the hidden gardens of marble head

8/2/2019 The Hidden Gardens of Marble Head

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The Hidden Gardens of

Marblehead

By Chester Stentiford


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The Hidden Gardens of Marblehead

Chester Stentiford

Copyright 2011 All rights reserved by Chester Stentiford


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Last night, there came a frost, which has done great damage tomy garden.... It is sad that Nature will play such tricks on us

poor mortals, inviting us with sunny smiles to confide in her, andthen, when we are entirely within her power, striking us to theheart. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The American Notebooks


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* * *

The Gardens of Peggy & Michael Schrage

I spent nearly three and a half delightful hours at the home of Michael and Peggy Schrage.

Their expansive garden overlooks a breathtaking view of Salem Harbors glistening waters and ascenic vista, across the harbor, of Beverly and much of the Cape Ann coastline.

From the time I entered their drive, I was immediately taken by some of the most beautiful plantspecies that filled every nook and cranny of their yard.

This garden is a work of art in the making, fashioned over more than 35 years.

A continuous work in progress, featuring numerous specimens, of which many are uncommonlyfound in the average home landscape, this is certainly a labor of love.

The garden that the Schrage family has created is truly a magnificent display of beautiful floralexpression and texture, and naturalized in such a way that the viewer meanders through

never-ending displays of interest from the time one enters, until the time one completes the tour.The Schranges have left no stone unturned.

As a designer, I am personally one who follows the concepts of the well-known architect Frank

Lloyd Wright, who was not only an architect in his own right, but an imaginative landscapedesigner as well. Wright was of the belief that architecture and landscape design complete one

organic whole, both creating a natural setting where each are necessary to complete andcompliment the other. Hence, his classic creation Falling Waters is a home nestled within the

lush, wooded Bear Run Nature Reserve, and is a timeless monument to organic architecture andlandscaping at its very best.

I would add that the Schrages residence is a wonderful expression of the Wright concept of

landscape gardening in its entire form and layout, a landscape garden designed to feature a

totally different concept at each turn of the path.


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Front entrance courtyard An exceptional view of Salem Harbor from the ...

front yard garden

Japanese Umbrella Pine, Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, Black Laceciadopitysverticillata

I for one gained a great appreciation for what the Schrages have worked at for so many years, atrue garden delight. This is a garden that greets each year with new growth and an abundance ofcolor and fragrance worthy to note. With each new day, as the sun rises high above Salem

Harbor, you can expect to see Peggy outside removing faded blooms or checking for spaces to

fill with new additions to an already beautiful garden.


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Note far right

corner: Michael & Peggy Schrage One of Peggys David pinus strobus

Fastigiata Austin hybrid Roses

* * *

The Gardens of Gail Michaud

Nearby in Old Town Marblehead, nestled among a lovely splash of textured greenery and acolorful bloom, lies a quaint hidden courtyard garden so inviting I almost expected a waiter toseat me for lunch and offer me a wine list to choose from.

Never have I seen a garden like this that serves for both beauty and functionality so well. Withher talent for design and artistic achievement, Gail Michaud has blended every detail to

accommodate her familys need for an outdoor room of relaxation and family living, while

introducing some extraordinary plant selections that draw the eye to every aspect.


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The well laid out brink walk to the front entry

The front entry brick walkway provides for easy access to her home, while plants line the path

with shade and color. I love the layout and effect of the stairway, plenty of space proportional tothe entry and accessible from all directions. Its perfect for its inviting and welcoming feel.

Since the home is situated within the closeness of Old Townwhere homes are still arranged asthey were in the early days when Marblehead was a fishing villageshe has brilliantly selected

higher growing evergreens to create privacy from the town sidewalk that lies just outside. This isa perfect use of hardscaping combined with plant material to give that natural feel to the

landscape. I like it.

Wild Ginger,Asarum canadense &Golden Japanese forect grass, Hakonechloa macra aureola


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No garden is complete without the use of ground covers to bring it together. Here, under the

canopy of a four-leader Birch, of such magnitude that one needs only to look skyward to view

this gorgeous specimen tree, we find a perfect use of wild ginger, Asarum canadense, a North

American native with medium, green downy leaves. It requires regular moisture to look its best.It has better heat tolerance than European wild ginger. As a ground cover it is an excellent

substitute for the commonly used Vinca minoror Pachysandra terminallis, ground covers thatfills so many gardens today. Though Vinca and Pachysandra are a perfect and hardy choice, one

cannot ignore the use of something different and unusual to compliment a garden of such unique

design. For Gail, wild ginger is it.

