Built in 1767, the General William Hart house is one of the earliest houses in Saybrook, the first settlement on the southern shore of Connecticut. The present Hart House Garden was designed to grow plants similar to what the Harts would have used during their residence, in the 18th Century. The herb beds are situated near the kitchen door and are being significantly expanded this month, a process we'll be documenting, in all its mess and mayhem. Working with Joan Wendler, we plan to plant more medicinal and dyeing plants and prepare hand cards with information on their use. These cards will be made available to garden visitors. Elise Bischoff has kept careful records and educational material on the herb garden for years and her notes are now a part of the garden archives.
Sally’s Garden, a fun spot for children, was planned and is maintained by Edna Haagansen, just one of our veteran gardeners always willing to share gardening advice with newcomers.
Perennial flowers known to the Hart family grow along the top and base of the Dingle (bowling green) walls. Primula, Iris, Peonies, Asters, Foxglove, Chrysanthemums, and Lady’s Mantle, among others, thrive here.
A woodland garden, designed and planted by Marianne Pfeiffer, borders the church driveway and contains shade loving native ferns and wildflowers under a canopy of Persimmon and Pine trees. Hepatica, Trillium, Wild Columbine and Virginia Bluebells bloom among twenty kinds of ferns, a glorious sight from earliest spring through to the end of May.
Check out the newly expanded Rose Garden containing antique, fragrant June bloomers.
The Hart House Gardens are entering a new phase of expansion and upgrade, with an eye to creating a space with something to enjoy in all seasons, and to creating more opportunities for the community to share the many pleasures it has to offer.
Sheila
