Last updated on April 29th, 2017
In mid-October, when the deciduous trees are decked out in vermilion and gold, and the air is crisp and the sun is shining, I enjoy taking Lily the Beagle for long walks. Would you like to see what we see when we tour the gardens here? Join us.
Now, before we head outside, let me offer you a slice of this lemon tart…
Which will go very nicely with this French-pressed coffee.
What’s that you say?
You’d rather sip something a little “stronger” than coffee?
I’ll have what you’re having.
Note: Gardens always look better when one is sipping a martini.
Now click your heels three times…
SWOOSH! We’re in the Boxwood Garden. I grew most of these shrubs from cuttings, just as you can. In the distance is a pair of dwarf, weeping, ‘Red Jade’ crabapple trees. The trees are heavy with fruit.
The fruit in question. This is food for wintering birds. Unless the squirrels devour it first.
Did someone say squirrels?
Looking at the back of the house, we can see trees at their peak of autumn color. The big building on the left is the main house (built 1826). The small wing with eyebrow windows is the original structure on the property, built in 1796.
At the far end end of the boxwood garden is a bluestone path that ascends the north hill. Shall we climb these gently-rising steps? Try to hold your martini steady. Every drop of gin is a precious drop of gin.
We are at the top of the path now, looking through a gaggle of white pines. Do pass through.
Our view, looking south…
And our view, looking west. I planted the hedge of arborvitae several years ago in an effort to screen out the swimming pool. The arbs were skinny little things then, but they are enormous now — probably 17 feet tall. Birds find winter shelter and spring nesting quarters in the evergreen boughs.
Turning right at the end of the arborvitae hedge, we find ourselves face-to-face with the south side of the Kitchen Garden. Shall we step inside?
I’ve cleaned up most of the beds. In one, I recently planted garlic. And a day after planting, squirrels dug up the bulbs. They didn’t eat them, because they loathe garlic. They simply pulled them out of curiosity.
To stop the squirrels’ squirrel-ish behavior, I covered the garlic with inexpensive chicken wire. The wire is weighted down with pieces of lumber (bricks or stones would work as well). I’ll remove the weights and wire in spring, or whenever the garlic sprouts.
And by the way, if you haven’t planted your garlic crop yet, and you live where winters are severe, you’d better get hopping. The bulbs need time to make roots before the ground freezes solidly. Rooted garlic can survive sub-zero temperatures. How I plant, grow, harvest, and store garlic.
Apparently, the asparagus plants and their blue salvia companions are not aware that autumn has arrived. They are as fresh and lovely in October as they were in July.
In 2 other beds, leeks are teeming along. I’m in no hurry to harvest the crop. These delicious alliums can endure several frosts before they turn to mush.
All this chatting has bored Lily the Beagle to tears. She’s ready to move on, just as you probably are.
Shall we check out the pool garden?
Although the pool has been closed for winter, the statuary there would like to meet you.
Say “hello” to Mr. Satyr…
And Ms. Summer…
And Ms. Autumn. I know she represents autumn, because she is carrying a quantity of grapes.
Between the pool and kitchen gardens are 2 boxwood-edged perennial beds, with an old arbor between. The arbor marks the entrance to the Woodland Garden — the former site of a garbage dump.
The woodland is littered with leaves just now, but I will not attempt any clean-up until spring. Leaves provide winter protection for the myriad ferns, sweet woodruff, and other shade-loving creatures that dwell in this garden.
And the other leaves on the property? I’ll shred ’em and use ’em this way.
Looking over the woodland edge is a large creek that flows into the Hudson River. It’s the home of Canada geese, blue herons, and countless fish.
Ever seen a blue heron take flight? The bird looks so…prehistoric. Because it is.
Well. You must be exhausted by now. Shall we head back to the house — or at least to sea-level?
If you don’t have vertigo, we can make our descent via the Serpentine Garden. We can even pause for a moment on the bench beneath the Yoshina Cherry tree.
The bench in question. I brushed away some fallen leaves for you.
Who said chivalry is dead?