View of Gail's yard from the west

Viewing the yard looking east, one can appreciate this naturalized garden setting, its flowing

stonewall and well integrated space for family living. The small shed provides space for storage

of garden tools as well as winter storage of garden furniture and the outdoor grill. On thesidewall of the shed nearest the flagpole is an espaliered pear that combines three

varietiesBosc, Bartlett, and DAnjouproviding for perfect cross-pollination, a lovely

compliment to the space. As this specimen matures, it will provide the family with excellent

edible fruit during the late summer months.


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Espaliered pear

Note the bird house perfectly situated among the tree line

While taking in everything that captured my eye, I couldnt pass up this photo. What birdwouldnt want to call this home? Here along the back border, a birdhouse perched among the

tree line is an inviting place to attract wildlife into this small sanctuary of peace and solitude. The

tranquility of this tastefully executed courtyard garden captures the essence of fine garden design

at its best. I tip my hat to you, Gail!


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The yard looking west from the shed area. Note the Arctic Beauty Kiwi,Actinidia kolomiktadraping the side yard fence for privacy

Close up of Arctic Beauty kiwi


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Lobster traps and buoys add a whimsical touch

After spending quite a bit of time walking through this quaint little garden, I cant resist sharingthis photo of what Marblehead was once all about, and in some cases still is: Today, people inMarblehead still go down to the sea in boats and make a livelihood from the quiet blue waters of

this bustling yet serene little village.

Gails son makes a part-time living from lobstering, and what better place to store his traps and

buoys than on this beautiful brick drive? I think this captures the nature of Marblehead from itsyesteryear magnificence. I have discovered that Marbleheaders to this day still realize andappreciate the history of their town, and continue to keep the traditional appeal of what it has

been for so many years. How can you change something so beautiful? Personally, I wouldnt

change a thing.


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* * *

The Gardens of Betsy & Gary Spiess

I've been told that charm and beauty in garden design come from the minds eye. Someone whocan visualize and bring to life a sense of natural balance and intrigue sets aside all sense of logic

and allows the imagination to recreate what nature intended.

The home landscape of Betsy and Gary Spiess is just such a garden. This is a garden of natural

balance and rare creativity that expresses natures course, almost as if it happened on its own.

Though we know it is the hard work of the Spiess family, this seaside garden seems to grab you

the instant you view the magnificent weeping blue atlas cedar, Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca

pendula,that forms a natural arch leading you to the front entry of the home. I am amazed at thethought of the dazzling effect this mature specimen might have on anyone visiting the Spiessshome. This is truly a very special feature in a landscape that abounds from every slope, valley,

and flatland within its parameters.

I spent a delightful afternoons visit with Betsy and Gary and basked in the magnitude of such

mature specimens that appeared from every angle of their yard, from their weeping blue atlascedar to their amazing Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica 'Yoshino.'Cryptomeria is native to

Japan and is somewhat tender in our northeastern climate, yet in this garden, the plants survive

with hardly a blemish on their graceful foliage.

Built in 1880 by Benjamin Crownenshield, the home of Betsy and Gary Spiess is such a

perfect seaside home with the grandest of views.Betsy and Gary Spiess admiring the blue

atlas cedar, Cedrus Atlantica, 'Glauca Pendula,' that crowns the entrance to their home


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Common thorn-less locust, One of the largest Jack-in-the-

Gleditsia tricanthos Pulpit I have ever seen

Seasonal perennial border designed for color throughout the year

Perennials make their debut each spring soon after the last of the winter snow has disappeared.

Betsy has combined numerous colors and textures to add variation to this wonderful, perennial

border. Such an extensive variety of plant material captures the eye perfectly.


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Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica, Picea pungens glaucaFat Albert &

Yoshino Oxydendron arboretum Sour Wood

Native to Japan and India as well, the Cryptomeria is a most graceful specimen used most

commonly in Japanese gardening. Part of the Cypress family, Cryptomeria includes only one

species, that ofCryptomeria japonica.

Under ideal conditions, this tree can reach a height of 230 feet and a trunk diameter of 13 feet.Though quite a specimen, it is doubtful we will see this one reach its largest mature state in this

climate.

