Our landscaping project began in 1997
when the firm of George Carty developed a schematic for our property. The design
flows from the architecture of the house with its bold proportions and decorative
detail. We asked Mr. Carty to create an environment that blends function and beauty,
using plantings, paths, fountains, and gathering places. The following is his
statement about the project.
"The Gardens at Taylor House are modern interpretations of Victorian planting
styles. An abundance of flowering plant species is set within distinct garden areas
in ways that allude to bygone days. The grounds contain five separate gardens that
are woven together by meandering paths of granite cobble, brick, and gravel. The
garden fronting the house reflects its symmetry and plays with its unique architectural
forms and plan. This garden provides a ‘stage set’ for the house with a
large annual display bed edged in Boxwood and an abundance of heavily scented, old
fashioned species: Silk Tree, Hydrangeas, Rose-of-Sharon, Trifoliate
Orange, Spice Bush, and Mock Orange. The side gardens are devoted to a rich display
of shrubs and perennials set in large borders. On the south side of the house the
garden is large, billowy, and sun-filled, with roses and giant perennials that bloom from
Spring through Fall. Wisteria and a multitude of other vines drape the porches and
arbors. On the North side a moon garden with white flowers, many heavily scented and
night blooming, offers shady retreat in the day and romance at night. Two distinct
patio areas, both with fountains, provide secluded places for thought and
conversation. The larger of the two is contained within an herb garden and has
tables under a long colonnade for pleasant morning dining of bed and breakfast
guests. The smaller patio is part of the entrance sequence to the house, an
evergreen oasis in the shade of an ancient Linden Tree."
Even though our gardens are still taking shape, we hope our guests will linger on Taylor House grounds to enjoy the softly woven colors, sweet fragrances, and tranquil areas of refreshment that we are creating. During the summer of 1999 we installed a brick courtyard and planting beds for herbs. We have also planted many perennials and shrubs throughout the yard.