JUNE 24

Julian Smith (603) 659-2098

236 Packers Falls Road, Durham NH

Originally a ditched and drained meadow, the owner has created a more natural environment of wetlands and marshes including ten granite waterfalls with many man-made ponds, some spring-fed and others along a brook.  A fourteenth pond has just been added, giving guests the opportunity to talk with the owner about his vision and the process. Included at the property is a beaver pond behind a permanent dam that was built on the site of a pre-Colonial era beaver dam. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch. Share a surprise preview of a new project!

Directions: Packers Falls Road runs between Mast Road (155A) in Lee and 152 in Newmarket and cuts across the southwest corner of Durham. From Main Street in downtown Durham:  Take Mill Road to Packers Falls Road, turn left, go about a mile, look for #246 on the left.  From Route 108 on south side of Durham: Take Bennett Road to Packers Falls Road, turn right, go about ½ mile, look for #246 on right.

JUNE 24

Barbara O’Brien (603) 964-5339

630 Washington Road, Rye NH

After 30 years in the nursery business, Barbara has decided to retire and tackle the transformation of her gardens from retail presentation to residential enjoyment. Come and see what she has planned to feature in her quiet, nature filled gardens.  Her 17 year old hand dug water garden will remain a central focus of her backyard respite.

Directions:  From the South: Take Route 1North to right at the light onto Washington Road.  This garden (formerly Rye Ridge Nursery) is 2.5 miles on the Right.  From the North: Take Route 1 South to left on Lang Road across from the Fire Dept. Go to end. At stop sign, go right on Washington Road, Keep Right at fork, Rye Ridge is approximately .3 miles on the left.

JULY 1  

Denny Chasteen and Lori Lavac (603) 659-6243     NEW  

19 Allens Avenue, Lee NH

This well established water feature was built by Denny 10 years ago and consists of two ponds, an upper feeding into a lower, and two waterfalls.  The ponds are surrounded by rock garden plantings and shrubs.  The 12-acre property also has three cottage-style perennial gardens, a large vegetable garden dedicated to raising produce for the Seacoast Family Food Pantry and a greenhouse.   The house overlooks a ravine through which Wednesday Brook flows on its way to the Lamprey River.  Most of the property is forest & wetlands and serves as a corridor for wildlife to move between large tracts of undeveloped land in Lee. 

Directions:  From the south, take Rte 125 north to the junction with Rt 155 and turn right onto Rte 155.  Follow Rt 155 for 1.3 miles to the stop sign at Rte 152.  Cross 152 and continue 2.0 miles to the center of Lee.  Turn right onto Wednesday Hill Rd just past the cemetery on your right.  In 0.1 mile, turn left onto Allens Ave.  The property is the second driveway on your right.  From the north, follow Rte 155 or 155A from Durham/Dover just past the Mast Way School and the Lee Church on your right and then turn left onto Wednesday Hill Rd.  Turn left in 0.1 mile onto Allens Ave.  Please park on the road and walk down the 100 yard drive to the house or drop off passengers at the house and park on the road.

JULY 1

Jill Nooney & Bob Munger (603) 659-2903

Bedrock Farm, 45 High Road, Lee NH

Bedrock Gardens occupies 20 acres within a 30 acre piece of land. Throughout the 20 acres, there is horticulturally interesting plant material and wonderfully engaging art/sculpture by Jill Nooney.  All are integrated into a comprehensive garden design, with an Allée, multiple structures, a rock garden, pinetum, etc.  Water features include a 200-ft architectural water course, and a 50-ft naturalist stream with waterfalls near a tea house. All the work has been done by the owners over a 25 year period.  Enchanting.

Directions:  From Portsmouth/Dover take Spaulding Tpke to exit 6W (Rte 4 west) Follow Rte 4 West for about 10 miles to the Lee Traffic Circle.  Head South onto Route 125 for about 4 miles.  At the traffic lights, turn right onto Rte 152 West (towards Nottingham).  Take the first left (100 feet) onto High Road. Bedrock Farm is the first house on the left.  Please park on the road.  From Hampton/Exeter Rte 101 West.  Take Exit 7 (Rte 125) in Epping.  Go North on Rte 125 about 5 ½ miles. At the traffic light, turn left onto Route 152 West. Follow directions above.

