The Farm Garden
2015-present

Perennial Gardens

Woodland Gardens

My largest ongoing project is an operating organic farm south of Picton. The primary goal has been to create a tapestry of immersive gardens, wild naturalized meadows, heirloom fruit tree orchards, and native hedgerows that will both enrich and respect the inherent magic of the farm's pastoral landscape.

The design for the 120 acre property involves expanding the existing perennial gardens to create exuberantly planted borders inspired by Piet Oudolf and his signature palette of robust and structural perennials and grasses. Native shrub hedgerows enclose a richly layered woodland garden inspired by nearby Beaver Meadow Conservation Area. Both create functional habitats for the incredible diversity of local songbirds and other wildlife. A fruit tree orchard has been planted where the farm's original, and much larger, orchard once existed. The fruit trees are set within a mown meadow grid that incorporates the remnant apple and pear trees with the newly planted apples, cherries, and plums. Tired and tested varieties like the 'Montmorency' cherry mingle with more recent introductions, and rare fruit like the enigmatic greengage plum. Pioneer woodlands between the organically farmed fields and a series of annually mown meadows interwoven with walking and cross-country skiing trails will eventually provide key linkages between the domestic gardens and farm's wild peripheries.