Just to the left of the Fat Albert Spruce is one of the finest, mature specimens ofOxydendrumarboretum,or Sour Wood, I have seen. Covered in the most gorgeous panicles of florets, this

tree stands out among the best ever. It truly is a rare find at this maturity level.

After visiting with the Spiess family, I left with a sense of pride in choosing the field of my

career. The past thirty years has given me some of the greatest challenges I have ever undertaken

and accomplished with success.


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* * *

The Gardens of Dorothy Creamer

Heading westward out of town, I visited one of the most charming cottage gardens tended by adelightful lady, a native of Marblehead for over fifty years. The garden of Dorothy Creamer was

simple and charming to say the least. To me, this is a garden that reflects a Marblehead of old.

My time spent with Dorothy was not only a time of viewing a garden, tucked away from the

busyness of town, but an escape from the happenings of everyday life, of business, recreation,and the usual running around we do to get things done.

I spent such a wonderful time sharing a part of her lifes story and a tender part of this womans

life. The richness of our conversation was astounding as she reminisced and shared with me how

she was originally a native of New York City, living in a home built by her grandfather.

From New York, she and her husband moved to Connecticut, eventually coming to reside in

Marblehead in a home built by the late Thomas Peach in 1740.

Dorothy has been an active member of the Marblehead Garden Club since 1965, and has servedas president, vice president, and a liaison between the garden club and the historical

societyquite an accomplishment from such a creative lady.

Dorothys garden evokes a sense of nostalgia of gardens of old with its use of espalier, an ancienttechnique for training fruit trees and ornamental shrubs along frames and lattices. With the

EuonymusEuonymus fortunei espalier that overhangs the fence along the street side of her yard,

and the espaliered yew Taxus densiformis trained to the inward wall of her garage, Dorothy has

applied a tradition that reaches back to gardens of old Europe and elsewhere.

Dorothy tending her Euonymus espalier


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This espaliered Euonymus serves as a means of privacy and ornamentation. This is quite an old

specimenthe main leader gives me the impression that we are looking at a plant of at least

30-40 years of growthand has taken much love and attention to develop its lush greenery.Euonymus is a rapid grower and can be invasive if allowed to go unattended, but here, as you

can see, Dorothy has taken careful measures to keep it in check.

A well-trained espaliered yew holds fast to the wall of the garage.

The grand view of Dorothy's beautiful garden design

Here is a grand view of the inner garden taken from the patio area just outside of the

kitchen entryway.


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Dorothys sense of style and balance results in a design of simple elegance and charm giving one

a sense of solitude and creative appeal so perfectly maintained and cozy.

Here Dorothy has used her creative style to use an otherwise dead space to add yet another

espaliered Euonymus filling the void perfectly.


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* * *

The JeremiahLee Mansion Gardens

Maintained by the Marblehead Garden Club, the Jeremiah Lee Mansion Gardens are beautifully

set in an elegant display using period plants and species of a bygone era.

A future gardener clears debris Herbaceous Peony

from the early species of the

Boxwood hedgerow

Moss Rose, a true period species


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Of special interest is the Moss Rose,Rosa centifolia foliacea , developed by Dutch breedersbetween the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, or possibly earlier. It is a complex hybrid

derived fromRosa gallica,Rosa moschata,Rosa canina, andRosa damascene. Its exact

hereditary history, however, is not well documented (Huxley 1992).

Traditional formal Boxwood center focal point

This boxwood hedge is maintained in the formal style of gardens of early Europe and America

during the eighteenth century. Note the design technique and careful pruning that makes this a

splendid centerpiece, so perfectly set as a focal point of this marvelous estate

Original cornerstone marker located where Pleasant & Washington Streets once met.


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Opium poppy, Corydalis lutea, Fumariaceae (fumitory) graces the steps leading to theupper yard bringing color to the period stonewall. Native primarily to northern China,

Corydalis possesses numerous medicinal properties and was used as a sedative or

tranquilizer by early herbalists to treat various ailments.

Though not in their original design layout, the Lee Mansion gardens have quite a story to tell.

Having been maintained and nurtured by the Marblehead Garden Club since 1936, the gardentoday gives visitors an authentic sense of how gardens were used and appreciated in

eighteenth-century New England.

Heirloom species are incorporated throughout the gardens to keep with the period. Visitors are

drawn through numerous themed rooms planted in a historical layout, not only for beauty, butfor medicinal and environmentally functional purposes as well.

Note the lack of plantings close to the house, deliberately done to discourage water and moisture

from entering the structurea rather ingenious solution to a common problem in its time, I

would say.