Our view from the bench looking up…
And looking down. Would you like to see this garden in its springtime glory? Here goes.
At the base of the Serpentine is the teeny-tiny Herb Garden. Do have a seat while I mix up another batch of drinks. Then, as we sit and sip, you can tell me about your own garden, your love life, or anything else that pops into your head. My ears are liberal to a fault.
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More Domesticity from a Domestic Dude:
House Tour Part 6: My Bedroom
House Tour: The Entrance Hall
How to Clean Old Windows
ingmarie peck says
Loved the tour of your beautiful garden. My best to Lilly, she is so cute.
Beverly, zone 6, eastern PA says
That tour was so nice !!! My favorite shot is the blue sage with the asparagus, so dramatic.
Regarding the mention of Boxwoods… 25 minutes ago I installed my rooted Boxwood Cuttings into a raised bed for overwintering. They are variegated and nearly all 30 were well rooted in their propagation tray which has been outside for weeks. It’s TOO EASY !! You have shared so many great ideas for kitchen and garden. xoxoxoxox
I use similar tactics against squirrels, a sheet of wire weighted with something. When I run out of chicken wire, I use tulle fabric (like tu-tu’s) or bird netting to accomplish the same thing. Squirrels are so pesky and intrusive that I have to double check the whole garden every night to safeguard whatever is vulnerable.
On Sunday a frost is coming for my neck of the woods. Lots to do, lots to do.
Delores says
Loved the tour–so beautiful–Lily –you are a cutie!
myrtle miller says
You need your own show.
Barb Milburn says
Thoroughly enjoyed our little walk. Lily, dear, you are one special,lady….woof! Now, about that martini!
Jeanie Merritt says
I just sat down after a long day and I thoroughly enjoyed this enchanting and beautiful visual garden walk…Thank you so very much!!!!!!!!!
Judy says
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your walk with us. It was lovely!
melody says
How lovely. Kevin,
I have an Arbor Vitae question. It was VERY hot here in Washington State this summer with many days above 90, and of course it is our drought period from July-September. I have one Arbor Vitae which is,oddly,under a cherry tree. It is well established and at least 7 feet tall. It seemed fine and then one day it went from lush green to pale green. I immediately started watering regularly and saw some bright green spots come back. and then…it went brown. Is there any hope it might return in spring or is the vitae gone out of the arbor?
Tracy says
Thanks for the tour, Kevin.m and what is it about beagles? They have the softest expressions. Over the years, you’ve created a wonderful series of multi season gardens;’I always think it takes a decade for a garden to really come into its own.mmi hope you take as much pleasure from it as we do. Tell us, how do you store your leeks once you harvest?
chris says
HI Kevin, Thanks so much for the beautiful garden/yard tour. I have nothing like that so I will come back to this frequently and wish I had grounds like this. One can see that you put a lot of time and labor into making it look so pretty. Thanks for the drinks and sharing. Tell Lilly thank you, also. 🙂
Karen L. says
What great landscaping! I could almost smell Autumn as I took your tour. Thanks for that. Wish I had your ability to plan and do what you have done for your place. Really love all the trees, bushes, plants, gardens, pathways, seats, etc., etcl Nature at its best. It must feel a bit like you are living in a nature preserve. Pat on the head for Lily too.
Ann says
Please show us your garden in winter with another tour,so we can see the true bones of your property……….that to me is the true story of a gardener without the embellishment. Thanks,Kevin!
Cathy says
Lovely walk – I always enjoy posts that include Lily the Beagle. I take my daily walks with Lucy the Lab Mix, who also loves chasing squirrels and anything else that moves. Just posted some of what’s blooming in north Florida on my Facebook page – beautiful, but very different from new England, which I miss in the Fall
Susie says
Three WOOFS for Lily!
Connie, Kerrville, Tx says
Just woke up, let my Schnauzers out, and settled down to walk through your glorious gardens and read your entertaining and informative commentary. THank you kind sir!
Annie Guss says
Georgie the Schnoodle and I just took our morning walk into the garden. Not as large or glorious as yours, but it’s home to us. Greetings from Georgie to Lily.