JULY 8 - CANCELLED

Karen & David Della Penta  (603) 749-1541

32 Wisteria Drive, Dover NH

JULY 15

Linda and Scott Williams (207) 676-3343

9 Deerfield Road, North Berwick  ME

Focus of the manicured back yard and readily visible from the home is the calming water feature hand dug by the owners several years ago.  A colorful and vast array of plants and flowers catch the eye and complement the aesthetic and soothing sound of water as it cascades down the large copper leaves of a hand crafted fountain emanating from an old world clay pot. The artistic interpretation continues in the form of a uniquely shaped stone patio that frames the pond.  Beyond, savor woodland and gardens. This is an ideal spot to sit and contemplate, read a book or catch up with friends and family on a summer afternoon.

Directions:  From Somersworth NH/Berwick, ME:  Cross into Maine following Route 9 through Berwick, continue on Route 9 for about 2 miles toward North Berwick.  Take a left onto Old Sanford Road (which turns into Governor Goodwin Road) and g about 3 ½ miles. Turn right onto Deerfield Road (Deerfield Estates II sign). 1st house on the left.  From South Berwick: Take Route 4 past the intersection of Rte 9, go 0.2 miles and take a left onto Lebanon Road. Go 2 miles until you reach the stop sign at the 5 corners.  Take a hard left onto Governor Goodwin Road. Follow for 0.8 miles.  Take the 3rd left onto Deerfield Road (the 2nd entrance to Deerfield Rd.)

JULY 22

Cynthia Hosmer  (207) 363 2396

110 Raynes Neck, York ME

Come and spend the afternoon at this spectacular seaside estate.  A number of water features are here at Braveboat Harbor Farm - from the borrowed view of the Atlantic Ocean to the tiniest hollowed granite bowls for sipping wrens.  As you approach through the woods, a brook empties our great swamp.  This is home to all sorts of two and four footed creatures.  Leaving the woods, look for the fire pond across the fields toward the ocean. This is a fresh water pond fed by runoff from the surrounding fields.  Park in the designated area and walk to the house.  Someone will be there to start you on your tour.  In the delightful vegetable garden is a solar powered water feature. Underground is a 5 gallon bucket with a pump oat the bottom.  The bucket is covered by an upside-down bird feeder cover and then a mill stone.  On sunny days it adds cheerful splashes to my gardening efforts.  Continue to the newest pond in the woodland garden.  This beautiful spot is the creation of Dan Gipson of Garden Escapes.  He has molded our first pond attempt into a clever two level cascade.  At the top is a shallow ‘bog’ garden where water oozes through pipes in the bed of the area. The water then spills over into the lower, deeper pond. Plantings include native water lilies, iris and other hardy plants.  The surrounding gardens are a work in progress with low growing and dwarf deciduous shrubs and trees.  There’s a birdbath on an upturned lilac stump among the dwarf rhododendrons to the west of the pond.  Please feel free to wander wherever you like.  There are mown paths where you should be free from ticks.  One path leads to the ocean, across the tip of the beach and through the “Mount Field” behind the fire pond and back to the house.  Much more awaits you.  Bring a lunch, you’ll want to savor every nook and cranny here.

Directions:  95 North to the York exit. Turn East onto Route 1. Go south on Rte 1 to the light, go left at Rte 1A (York Street).  Take the second right onto Organug Rd. Pass golf course, cross York River at Sewells Bridge, ten continue up hill on Seabury Road.  At end of Seabury Rd, cross Rte 103 onto Braveboat Harbor Road.  Bear right up a small hill.  Take 3rd left onto Raynes Neck Road.  Go ALL the way to the end. The road turns to dirt after about a mile. Go another ½ mile on the dirt road. Go through the white gates and another ½ mile to the house. Park in designated areas.

July 29

Makena Herget (603) 398-1538  NEW

17 Cotton Farm Road, North Hampton, NH

Surprises around each corner endear this home to the landscaper, gardener and art aficionado.   A great deal of thought and planning is evident here.  The small water garden has two tiers and is situated adjacent to a superbly placed large screened porch and also near the spacious outdoor deck/living/entertaining area so that the sound of the waterfall can be enjoyed while dining or reading nearby.  The surrounding gardens have varied themes including a tropical garden with papyrus, banana trees, and elephant ears as well an area filled with potted flowers and vegetables similar to what one would find in a Tuscan hill town.  There are perennial and herb gardens with shrubs and bushes specifically chosen to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.  The entire perimeter of the house is landscaped with a large variety of annuals, perennials, bushes and trees and makes for an interesting walk around!  At nightfall, exterior lighting extends enjoyment of the out of doors. 

Directions: From Route 1(Lafayette Road) in North Hampton, NH go east towards the ocean on Route 111(Atlantic Avenue). Travel approximately 2 miles to Woodland Road which is located immediately after an old church and cemetery.  Take a left onto Woodland Road. Proceed on Woodland Road to the second right which is Cotton Farm Lane.  Our house is number 17 Cotton Farm Lane and is located at the back of the development.  Go to the right on the cul de sac and look for the gray house with the semi circular driveway on the right.

