This was my first view of the gardens and I was awestruck. The sense of serenity was almost tangible and the bench by the pond was too inviting to resist.
The tranquil goldfish pond set the mood.
This is one view of the back lot. There are 3 1/2 acres in all. The building to the right of the pond was Nancy's shop. For 15 years, while raising son Josh, she grew over 5000 everlastings and herbs, and created wreaths and arrangements which she sold. The shop is now Chuck's art studio. He paints in watercolors, creates delightful wood carvings, and most recently he has taken up stone carving. His work with alabaster is impressive. They are both artists!
This shot of the gazebo is taken from the pond. If you look very carefully to the back right, you can see Rachel's playhouse tucked under a tree.
When Nancy retired in 2005, she treated herself to a greenhouse. She pots and repots, and grows her plants from seed. The front zinnia bed is Rachel's favorite. It hides the vegetable garden. Behind the greenhouse, Nancy has 70 tomato plants! 70!! That will probably feed half of Delaware County. I wonder if canning is one of her talents.
Another view of the daylily bed taken from the front of the gazebo. Grandma loves flowers but Rachel prefers the bugs, worms and insects.
This is Nancy's favorite daylily. Look at the number of buds on each stalk. I was a little too early to capture a full bloom. She used to label each variety but the Ohio winters and the visiting critters kept stealing the little signs. There are thousands of varieties and since she doesn't hybridize, she stopped labeling.
A view across the front yard. As you would expect, there is a lot of wildlife--raccoons, deer, opossums, many birds and the occasional skunk.
Another view toward the back of the yard. Even the paths are well-tended.
The house was built in 1909. This is a view of the back porch. There are many places to sit and contemplate in the gardens. I can't adequately describe the feeling of calm and tranquility. I understand Nancy's passion.
