Last updated on June 12th, 2018
Today, because the temperature is mild, and because spring is such a fleeting season, I think we should steal a few minutes out of doors. Would you like to see the trees, shrubs, and perennials that are presently blooming here at Clover Hill? Slip into some black stilettos and take a happy walk with me:
Before we head outside, let me offer you something to drink. Today’s spécialité de la maison is a martini. Well, I call it “a martini,” but it’s actually nothing more than ice-cold Bombay Sapphire gin plus a few Spanish olives. The olives are there so you won’t starve to death.
And away we go…
We are standing in the boxwood garden now, where a pair of ‘Red Jade’ crab-apple trees are strutting their blooms. The variety is named for the tree’s flowers, which start out pink and then fade to white.
A close-up of Red Jade’s blossoms.
Heading north, as we exit the boxwood garden, we bump into the large trunk of a silver-leaved maple. The tree is at least 100 years old.
To the right of the tree, and blooming in a bed of pachysandra, are purple tulips and pink dicentra (a/k/a “Bleeding Hearts”).
Among springtime flowers, dicentra is my undeniable favorite.
Shall we ascend the blue stone path that leads to a trio of white pine trees?
We are looking west now, through an opening in the pines. The blue stone staircase on the right leads to the pool garden. We’ll visit that garden in July, after the water warms to skinny-dipping temperature.
May I top-off your drink?
To our right, and just past the pines, is a long, tall row of arborvitae. The hedge is all a-twitter now with nesting birds.
And speaking of noisy birds…
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To our left is Malus ‘Sops of Wine.’ It’s an heirloom apple tree that has zero resistance to insects. Since I refuse to spray the tree with pesticides, I get only one edible apple per season. But that apple is entirely organic, and absolutely delicious.
Also to our left is a 6-year-old ‘Forest Pansy’ redbud. This Cercis canadensis flaunts purple flowers in spring, and plum-colored foliage in summer. It makes a terrific focal point on the hillside.
Here’s an intimate look at Forest Pansy’s purple clusters.
At the end of the arborvitae row is Viburnum ‘Cayuga.’ Please inhale deeply. Cayuga’s white puffs exhale a scent that is strong and sweet but never cloying.
To the left of the Viburnum is the Kitchen Garden, and beyond that, the Woodland Garden. I’ve planted exactly nothing in the former, while the latter requires its own special tour.
So let’s head down the hill to the little Herb Garden. Actually, the herb garden isn’t particular interesting just now. So let’s head over to the Serpentine Garden.
Garden, garden, garden.
I designed the Serpentine on the site of a very steep slope (details here). To the left of its entrance is Flowering Quince ‘Cameo.’ The orange-y blossoms are fully double.
On the stone wall beside the shrub are some of my winter-sowing containers. I’ll lift the lid from one container just to show you its contents.
Ah, Lupine seedlings. These emerged from seeds I planted in January, and then placed outside in the snow and cold. Winter-sowing is a remarkable method of seed germination. Details here.
The Serpentine’s entrance is marked by a pair of urns. Let’s ascend the steps of this garden.
On the second terrace, a dwarf crab-apple tree –Malus ‘Sargent’ is its name — blooms above a bed of Vinca minor. To my inebriated eyes, the blue blossoms of the vinca and the white of the crab-apple make a stunning spring still-life.
Here’s a personal glimpse of Vinca minor’s sky-blue offerings.
At the mid-way point in the Serpentine Garden is a cement bench. Do sit down, my dear. Those stilettos must be killing you. You, on the other hand, are killing it in those stilettos!
Our view from the bench. Tumbling over the wall of the top terrace are blue and pink varieties of Phlox subulata. And above the phlox, but not yet in bloom, is a hedge of dwarf lilac ‘Palibin.’
We might as well linger on the bench for a spell. And as we slurp our gin and nibble our olives, perhaps you can tell me what’s blooming now in your own planted place.
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Penelope says
You “crack me up” Stilettos”! Any gardener with a knee replacement knows to wear a good pair of Keens. Your garden looks a good four weeks ahead of mine. In the beginning were you convinced your Red Bud had croaked? This will be winter two and nothing but teeny, tiny, and I mean tiny life in there. If you haven’t done a video when you clip the Box could you? Even if you hire someone mine need a good trim and this makes me nervous.
Time to light the wood cook stove and bring some heat into this old house.
Living the Dream in Maine,
Penelope
Angela says
This is just beautiful! Thanks for this spring tour & the refreshment.