Personally I enjoyed these expansive gardens, not just for their beauty, but also for their focus on

detail and tradition.

As history is one of my many interests, at the gardens I found myself whisked back in time

where I envisioned people scurrying down cobblestone streets, men in the parlor smoking theirclay pipes filled with aromatic tobaccos, discussing the turn of political and cultural events.

Many such thoughts came to me, of re-entering those times when life was simpler, yet in many

ways hard and harsh on early American settlers.

To this end, I feel the Garden Club has preserved the integrity of an era, as well as introduced

numerous plant varieties that otherwise would not be found in the typical home landscapes

today.


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In speaking with Elise Tuve, a delightful and spirited woman, as she toured me around the

highlights of the Lee Mansion gardens, I learned that the upper perennial border along the

western wall was designed by landscape architect Ann Leighton Smith in 1970.

Other gardens of interest surrounding the mansion are the Sundial Garden, perfectly andsymmetrically laid out in BoxwoodBuxus sempervirens where it is believed the Lee barn once

stood. I simply love this artful and formal masterwork, the central focus of the upper yard.

In keeping with history, the Lee Mansion Gardens maintain a diverse herb garden. The lower

garden is planted as a woodland garden with native trees, shrubs, and native wildflowers.

Especially notable here is the Corydalis lutea that amass along the wall highlighting the granite

stairway to the upper gardens. Incorporating plants into stone crevasses and along stonework wascommon, as it is today.

When visiting the Lee Mansion it is difficult for one not to feel a part of the history preserved in

this unique home and the surrounding grounds. It is by far a true historical masterpiece so wellexecuted and maintained by a dedicated group of gardeners, too many to mention. It was indeeda special moment for me to share the enthusiasm of the Garden Club members I met during my

visita day I shall not forget.

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The Gardens of Elise Tuve

I travel across town once again, as I had been invited into the garden of a fun and delightful

person who shared with me an abundance of information as well as a few laughs during my visitat the Lee Mansion.

Today Elise Tuve is dressed rather casual, not in her typical gardening attire as she was on the

day I visited the mansion.

My visit was more of a social event, discussing numerous bits and pieces about the garden club

and her love for gardening not to mention a few bits of what makes Marblehead such aninteresting community to live in.

During my visit, I learned of her achievement in transforming a somewhat ordinary small villageyard into what today is a perfect and colorful display of perennials and specimen plants that

demand attention by anyone who visits her home.

Elise has an eye for the use of available space and has filled it with some of the loveliest hues ofcolor and texture in a very unique and special way. This private garden is right up there in

creativity and excellent use of interesting plant material, some of which has been shared with her

by other friends in the Garden Club.


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Front entry walk so inviting to the eye

The front entry is accented by a brick walkway quite common in gardens of old and current-day

Marblehead, not just for its beautiful effect, but also for its durability and capacity to withstandsome of the harshest weather in the Northeast.

Lined with common Boxwood of theBuxus semperverins species and back planted with colorful

azaleas, the formal entry to the home is lined with ferns and hosta which make wonderful use of

a rather shady area and add a naturally warm and inviting feel to the space while the use of fernsadds a bold and dramatic statement to the entrance of such a lovely home.

The brick walkway in and of itself is an eye-catcher that draws focus to the front door, a perfect

focal point of period landscape design.

I love the use of brick, as its qualities of usefulness and eye appeal are outstanding and will

compliment any garden in a most fashionable way. After all, this is what gardening is all about:

creativity, functionality, and a statement of style and interest. With a subtle touch, Elise hasaccomplished it all in this embodiment of what a front entry is suppose to represent: invitation.

As we walk to the street front face of the house, this extraordinary hydrangea captivated me.


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Hydrangea macrophylla

Isnt this one of the most perfect specimens ever? The common use of Hydrangea byhomeowners is often overdone by clustering many in an area simply to fill space. Elise, however,

has planted this special plant of glorious color in the perfect spot. Not only does it bring out vivid

flare after most of the springtime color has passed, it also serves as a functional plant as well, as

it leads one to the front entry of the house. This is a perfect use of plant material and arrangement

to truly be appreciated. Perfect

Clump Birch sets the perfect setting for this lovely

shade garden


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The clear white leaders of the clump birchBetula paperifera accent this garden by drawing

together the gorgeous undergrowth. Perfectly situated to add dimension and texture, this

specimen adds to the overall design, too. The clump birch is one of the most widely used andnotable tree specimens planted today. With its clean white bark, and its graceful foliage canopy

above, this tree is outstanding for its versatility. Elise has planned and planted this grand tree tohighlight its diverse characteristics.

