Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Garden In Winter




When we had our little snow last week, I decided to visit a garden I had never been to before. This is the formal garden at the Bamboo Brook Outdoor Education Center in Chester Township, New Jersey. I drive past it often to get to my sister-in-law's house, but until last week, I had never had time to stop and explore.




Now a part of the Morris County park system, the house was originally known as Merchiston Farm. The farm was the home of William and Martha Brookes Hutcheson from 1911 to 1959.




The gardens were originally laid out by Mrs. Hutcheson, who was one of the first female landscape architects in the United States. Morris County has just finished an extensive restoration, including new stone walls and plantings.





The land slopes gently down on three sides to a circular pool. It is a beautiful sight with a light dusting of snow. The pool holds reflections of this lovely winter garden.





The outbuildings are as beautiful as the house. There is such a sense of shelter and well-being here near the reflecting pool, surrounded by the gently sloping hills.




The house itself is used as office space for the park administration. Wouldn't it be wonderful if it were restored and decorated?

Ah well, I guess I can dream. The center hall has the most beautiful dark beams and white painted wainscoting. :)





There is also a beautiful view over the reflecting pool out to the hills beyond. The formal garden is surrounded by a deer-proof fence, but the center itself also has 100 acres of fields, woodlands and nature trails.

I can't wait to come back in the spring. And yes, I'll take more pictures. :)

42 comments:

  1. It looks like a lovely place to visit. Look forward to seeing the spring photographs.

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's a Currier and Ives picture for sure!!! Beautiful Mary, thanks for sharing!! Cindy

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi! It's really warm in my country. Looking at your lovely winter photos makes me feel very cold.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Breathtakingly beautiful setting & home.

    Happy Valentine's
    Have a beautiful day ~
    TTFN ~Marydon

    ReplyDelete
  5. If it looks this gorgeous now, I can hardly wait until spring when you take us back!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So beautiful! I like your pretty new header, too!
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Hutcheson's were very lucky people and talented gardeners too. I wonder how they liked roaming around that huge house!!

    The gardens and pool are beautiful. You took some lovely pictures, Mary!

    xoxo
    Jane

    ReplyDelete
  8. That was great, Mary. It would be wonderful if hat house could be restored and open to the public for tours. Wouldn't that be awesome? Sincerely, Susan from writingstraightfromtheheart.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a beautiful house and garden! And your photos are stunning too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow! It is so beautiful, I'm excited to see it in the Spring. I think it would be fun to see it in each season. It looks so restful and contemplative. Thanks for showing us!

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yes, it would be wonderful for it to be restored, decorated as it was, and opened for public viewing. What a gorgeous home it is and what gorgeous photography!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Such a beautiful place...how lucky you are that it is so close to your lovely home.
    I found your blog when I was looking up on Google anything I could find on Red and White Transferware...my new passion.
    I was blown away by your talents as photographer, decorator and most of all how you can find bargains...I admire that because I only occasionally fall on a bargain...then again I don't shop very often :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a gorgeous spot to visit!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi Mary,
    It is so beautiful there.I love the reflection in the pool.
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  15. Very pretty... I can just imagine this would be a lovely place for a small wedding in the spring.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Mary your pics are beautiful. I love Bamboo Brook...we visit fairly often. Did you see the little cottage that has the stream running under it?

    I have to admit...I loved that place better when it was a little bit shabby and rough around the edges.

    annie

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hhhmmmm lovely house and garden. What a dream to live in. I understand your dreaming.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Those are beautiful shots!! Even in the dead of winter this would not be hard to take!!~

    ReplyDelete
  19. Gardens are so peaceful in winter as they sleep!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Mary,
    What a lovely garden. The cedar shakes contrast beautifully against the white of winter and black trees. Now you have something wonderful to look forward to photographing this Spring!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh my how very beautiful!!! Imagine it in spring...Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  22. The photos look like postcards! What a peaceful area. I always like to stop and just listen to the quiet when you are out in the snow. I think it's like it insulates the noise from us. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mary,
    these photos are magnificent.
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  24. What beautiful pictures....it would be a movie set it's so perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  25. oh mary you make me PINE for the northeast. i'm in southern california. it has its charm, for sure, but OH! thank you for those photos. jkj

    ReplyDelete
  26. What can I add, but WOW! This looks gorgeous and I love how you caught the scenery in the still pond. How fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  27. that is some beautiful house, and great pictures!!! thanks for sharing.
    Angela
    Beachwood, NJ

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi Mary,

    You are such a talented photographer. I am following along on Amanda's 365. Your photos are beautiful. Do you sell them??
    Paula Grace ~

    ReplyDelete
  29. beautiful winter shots....just beautiful....

    ReplyDelete
  30. I have to compliment you, these are the most beautiful winter shots I have ever seen! Bravo! Lori

    ReplyDelete
  31. Really enjoy all the historic homes and gardens you post. Thanks for the 'field trip'..it was a little chilly, but beautiful! Stay warm!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh how pretty. It's hard to imagine that it would ever look prettier in the spring. I love the starkness of color. So beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your photographs of this beautiful place in winter are stunning ... I feel like I'm reading a glossy magazine! Simply marvelous post!
    Hugs and blessings,
    Small Reflections

    ReplyDelete
  34. Looks a lovely place to visit to record every season! Lovely photos.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Late to this post but so glad I took a peek! How beautiful... Can't wait to see it all green, but love the stillness of the snow too. Thanks for such an awesome look.

    ReplyDelete
  36. A place of dreams. So very serene and beautiful.
    Beautifully captured as well!

    ReplyDelete
  37. This is an exquisite photo essay, Mary. Incredibly beautiful ode to this lovely winter garden! xo – g

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I love to hear what you have to say!