How did your boxwood overwinter? Mine has a distressing amount of winter-kill in several bushes. We are in the far reaches of Rensselaer County (z.5 to nearly z.4) but haven’t had problems with our Winter Gem & Green Mt. box in the past. They looked great through the winter then as spring arrived ….horrors!!!! I do nothing to protect them (teepees, anti-desiccants, wraps) but it hasn’t been a problem before. I am hopeful they will recover but will probably have to do some cutting out/cutting back/rejuvenating of some sort. I hope your boxwood have not suffered as mine have. I look forward to more tours!
SueLynn says
Thank you for the lovely tour and drink after dinner. Glad I had dinner! Olives for desert!
Moved from my garden to an apartment so always excited to see what’s growing at your house and in your window gardens.
Can’t wait till the next tour or recipe. Take care, Kevin. 🙂
Merry says
Thank you for the lovely tour … I have new ideas now for our Zone 5 abode. However, given your beautiful creeping phlox you must not have many (any?) bunny rabbits on your property. Our ‘warren’ members gnaw off our phlox in a flash.
Arlene says
Spring always infuses me with energy and expectation. SW Washington is in bloom with Azalea and Rhododendrons showing their stuff. My Hydrangea are budding, Red Hot Pokers beautiful and the grape arbor is a covering of new green leaves. Love, love Spring. Thanks for sharing your wonderful gardens.
Growing my own says
Thank you. The cocktail was very dry (to non-existent). The garden is beautiful. I’m swooning.
Pam says
Hi, Kevin!
Thanks so much for the gorgeous views. Your home and garden are just heaven.
Pam
Dee says
Thank you for that lovely tour. Sorry to say that second or was it a third martini I consumed left me in a slightly tipsy state. It was so enjoyable there in the gardens until that bit of a wobble with my stilettos
My I must just recline here on the bench for a while.!
Molly says
Love the tour! Such beautiful gardens and witty repartee. Excellent martini! Can’t wait for the next tour.
MaryB says
I’m so happy this was *not* a video! I was able to focus carefully on each shot. 🙂
Are those urns terracotta? How do they manage through the winter, or do you bring them into shelterat the end of the season?
Thanks to Merry for the bunny and creeping phlox comment. I was wondering what happened to some of mine. Very disappointing as it’s a native plant where I am, but can only be grown inside the fenced yard that the cat patrols!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Mary B – Urns are cast-iron. They stay outdoors through all seasons.
Liliana says
Hello Kevin,
Thank you for the lovely garden tour. The views are just what the doctor ordered and I feel refreshed and inspired to plant more in my little Square Foot Garden. Sorry to have refused your martini, but I’m not a fan of them… I am, however, a fan of your cooking. I already made one recipe, the Salmon and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner (it was so yummy, so I subscribed!) and I recently discovered the Pain de Mie recipe, which I HAVE to make next. In fact, I just bought the Pullman loaf pan on amazon and received it today, and I will bake the bread this weekend. Can’t wait!
Looking forward to your guidance to all the great cooking on your channel!
Liliana
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Liliana – So glad you liked the Salmon and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Thanks for subscribing!
Kendra in SC says
Here in coastal SC we had an unusual winter leading to an actual spring, which usually wee are cheated of. It gets quite warm but due to a rare snow and ice storm Jan. 4 -I think this is why- we had spring all through May. So, I needed to find how to preserve greens of which I have a bumper crop. Three kinds of kale and collards. I’ve got to get MORE OKRA into the ground because there’s never enough!
I never buy okra in the store or even farmer’s market; it is usually too big, woody and turning brown. Okra lovers unite! Do you ever eat it raw, right in the garden? That’s my favorite.
Thanks for the tips on freezing greens. That’s what I’m doing today.
Your yard tour makes me jealous; it’s quite lovely.
Cathy says
I’ll wear my stillettos if you’ll accompany me in your tux. Actually I’ve never been able to walk in stillettos, let alone garden, so you’re in luck. The gardens are spectacular, even without the icy Bombay
Mary v says
I have one very beautiful pink dogwood in the yard ( city). Her name is Agnes, she has lived here for 7 years. She signals spring , she starts out vibrant pink and then fades to a baby soft pink. Thank you for the tour, so that’s why there are olives in martinis.