JULY 29

Bob and Marilyn Svihovec    (603) 964-4076 

437 South Road, Rye NH

The hidden and unexpected delight you. Welcome to this Contemplative Garden. Based on Eastern thought, it is a peaceful place to quiet the mind and envision dreams.  Upon entering, a Zen sand garden shepherds the imagination from the dry ocean along a rock stream to the heart of the garden, a 12’ x 24’ infinity shaped pond with two waterfalls. One waterfall flows to a bog garden, the other cascades from a rock garden surrounded by perennials.  Here, life is peaceful and uninterrupted.

Directions:  From Portsmouth take Route 1 South to North Road – 1st left after Hampton Ford.  Turn left. (East) from Hampton take Route 1 North to North Road at Sagamore Golf, Driving Range. Turn Right. (East). At the first stop sign the road becomes South Road.  Continue straight.  5th house on the left….Rye Chiropractic Center Sign.

AUGUST 5

Jim Oliver (207) 641-7070 

66 Woodland Hills, Ogunquit ME

This pond features a 7’ high by 3’ wide piece of granite used as a fountain over a 2 level pond bordering a pool surround in the back yard. Built in 2004 by Tom Dunn, the surprises here include lovely statuary and a beautiful setting.  Prepare to be enchanted.

Directions:  From Portsmouth I-95 to Exit 7.  Take ramp right toward York/Ogunquit.  Bear left on Route 1 heading north. Follow Route 1 for about 7-8 miles into Ogunquit. Turn left onto Berwick Road (Turn right if coming from the North).  Key Bank is on the corner of Berwick Road and Route 1.  Follow for 1.=/2 mile and go left onto Woodland Hills. Second house on the right.

AUGUST 12    Inland Country Ponds Near One Another

Bonnie and Tal Curtin (603) 557-2606

24 Beede Hill Road, Fremont NH

The water garden is formed from an upper shallow pond falling over two small falls into a 10’ wide pond and 2 ½ feet deep, providing ample space for water plants, fish and frogs.  Designed and installed 2 years ago by Rich Rice, the vision for this pond was to incorporate a natural granite outcropping and anchor the existing landscaping.  Each season brings exciting changes to plantings and a further understanding of the peaceful nature of water.  The natural habitat also attracts a wide array of birds and butterflies.  Beyond the water garden are country perennial gardens, vegetable gardens and natural woodland pockets. Evening pond and garden lights extend enjoyment. 

Directions:  From I-95 N/S:  take Route 101 West to Exit 6.  Left at end of ramp onto Beede Hill Road. Proceed 3 miles toward Fremont and #24 Gray/Beige Cape with Blue trim and stone wall in front.   From Route 33 Stratham/Exeter: Access Rte 101 West and follow directions above. Approx 15 minutes to exit 6.  From West: Route 101 to Exit 6, exit right off ramp onto Beede Hill Road. Follow directions above. From South: Route 125 North to Route 107 West. Take right just after Ellis School on right (and safety complex on left) onto Beede Hill Road. Home is 3rd on left.

AUGUST 12

Mike & Cindy Symmonds  ((603) 548-6270   NEW

7 King Pine Way, Kingston NH

Envisioned in 1994, to fill a hole resulting from removal of a large Oak tree, the owner formed a bowl 6’ deep in the center and 15' across. All excavated dirt was used to add height to the biological field and waterfall.  The cement pond and waterfall was finished to a depth of over 4’ with all electrical work, piping and pumping systems by the owner.  A 2’ wide, 2’ deep plant shelf all the way around the pond provides the perfect spot for native plants.  All water lilies are from the originals added in 1995. This water feature is home to 9 Koi (originally 4” long) that remain in the pond year ‘round .Two park benches are comfortable additions, allowing enjoyment of the sound of the waterfall, a good book, the fragrant plants, and the visiting wildlife.  You’ll enjoy the history and work that went into creating this water garden and the opportunity to sit and talk with the owners.

Directions: (this pond is 7 miles from the Fremont water feature (above).  If coming from there, take Rte 107 East to Rte 125 South and follow directions that follow: From the North: Take Rt. 125 South (exit 7 on Rte 101 E/W) to first Left onto Route 111 East (Exeter Road), then immediate Left onto Little River Road.  Right onto Shore Road and Left onto Riverwood Drive. Final Left onto King Pine Way.  Go to #7. From the South:  Route 125 North to right onto Rt 111 East, then follow directions above.