An Update on My Gardens at Lily Pond

August 11, 2016

Both Jocelyn (who works on the blog with me) and I were taken by surprise with the new format of the blog- from clicks to scroll. There are changes involving Picasa, WordPress and Google all of which help power the blog. We are working through the glitches now and hope that we will be able to deliver a blog that runs smoothly as a scroll, with photos that can be enlarged for more detailed views, with easy access to "comments" and other blogs, and easy to read captions on all devices from desktop computers, to iPads to mobile devices of all sorts.
We love that you all love the blog and find it informative and useful, and we want it to be as easy to use as possible. Changes will occur and we beg you to have a bit of patience until all is ironed out.
As for the sling on my left arm- I had a clumsy fall off my horse a couple weeks ago - the low branch that swept me off Rutger's back has been removed from its Catalpa tree and my arm is on the mend. Not to worry!!! Thanks for the concern however. --Martha

My gardens at Lily Pond are thriving.

Every year, I try to make several visits to my home in East Hampton, New York - especially during summer when I can check out the gardens in full bloom, and see how the perennials and other plantings have progressed. As you know, many of the beds have been planted for years, while others have been transformed and revitalized.

I wanted to share with you how much everything has grown - it all looks so amazing and beautiful this season. Enjoy my photos.

: Here is my large front yard, which has a circular lawn surrounded by four quadrant gardens. This area is now filled with perennials. It usually takes a few years for new beds to become established. These beds matured so wonderfully. Remember what I had here just a few years ago?

: Looking across the circle lawn everything is thriving and healthy and well-maintained.

: Here is a view of the other side – everything is so lush, it’s hard to see the house through all the foliage.

: Looking towards the gate, you can see the full perennial beds filled with ageratum, delphinium, salvia, lavender, bordered with lady’s mantle.

: The circle and round turn are planted with pink saucer magnolias, and many ferns. The green is so bold next to the light colored gravel driveway.

: The wrap-around front porch is such a relaxing place to sit. A couple years ago, I had all the woodwork and furniture re-painted tan from the teal blue – I love how it’s changed the entire look.

: The swimming pool in the back yard is adorned with aqua glazed strawberry pots which are planted with many different succulents and alocasias, or elephant ears. The tall trees are European hornbeam. The smaller shrubs are boxwood.

: Nestled in between the shrubs and trees is my old pool furniture which dates back to the early 20th century.

: The double row of hornbeams on either side of the old brick walkway appear so much taller every time I visit.

: I am so pleased with how well my shade garden is doing.

: Along this path, Japanese maples, shade loving plants and lots of large Cimicifuga. It’s all looking so stunning.

: The Japanese maples have done very well – I expect they will thrive for years to come.

: After a pleasant walk around the gardens, I prepared a lovely breakfast.

: Eggs, fruit, and some baked treats – homemade and home grown.

: A platter filled with some of the season’s freshest corn and broccoli.

: I make donuts especially for Kevin – he loves them.

: And everyone loves the fresh berries – it’s so nice knowing these delicious fruits come right from my own berry bushes.

: I always try to stop at lemonade stands – this one is managed by Darcy Miller’s youngest daughter when her sisters go away to camp. The stand opens for one day and all proceeds go to charity. It did very well this year!