Valerie says
Oh my…simply beautiful….you are very fortunate to have such an outstanding residence to love and enjoy! Thank you for sharing with us! 🙂
Jenyheny says
You are sooooo funny funny funny. Best garden tour I’ve ever been on. And, my feet don’t hurt in those high heels. Thank you!!!!
I even imagined the scents….
Anne says
I’m so envious of your garden! Here in western PA the phlox, tulips and bleeding hearts have come and gone. Azaleas are in full bloom, along with snow-in-summer, some low-growing campanula, and a gorgeous purple clematis. Yesterday I noticed buds on my roses about to burst open.
My veggie garden is all planted, thank goodness! Just waiting for some warmer temps to nudge the tomatoes along.
Thank you Kevin for all of your handy hints and most especially for your generous sense of humor!
Linda Berry says
Delicious Martini and what a gorgeous tour!
Yes, my feet are killing me but it was well worth it!!
Kim says
Thank you for another delightful Sunday morning treat. You know, I thought ‘Red Jade’ was named for the bright display of red crabapples in fall. Maybe yours don’t fruit very well? In any case, the color of the ‘Cameo’ quince is sumptuous.
Cécile says
Thank you for the tour Kevin.
Maybe I can help you with the Malus ‘Sops of Wine.’.
If I have plants with zero tolerance for insects a few times in the growing-season I do make strong tea from garlic ( maybe 10-12 cloves per litre). I drench the soil around the tree or flower with it and do this a few times. The garlic does not harm the plant ( nor the taste of the fruit or vegetable) but the smell makes bufs ( and some diseases) go away.
Muffie Malherbe says
Lovely to see the, beautiful spr1ing reappearing , always so rewarding. Down south of Africz we and going into winter and hopfully a wet one the droubt is too terable. Will look forward to watch your garden unfolding from a very wet Cape Towm
Linda says
I am so envious. Spring came late in Minnesota but we are catching up. Crab apple blossom s did not hang around long due to wind. Really love your blog and enjoy trying your recipes. Cannt wait to see finished kitchen
Carol H. says
Things are looking lovely in your parts – obviously due to all of your hard work! Thanks for the excuse to put on stilettos! I second the request above for help on boxwood pruning. Mine are looking very winter-burned.
Melissa Horton says
Heavenly garden!
BoPup says
Darling, there aren’t enough martinis to get me in stilettos in the first place, but for second place, let’s go around again in flats. The tour is gorgeous.
Liliane McCarthy says
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for sharing your beautiful garden. It’s a work of art.
Peace and love,
Liliane
Ellen says
Hi Kevin,
Your garden tours are great, especially with heels & martini!! Your comments always make me smile. Your posts are very helpful. Wish you were my neighbor 🙂
Thank you,
Ellen
Linda says
Thank you for the stunning garden tour. The colors of the blossoms on the trees are so pleasing to the eye. So much to take in on that delightful walk. Inspiring.
Jeanne says
Just beautiful (said wistfully). My garden could be lovely too if I worked as diligently as you do. Instead, I’ll resort to that martini, because thick healthy grass is choking my pachysandra bed. I love the tulips in yours. Grass is everywhere. How do I kill it without ripping out the good plants within? I could kick myself with my stiletto for letting it get a foothold.
Julie R says
The thought of wearing black stilettos on a garden tour, while eating olives so as not to starve, had me laughing. As usual Kevin, your gardens are just beautiful. I so love the blue stone paths that you have in various areas. They look so natural in their setting, and so nice with the phlox spilling over the edge. All of your trees and shrubs look like they are bursting with new life. Seeing your photos inspires me to get myself outdoors and tinker with my own gardens. I have some of the same shrubs/trees as you do. I have a big crab apple tree that is in full bloom, some phlox that are flowering around my patio, and boxwood shrubs, and various pine trees. With all of the rain we have had recently, my boxwoods look like they are in need of a trim already. They will be having an up close get together with my trimmers very soon. Happy spring !
Pam says
Beautiful!!! Heating up here in Florida, so not much right now.
Rose says
Everything is simply beautiful!! Your red bud is stunning! We lost ours. Am not repeating, they are too temperamental for me!! Will replace it with a Major Wheeler honeysuckle on an obelisk and have bloom at least 2x a year — maybe 3 if we are lucky! I successfully grew the Major in North Texas and am hoping to have similar success in Southeast Texas.
Gardann says
Here, in Northen Illinois, the weather has been very ‘changeable’. We have had Spring, Summer and now back to Winter! However, my milk jugs are nearly all ready for planting out with Moon flower, Tahini and cucumber being the first to go in the ground. Tomatoes are ready to follow.
