful.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 1, 2014 at 2:57 PM

    What beauty you saw. Our roses came and went very quickly because we got hot for a week or so. Then, more rain. I like that we are starting to do more garden touring in the U.S. After all, the English do it all the time it seems. ~~Dee

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 3, 2014 at 11:44 AM

      I never used to go and do any garden touring until I met up with our Idylls group. I've learned the value of seeing other gardens and using them for inspiration. It really feeds my creative juices to see what others have done with their outdoor space

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  10. SueJuly 3, 2014 at 6:13 AM

    You got some great pictures, Deanne. For those who are interested, Linda Allard is a successful, and very well known fashion designer. I must add that despite her wealth and fame, when she opens her garden she is a gracious hostess who takes time to interact with her guests.

    http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-08-28/news/0308270628_1_ellen-tracy-linda-allard-liz-claiborne

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  11. outlawgardenerJuly 3, 2014 at 6:41 PM

    A splendid estate garden! The structure works beautifully against the less tame landscape beyond. Your merry band is lucky to have each other and to be able to tour so many awesome gardens!

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 4, 2014 at 12:47 PM

      It really is a beautiful spot and wonderfully designed. We are indeed lucky to have each other to go touring gardens with. We always have a ball.

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  12. AnonymousJuly 4, 2014 at 11:28 AM

    Fantastic gardens, gorgeous house and architectural detail, classic proportions, and lush open site. Wonderfully contrasted plantings. Thanks for sharing these photos, lovely, but so different to Bay Area conditions and my gardening, especially all that land to garden with.
    David Feix in Berkeley, Ca.

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    1. Deanne FortnamJuly 4, 2014 at 12:46 PM

      Thanks for the comment David. It is indeed a lovely garden. It was a delight and wonderful opportunity to tour it.

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