Note the shade created by this handsome plant and how gracefully it spills downward to envelopthe garden bed below. This is an excellent area for shade-loving perennials such as ferns, hosta,

Jack-in-the-pulpit, Solomons seal, Columbine, certain varieties of Bee Balm, Virginia Blue

Bells, and countless other beauties. Ever-so-humble Elise should be proud of the

accomplishment she has achieved with a yard of this size and layout. She has filled the areas so

well they blend all aspects of her home and personality into a work of art in the making

Standard Dappled Willow, Crimson Glory Lavender, LavendulaSalix integra, Hybrid Tea angustifolia/officinalis

hanura nishiki Jackson & Perkins


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White variety ofAstilbe arendsii Perennial border along eastern fence

Scented Geranium, Geranium pelargonium


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* * *

The Gardens of Claudette Taylor

Id like to share with you a garden so naturally set to spread far beyond the boundaries of what

one could possibly imagine, an accomplishment by an individual person of such magnificenttalent: this is the creation of Claudette Taylor. Many gardens are created through trial and error,

planting and replanting to achieve the perfect affect. but this is not what I discovered at the home

of Claudette. Upon arrival a floral vista captured the essence of beauty one only reads about ingardening books and magazines. Every view of Claudette's yard was a perfect picture of creative

garden design one only dreams about.

As Claudette toured me through expansive lush lawns, bordered by exquisite shrub and perennial

borders, I was taken by the extraordinary talent and artistic qualities of a garden perfectionist.

Below are but a few images I captured of this gardens grandeur; however, they do little justice

to what lies along this seaside vista. As I hope to show in these images, Claudette has designedwhat every gardener wishes to achieve: serenity, solitude, natural aesthetics, and a monumental

design that could only be achieved at the hand of a talented and visionary person.

A private room for evening socializing

This is the first garden I came upon when arriving at Claudettes home. I was immediatelycaptivated by the attractive setting created as a leisure area for family and friends to gather over a

glass of wine and friendly conversation. What a wonderful and cozy place to dwell on a warm

summers eve.

The garden comes alive with numerous water features thriving with goldfish that scurry to nibble

bits of food sprinkled on the waters surface. These are interesting little creatures that lie in waitfor a handout of fish cuisine.

Surrounded by a traditional white country fence, this little segment of the whole picture is really

quite nicely pulled together.


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Exceptional perennial mixed border of perennials and dwarf shrubs

Beginning my entry into the world of Claudettes garden, I come upon this perennial complimentto the back entry. This is a perfect spot for cutting flowers and the specimen plant material shecombines to make a well balance mixture of the natural process one could hope to achieve.

There is another water feature here, as well as dwarf specimen conifers and a bed of variegated

Euonymus gaiety that splendidly compliments the forefront of this natural area right at the back

door. Claudette certainly has an eye for color and texture

The frontal view of the expansive lawn area and perennial borders

Now here is a vista shot well worth noting for its spring color and summer foliage. So well

balanced, this frontal view is set for regal wedding or banquet. What young couple wouldntenjoy the scenic view of the ocean off to the left and the grand arrangement of flourishing


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plants? It is filled with rhododendrons of numerous varieties and species, let alone the large

hostas and viburnums that bring spring into full color and fragrance. To walk these grounds

creates a feeling of settlement and a sense of another world. I really loved this spot to say the

least.

Close up photos of the far end of the frontal garden to give a clearer view of the layout.

Here is a view of the far end of the same exposure. Note the contrast between the evergreens and

perennials; the size in proximity to the surrounding area is perfectly set and arranged.

Claudette shows great pride in her accomplishment.

The artist herself, walking the path downward to the back yard and, another interesting aspect of

her garden tour. Note the large Hosta to the left. Im sure most any plant Claudette places here

would thrive and grow to its fullest potential.

Claudette's yard is a wonderful display of so many aspects of landscape design, all put together


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so well and so befitting of the home that lies within its surroundings.

I was impressed by the knowledge Claudette has, a comprehensive understanding of proper

techniques for refined landscape gardening. Claudette certainly has achieved a masterpiece in ayard that one day must have been ungraded gravel and rocky ledge. This garden truly stands out

among many of the finest. I love it in all its splendor.