Cheryl says
Beautiful!!!! It looks like you’ve done a lot of work but it still looks so natural. I wish I could do just some of it here in the foothills of CA.
Judy Hines says
Am sipping my cup of morning coffee and so enjoying the tour, Kevin.
Alyce says
Love the way this is written. So inviting. Like the transition from the very precise to the woodsy natural.
Molly says
Thanks to you and Lily for the tour! What an incredible amount of work you’ve done. Conquering the sloping land in such imaginative ways couldn’t have been easy. Beautiful at any season!
Christina M. Giordano says
So nice spending the last half hour with you, Kevin, and Lily. Now I’m ready to get on with my day full of chores – thanks for the visit.
Cerise Terry says
Your gorgeous wonderland,playful invitation and adorable doggy tug at my heart. What an uplifting tour. Than You,Cerise
Kay Hirai says
Oh, what a lucky dog Lily is. Get to go for walks in her lovely estate plus be in the kitchen with you to smell the lovely scent of fresh food being cooked. I love the look on her face, “Come on Dad, you’ve taken long enough. Let’s move on.”
Ellen says
Very nice, your property is beautiful! Such a relaxing atmosphere.
Cecile says
I was just thinking yesterday that I’d like to see Lily. And there she is. I wondered why you have her on a leash. But when you mentioned squirrels, it made total sense. My chives are still green and fat, so I should go give them a haircut and make some chive pesto from your great recipe, with lots of elephant garlic as I’m hopefully recovering an encounter with the flu.
Nilli says
Gorgeous suroundings. Here’s to livig life to it’s fullest!
Sandy M says
good morning Loves!
it seems a walk in the garden was in order for everyone today! we just got back from the orchard ourselves. (Jim, Thalia and i and the “girls”)
it’s so lovely this time of year with all the changing color!
Kevin, i wish you and yours blessings today and until i hear from you again.
do you have an idea for bailey’s in the morning!?
love, Sandra Lee Martinez
Emy M. says
Your garden is gorgeous! I am amazed at your creativity and energy to keep your garden in tiptop shape. So many talents you have been blessed with. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. I enjoy reading your interesting write-ups. Never a dull page.
I also am waiting for your post on the French rolling pin.
Mary Jouver says
Thank you Kevin and Lily for the tour of your beautiful, relaxing garden! It is so peaceful! I live on Lake Tapps is WA state and love this time of year. The lake is like glass and the birds are enjoying the changing seasons too. Love our Herons and Eagles and 1/2 year resident Ospreys! Thanks again…I miss NY State so I enjoy your tours!
Janet says
That was fun!
Linda A says
Kevin, What a delight to take this walk with you! The property is absolutely gorgeous and the tour well-presented. I thought I had read every post on your site but kept clicking on links to discover several I had never read. You have so much to share about gardening and good cooking! It’s appreciated!
Along with your spectacular garden, cute Lily is a show-stopper!
Your tip about wire to keep the squirrels out is something I want to try. I had a bowl of walnuts
drying in the sun and the darn squirrels have buried them in all my flower pots!
Gene says
Beautiful!
I wish I had only squirrel problems in the garden, I have voles, moles, and chipmunks doing 99.9% to the damage to my plants. Any solutions?
Marianne says
Just delightful, Kevin! Now how do I get another martini? 🙂
Sarah says
What gorgeous morning glories in your herb garden! I am inspired!
Samantha Gray says
Love your Lily! I have two rough sable collies, Pixie and Soleil, who love to garden with me. Friends always ask if I grow collieflower and brocollie (ahem…). I say I am meloncollie when my morning glories don’t do well, so it is a pleasure to looks at your beautiful fence full in the herb garden. Thank you so much for sharing with us all.
Sally says
Absolutely beautiful!. How many acres did you show us? You must have help…Right?
