Here are the addresses of each garden on this year's tour and a sampling of the garden descriptions. You may begin the tour at any of the gardens, purchase your ticket there and receive your program booklet containing maps and directions. Enjoy the tour!!!
Garden 1 ~ 98 High Street, Newburyport ~ The Cushing House Museum Garden reflects its historical design from 1867-1906. Extensive research, compiled from Cushing household records, provides a rich vision of various garden configurations and plant material over the years. Originally it was an orchard of plum, cherry, pear and apple trees, and an abundance of concord grapes. Papers from 1818 indicate the addition of grass and perennials to create a pleasure garden. Twenty-seven varieties of French and English roses were then incorporated.
The present layout is similar to Margaret Cushing’s sketch of the garden as she remembered it in her childhood. Historically accurate plant material was added in 1999, 2003 and 2004. This ongoing garden project is partially funded by generous donations and by our Garden Tour Plant Sale.
Garden 2 ~ 145 State Street, Newburyport ~ The discipline and consistency of the couple’s landscape design brings a European feel to this property, as does the sense of vista contributed by the distant woods, wetlands and water.
Garden 3 ~ Nock Middle School, 70 Low Street, Newburyport ~ This intriguing new courtyard contains two heritage gardens, a Colonial herb perennial garden and an experimental Great Marsh habitat that includes a pond and a connecting stream. It also serves as a four season outdoor classroom. Teachers claim that walking through the courtyard is like a restful mini-vacation.
Garden 4 ~ 6 Toppans Lane, Newburyport ~ An unusual apricot tree, Prunus armeniaca, grows along the eastern wall of the garage; an espaliered apple climbs the northern wall. Tall pines and mature shrubs define paths and surprises in the wooded area of this large property.
Garden 5 ~ 44 Boardman St., Newburyport ~ This abundant flower garden is given heightened interest by plantings of shrubs, small trees, a fountain and tool shed.
Garden 6 ~ 48 Boardman St., Newburyport ~ Exuberant shrubs and garden beds catch the eye of all who pass by this corner property. It has evolved into the horticultural center of the neighborhood, a place where people meet to swap plants and garden lore.
Garden 7 ~ 16 Congress St., Newburyport ~ Enclosed by a handsome fence, outdoor garden rooms maximize intimate spaces and privacy while two new decks provide convenient outlooks over the garden; a thoughtful fusion of traditional New England and Asian design.
Garden 8 ~ 2 Lancey Court, Newburyport ~ Five years ago the greater part of this property was a raw construction site. Now a formal driveway entrance gives way to undulating slopes of lawn in the backyard. Outstanding large stone retaining walls distinguish the spacious area, incorporating an ambiance created with the wild flowers and native shrubs that surround the property. Situated very close to Newburyports downtown this attractive contemporary house and garden are quietly nestled into our local woods.
Garden 9 ~ 19 Shadel Drive, Newburyport ~ Perennials and a remarkable red rock punctuate the path leading toward the unusual fireplace; its ruddy color is echoed in rocks surrounding the nearby koi pond and in adjacent plant material. Budha oversees the pond and its gentle waterfall.
Garden 10 ~ 6 Lorum St., Newburyport ~ A wonderful collection of shade plants, many species of hosta and a rare collection of choice lillies are family heirlooms. Peonies, hydrangea, and phlox already in place welcomed this artful family to their new home. The property is to be admired for its blend of old and new elements.
Garden 11 ~ 42 Riverview Dr., Newbury ~ Best known for its ribald summer cutting garden, masses of roses, hydrangea and day lillies form eye-catching groupings within a perimeter of Russian olive trees. The olive trees display delicate yellow and white flowers that emit a fragrant scent in the spring.
Garden 12 ~ 13 Hay St., Newbury ~ The Japanese Snow Bell tree should be spectacular for the Garden Tour in June. When blooming, hundreds of tiny white bell shaped flowers dangle from each branch. Experience their heady spring fragrance.
Garden 13 ~ 21 Hay St., Newbury ~ Mature trees, shrubs, a sweeping lawn and garden beds add interest to this country property that was once a simple hayfield. New garden beds have been established specifically for our tour.
Garden 14 ~ Adelynrood Retreat, 46 Elm St., Byfield ~ Established in 1914, this fifteen acre property presents many gardens clustered around the various buildings of a religious retreat. Settings include a rock garden, cloister garden, Japanese garden, sundial garden and a cutting garden.
Garden 15 ~ 7 Forest St., Byfield ~ The strongest element of this remarkable property is a series of terraces, once old stone paddocks. Some of them have been filled in to create walkways, seating areas and different levels or aspects within the garden. Various garden areas include a special lily lined lower garden, an eclectic shade garden, a dramatic kitchen garden and a nearby alley. The focal point of this European garden is a spiral boxwood maze designed from the seventeenth century –– truly exceptional. Please note - this special property is only available to tour on Saturday.