Last week, after the television shoot in Sag Harbor and after visiting the antique shops I stopped at my home in East Hampton on Lily Pond Lane. I was there just a few weeks earlier and I was amazed how much greener the yard is and how things have grown since then. In June, when the roses are blooming, these gardens are really spectacular. Here’s a preview.
This pretty orange fern is a Dryopteris 'brilliance'.
This tall fern is unfurling rapidly
After several years, this fern makes a lovely ground cover.
A fading tulip growing next to Athyrium 'Japanese Painted Fern'.
Two cement bulldogs guard the entrance to the cottage behind the main house.
This is the front yard at Lily Pond. In a few weeks, the front porch will be covered with fragrant old-fashioned roses. The giant urn has been covered all winter for protection -- I haven't decided yet what to plant in it.
This mockingbird seems to enjoy perching on this antique iron garden bench under a
rose arbor.
This walk-through of arches is also covered with roses -- the buds are swelling.
This is back of lily pond; the cushions for the garden furniture are still in storage.
Pink tulips mingle with tall ostrich ferns.
Wicker porch furniture under cover.
This is Alex who tends to the gardens and the property.
More ferns unfurling in the sun.
A view of the pool.
This is the shade garden on the far side of the house.
This is my little nymph birdbath. The vine behind it is climbing hydrangea.
I love this house. The arbors bring back memories of Monet's garden at Giverny.
Posted by: Evelyn Ackbarali | May 23, 2008 at 01:20 AM
Hi Martha-Wow, this place is so pretty! The sight and fragrance while walking through the rose arch in the summer will be heavenly. Why not be like Monet and plant sunflowers in the urn? You might need two urns for balance though.
Posted by: Jennifer Fancher | May 23, 2008 at 05:51 AM
It's georgous, fabulous. I Loved It.
Bye du Québec
Posted by: Renée Couture | May 23, 2008 at 06:07 AM
Martha,
Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing. Your shade garden, especially, gave me some inspiration for a large (approximately one acre) shady spot on my property. I love the stepping stones set casually into the neatly sheared grass path! So relaxed and yet so very Hamptons. I would love to know what the large burgundy-colored plant is, on the right side of the photo just above the midline. I've been planning my shade garden in my mind for a while but have been in need of a shot of deep color like that for depth in a few places.
Posted by: Cynthia S | May 23, 2008 at 06:59 AM
What a wonderful retreat to go to in the summer. It's so beautiful!
Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures with us.
Posted by: Maureen | May 23, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Hi Martha
May I ask what colour green you have on the trim of the house is called? My wife and I just purchased a summer house on Prince Edward Island in Canada and its a cedar shake on the outside. We would like to incorporate this colour into the house.
I know you are looking for a waterfront property. Prince Edward Island is beautiful. The soil is very red, the grass very green and the ocean on sunny days very blue. The combination of those three colors is spectacular.
Thank you
Darrell White
Toronto, Canada
Posted by: darrell white | May 23, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Tell Alex he is doing a fantastic job. Love the nymph birdbath and the pool and the brick around it. I bet the rose archway is exquisite when in bloom. Lily Pond is beautiful front and back. The shade garden is also beautiful and the urns I see are too. Have a great summer. Nan
Posted by: Nan Ashby | May 23, 2008 at 07:37 AM
Hi, Martha,
Lily Pond is beautiful. Thanks for showing us the ferns, tulips, roses, and hydrangea as well as cement bulldogs, urn, arch, and little nymph birdbath. Alex takes good care of all. What a spot to enjoy the summer!
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | May 23, 2008 at 08:15 AM
BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: Mrs. Ben Lanier | May 23, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I love it so much as things unfurl in the spring, but I don't know if anything makes me as happy as seeing the ferns come alive. And, the lilacs and apple blossoms. ;)
Posted by: so NOT cool | May 23, 2008 at 09:16 AM
The shade garden path is very similar to my former garden in the pacific NW. I assume there are hostas? Never too many hostas! I still have a shade garden but my zone has dropped to 2-3 and I am reading that some hostas will tolerate it so wish me luck. Martha if you are taking these photos you may have missed another calling in your life. They are just beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Robin Ball | May 23, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Martha, it is PERFECT except for one thing: you need to paint red jerseys and black G's on the the cement bulldogs to make then GEORGIA BULLDAWGS! We love you in Georgia!