Karen says
This post was a pleasure to read…truly felt like I joined you (and the regal Lily) on this tour of your lovely gardens…you are gifted in many areas, including your writing – thank you much for the mini-vacation here 🙂
Mary in Iowa says
Lovely, as always. Every time I see Lily’s sweet, gorgeous face, the horrifying image of the day she joined your family presents itself. She is the beautiful picture of what the love of caring people will do. Are the arborvitaes “Green Giant”? If so, how far apart did you plant them? Am considering them for the back fence after I have a huge diseased wild cherry taken down. Frost warning tonight, so spent the day hauling 44 houseplants inside and digging up 15 tender plants to pot up and winter over indoors. The garden tour revived me, even while sipping nothing but a tame mug of tea. Cheers!
Leslie D says
Loved strolling in your garden with you and the lovely Lily, not to mention all your fans.
I worked in my garden also today – between alternate bursts of showers, brisk winds, a short two minutes of fine hail bouncing, and then sun followed by ominous clouds. It was amazing that my gardening assistant and I got as much done as we did. Even so, we only got a good start at the front beds (but he cut the lawn). Left coneflower and ball thistle seeds for the birds – especially the remaining goldfinches.
Please give Lily a pet for me, and stroke her lovely ears.
Thanks for all your inspiration, Kevin.
Christine says
What a beautiful and inspiring garden tour! Thank you for sharing!
Theresa says
Always fun to see your grounds.
Sunni says
Loved the walk. Will save this page so I can return again and again; so relaxing . Loved seeing Lily the Beagle. I’m especially partial to the name since my pet shares the same name. How did you happen upon the name: “Lily the Beagle” for your sweet girl?
Chrissie says
What a lovely tour of the gardens! Loved it! Your hard work has created a bounty of beauty within each of these gardens. Keep up the great work in the Gardens as well as in the Kitchen.
Sigrid says
Thank you for the walk with your adorable dog. My own little woodland garden was inspired by your posts. In fact, this is how I got the idea of what to do with my overgrown piece of property with lovely old trees on it.
Thanks soo much!
Louise says
Love the stone used in so many ways and of course the great inspiring tour. Now I have to go see which bulbs have been dug up. I am reburying them for years, wondering why the squirrels don’t give up, since I only grow bulbs animals hate outside of a fenced garden.
Diana says
Beautiful…. Lilly and the Garden x
cecile says
when are we going to see what wallpaper you did choose for the master bedroom?
Donna Cheung says
Hi Kevin and Lily,
Loved your garden tour, it would be even better if there was an aerial view so that we could see how the photos connect. Ever considered it?
We have been so lucky this year to have an extended fall here in Manitoba, today I will finish putting my garden “to bed” for the winter and will fill a garbage can full of fallen leaves and
whip them with my “whipper snipper” to use as a cover. My Grandfather used to say that
Canada is a ” great next year country”….looking forward to spring already!!
Patty says
Mind-boggling! Found you only a couple of months ago (when we moved & downsized from a nice little half acre to a large courtyard garden.) I live vicariously through your exquisite gardens, amazing home renovations, and outstanding recipes, and am firmly convinced you never sleep!
Thanks for sharing your exceptional achievements and inspiring us all! (Lily is a doll!)
Diane C says
Kevin, I enjoyed the lovely walk with you and Lily. We had our first frost in central Ohio last night, sigh. Oh well I brought my Meyer lemon inside last week and have decided to grow morning glories in my large southern bay window. The blooms will soon cheer me.
Tawni says
I would love to see the blue prints of your property. ..I know that sounds odd…but you have so many little areas your property must be huge…How many acres are you on…You are so blessed to have such a fairytale garden to spend your days. ..if I had land like that I’d never be inside…Breath taking…
sue says
How often do you feed the boxwood? Do you have any help besides the man who shears the boxwood? If not, how do you schedule the work so it gets done on time? Weather interferes so often even though I don’t mind working in the rain. Its the heat that drives me into my house. Do you have any suggestions? I’m 74 and disabled but I still get out and do what I can do. I even prune and weed from my wheelchair.
Your recipes and gardening notes are highlights of my week. Thank you so much for sharing.