The Magnolia flowers only lasted 3 days. Crabapples and Honeysuckle a little longer all due to storms in the area!
badger gardener says
I’m a little late but lucky for me your tours are always open. Not a gin fan so I’ll take a vodka martini if you please. It was a busy week as my baby turned 11 , which means my babies aren’t really babies any more. Then I spent a fun weekend doing some work for my girl Tammy here in cheeseland.
Spring looks absolutely lovely in your garden this year. The cold spring really seems to have led to vibrant and plentiful color.
Ed Morrow says
Kevin,
A good looking drink.
Have you tried Bombay Sapphire East? Hard to imagine, but it is one-up on the standard Bombay Sapphire gin, and well worth the search (it’s hard to find out here on the West Coast).
Regards,
Ed Morrow
Carmel Valley, CA
Janet Metzger says
What a lovely garden walk!
In my garden? It is an Easter Lilly, roses, prairie cone flower, pansies, sweet william, and mustard. The borage is just about ready to open.
Thank you for sharing a New York spring!
Deborah says
I’m in the process of putting in a couple of new garden beds. I had one that needed replacing and somehow I just decided I needed more beds for more goodies. I planted two bleeding heart bushes yesterday I memory of our beloved dog that passed over the weekend. They are my favorite too. As for flowers I will be putting in cosmos, bachlor buttons, calundula and several kinds of sweet smelling herbs for the bees and butterflies. I’m sure I’ll find more stuff at the local garden and produce center. I always do.
Oh I forgot to tell you! I work in an assisted living home. It is located in an very old Victorian house. Of course over the years they have added on but the main part has been kept the same. Complete with six fireplaces and beautiful molding, bay window ( like what you have near your entry door. You know the one with the pretty green curtains) staircase and pocket doors. We house 36 residents. But the best part this year is they now have a garden club for the residents and they are starting out with I think just three raised beds and some pretty potted flowers and tomatoes and the porch/deck. I can’t wait to see what our residents grow!!! Gardening is great therapy!
Kevin Lee Jacobs says
Hi Deborah – So sorry to hear your pooch passed away. I know all too well what you must be going through.
Patricia Cremens says
Kevin, thank you for generously sharing these beautiful views of your garden. You are living my dream.
Annie says
Such joy you have created!! I love your vision! Thank you for sharing your hard work results/transformations and for your spectacular personality! I so love to live vicariously through others! And am SO happy for you! It truly is heaven on earth :)) One question…as I am constantly trying to create my own Eden, as well, how in the world do u conquer the weeds…the undesirables?! They r an endless challenge for me
Debra Lee says
Beautiful garden as usual , always admire it. I am spending my Memorial Day weekend trying to finish my vegatable garden and in the hot Kansas weather it’s not fun 🙁
Have a wonderful holiday weekend Kevin.
Debbie
mary m says
Hi Kevin, I always love a stroll in your garden, and a sip’n’ stroll sounds wonderful!… when i came up to your Bleeding Heart, I was reminded of a little thing I always show to young visitors (and sometimes older ones too!)..looking at B.H.’s .. wonder if you know it too… very gently turn up the blossom and even more gently squeeze open the 2 sides of the blossom ..(like we do with a snap-dragon)… this reveals its “real” name: ‘Lady in her bath” …
mary m
Pat says
What a beautiful, beautiful garden!
Judy Hines says
Love these tours, Kevin. Many Miracle of Earth Creations!!
kt mm says
Presently, I have bleeding hearts & lilacs. Have you ever tried controlling the bugs with introducing lady bugs or praying mantis?
Sherry Pace says
Loved the tour (sans stilettos and martini – I’ll eat the olives though :-)! I would love some of those flowering trees, but don’t have spots for them…So far the lilac bush favored us with lots of fragrant blooms, our azaleas have come and gone in riotous color, the rhododendron is now blooming, the one peony is loaded with blooms for later. Clematis is climbing but no buds yet and the hydrangea shows great promise. Bleeding heart is blooming under the spent azaleas. Some variegated Vinca bloomed along with the Brunnera. I ordered elevated garden kits and built them, then planted one with herbs, one with peppers, tomatoes and eggplant, and one with alpine strawberries and swiss chard. I had mint, thyme, and oregano in pots. Sadly all but the thyme died as a result of our weird winter weather. So….I planted more!