Posted by: lawdawg | May 23, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Martha,
I was just thinking not long ago that it had been so long since we had heard about or seen photos of Lily Pond. Thank you for the update! The house looks lovely.
The shade garden path is a magical ittle place!
Best,
Andrew
Posted by: Andrew Ritchie | May 23, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I think this is the best view you have given us of Lily Pond. I love the pool, the walkway, the shade garden, the nymph bird bath; wait, I like everything. I still have the show on tape where you pointed out the big urn in the backyard and I think you said it was a focal point for everything else and then you showed us a panoramic photo of the entire yard. Everything is beautiful! Thanks for the glimpse. Trish
Posted by: Trish | May 23, 2008 at 10:47 AM
clearly your most beutiful property. this looks like it's a home. enjoy your summer.
Posted by: Charles St. Louis | May 23, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Martha...Lily Pond is so lovely and your lawn looks very healthy. I love ferns as well and have planted many in my shade garden...i am particularly fond of 'Ghost' Fern which i first encountered at Van Dusen Gardens here in Vancouver. Your photos give me the inspiration to carry on with the challenges that my shade garden presents me with...it's getting easier through all the information and education. So thanks! Enjoy Lily Pond and when Alex has some free time could you send him here when i'm away on vacation!!
Posted by: Sherey | May 23, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Stunning. I would love to know what the plant with the arcing leaves is in the first photo. Looks like clivia but I did not know clivia would survive the winter outside there. The home and grounds are so beautiful. Love you, Martha. Judy C.
Posted by: Judy C. | May 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Thank you for the shots of your shade loving plants. Do you receive plenty of rainfall or do they require lots of artifical watering? It is nice to see pretty things.
Posted by: Margie | May 23, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Love the nymph bird bath! Bet that property has many delightful little surprises tucked away. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Katherine | May 23, 2008 at 12:43 PM
Hi Martha, Your photos of Lily Pond are absolutely gorgeous! It looks like Alex takes wonderful care of the gardens and your property. All of the ferns are especially vibrant. I absolutely love the beautiful pool. The color is stunning! What a perfect spot to spend warm summer days. Thanks again for sharing. Have a great Memorial Day weekend. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | May 23, 2008 at 01:26 PM
It looks sooo beautiful there. I would love to have my yard resemble that somewhat. It has potential, but it takes a lot of up keep to do that. I love the iron garden bench under a
rose arbor. That space looks sooo pretty. I want to take a good book there!!!
Posted by: Ashley | May 23, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Wow Martha, your house is stunning! I love the archways, so whimsical and magical!
Posted by: holly hatam | May 23, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Martha, what a beautiful home! Do you go there often? I have never heard you mention this place before. How very lucky you are to have so many beautiful homes! You should offer a contest for a chance to have lunch with you at this wonderful place. i would try very hard to win!
Take care and have a great Memorial weekend.
Kim
Posted by: kim from Maryland | May 23, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Martha,
Lily Pond is absolutely beautiful. I have always LOVED that home of yours and seeing the pool, gardens, ferns, flowers and personal touches as your blue urns and pots are just beyond words.
I do love the Japanese fern.
I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day holiday!
BTW..glad to see that Martyn, is feeling better.
Show us more of Lily Pond in the future!
Love,
Paula :)
Posted by: Paula M. | May 23, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Hi,
This a beautiful property, thanks for sharing it with us.
I've been trying to reach you about a question I have. Where may I buy scotch Brite glass cook top cleaner (scrubber)?
I've not found them in the stores here. Please help it you can.
Yhanks again.
Posted by: Marta | May 23, 2008 at 05:27 PM