* * *

Some Final Thoughts

As I left Marblehead that afternoon to return to my office, I reflected upon all that I had seen

over the past three weeks of touring Marblehead and felt a great sense of excitement to have had

the privilege to experience these hidden gardens.

I left Marblehead to record the details of my three weeks of walking through some of the most

enchanting gardens and getting to know the wonderful people who create them.

As I began my drive home through heavy traffic, I pondered thoughts in reflection of all that hadtaken place over those days and felt an emptiness inside that my project was over and completed

with all I had wanted to achieve. Yet, I had this nagging feeling that seemed to linger on as I

drove. I had realized how eager these people were to share their accomplishments with someone.

It felt as if this could have gone on forever.

I have found in my thirty years of professional landscape design that all gardeners seem to have a

deep sense of self-expression masterfully laid out in the work they do.

Each and every garden from the simplest of design to expansive garden layouts that many

gardens display creates a luster of color that gladdens the hearts of many.

What I have worked to accomplish in this article is to plant a seed in peoples creative minds so

all may enjoy what I have found to be a magical world of peace and respite in a very busy world.

The possibilities are endless for anyone who enjoys working with natures creation.

I have chosen these special gardens as a testimony of not only my own love of gardening, but

also for what lies beyond the garden walls of so many homes in Marblehead.

Here in New England gardening has consistently changed from the time when early settlers setfoot upon these soils to our gardens today that I hope will thrive for generations to come.

While Massachusetts has an abundance of public botanical gardens for people to see and enjoy,

from the Horticultural Society in Wellesley, to Tower Hill Botanic Garden near Worcester, and

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University near Boston, many garden clubs throughoutMassachusetts arrange garden tours of these hidden gardens to wander through and enjoy the

creativity of special people who enjoy the art of garden design and floral displays of seasonal

color and texture, a world far beyond the ordinary.


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Sadly, this tour had to end. I have visited so many gardens that so few ever have the opportunity

to experience; these indeed are the hidden gardens of Marblehead, Massachusetts.

At this point, Id like to express my gratefulness to the Marblehead Garden Club for all their

efforts to help make this article a wonderful experience.

I would like to mention a special thanks to the people who warmly accepted me into their lives

and shared with me an experience I had never expected. The list is long and though I had not theopportunity to visit with everyone in the garden club, I tip my hat to you all for the magnificent

job you are doing for your community to keep the art of gardening alive and thriving in

Marblehead.

First of all, let me thank the Schrages, Michael and Peggy; Gail Michaud; the Spiess family;Dorothy Creamer; those present at the Lee Mansion on the day I visited, I was so impressed with

your dedication to keeping the tradition alive and well in Marblehead; and Elise Tuve, with

whom I would have never discovered a plant with a funny leaf that no one seems to be able toidentify. I will work hard to find its true nature and identification for you. And finally, Id like to

thank Claudette Taylor whose patience and willingness to go along with the rather funny littleobstacles that arose during my visit.

* * *

Kim Maxwell

Lastly, a special thank you to a wonderful and gracious lady, Kim Maxwell, President of the

Marblehead Garden Club, for her help in providing me with contacts, and spending time

acquainting me with the club members.

I had an opportunity to share a few brief moments with Kim at her beautiful home to finalize thisarticle and would like to take this opportunity to thank her for all she has done in helping make

this a most pleasant and growing experience for me.

The front entry into Kim's home


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The back stonewall and wrought iron gate that leads to the back yard

I only wish I had had an extra roll of film to better capture some other lovely features in her

garden, such as one of the nicest garden walls and formal gateway into her backyard. Absolutely

perfect. With gratefulness, I thank you Kim.

To you all, I cannot express my gratitude and how this experience can make even a thirsty-yearexperienced horticulturist humble. The work you do is a rare find in many of our local

communities and your dedication to the preservation of this tradition is duly noted within thesepages. Thank you all.

A very humbled horticulturist,

Chet Stentiford

Chet Stentiford is an award-winning horticulturist and landscape designer, consultant, and

contractor located in Saugus, Massachusetts. As a past corporate member of the MassachusettsHorticultural Society, he has been awarded Design Excellence, Bronze, and Silver medals of

achievement, a Vote of Thanks from the President, and other merits of achievement within the

Societys annual flower show programs. He can be reached at 781-520-9821 or by e-mail at:[email protected].

the hidden gardens of marble head

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