The landscape of 24 Eastman Lane was an evolution over several years. Its design was based on nothing more than our imagination and whim. When we bought our home, the garage entrance faced the front of the house and the woods to the left of the home stretched to the corner post of the fence that surrounds the courtyard. The backyard was nothing more than an extension of the open hay field with a clump of scrub trees extending from the stonewall, located on the right side of the house, past all the windows on the backside of the house.

The transformation began when I bought a $50 electric chainsaw and cut down the clump of scrub trees so I could look out my windows and see the beautiful open space of my backyard. Next, the five large pin oaks running along the edge of the road on the property line were relocated to the backyard so the house would not be hidden once the trees reached their full glory.

Slowly, the landscape took shape and a design began to form. We added the pool with its surrounding gardens and the privacy garden was formed along the split-rail fence between the pool area and the neighboring home. We planted flowers to attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Next, the woods located on the left side of the property were cut back to the side property line. This allows the birch trees along the edge of the property as well as the three clumps located in the open space to dictate the flow of the gardens. We incorporated the Secret Garden to provide a small space for a shade garden.

Finally, the garage renovation provided side entrances and a circular driveway along with the additional gardens located within the circle and along the outside edge of the driveway.

We added the small pond in the courtyard area to allow for a small water garden until we can add my dream of a larger pond incorporating the three clumps of birches on the left side of the house.

We hope you enjoy the gardens!


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© 2003-2007 The Colonial Garden Club of Hollis
Hollis, NH 03049