October 27, 2023
Throughout the Philadelphia-Space Fling in late September, we toured Wayne Guymon’s WynEden in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. WynEden is a gigantic non-public backyard at 9.5 acres, “with 4,000 totally different crops and cultivars, 15,000 hostas, 7,000 Rhododendrons & Azaleas, 3 ponds, 3 streams and 5 acres of edited woodland,” in keeping with Guymon’s web site.
I headed down a sloping path to the decrease backyard, the place a big pond — full with a bridge-accessible island — affords a picturesque view.
The day was soggy for bench-sitting, however this lichen-wallpapered bench with rain-flattened cochicums nonetheless makes a fairly image.
Close by, a romantic weeping willow frames a blue shed.
Its roots luxuriate in one other, smaller pond made muddy by Tropical Storm Ophelia’s deluge.
Cattails don’t thoughts somewhat rain.
Neither do willows.
And neither did I, actually. The backyard (and the Fling) was a welcome escape from the warmth and drought of a searing Austin summer season.
One other spot to take a seat on a drier day
A stone lantern leans out over the water, as an orange-leaved cotinus (I feel) echoes its posture.
Somewhat little bit of fall
Somewhat bit extra
A small dock on the opposite facet affords entry for feeding fish, maybe, or launching a rowboat for a pond picnic? My romantic imaginings are going now.
Behind the pond, a towering, wave-crested stand of bamboo appears to threaten to swamp guests. I learn that Wayne re-trenches round it yearly to maintain the bamboo from spreading the place he doesn’t need it. What a job that should be!
Paths lead into the rustling bamboo forest, the place a small spherical pond — a mirror within the earth — displays the tall, arching culms. It’s a magical area.
A circle of stumps affords a dialog spot.
Rising from the bamboo you see an Asian-style zigzag bridge throughout the weeping willow pond.
Backyard artwork performs up the Asian theme.
The bridge and bamboo body a romantic scene.
Reflections within the water
The zigzag bridge
There was way more to see at WynEden, however I spent all my time within the Asian pond backyard. I did cease to admire this flowering shrub on the best way again to the bus. On to the subsequent backyard!
Up subsequent: The colourful residence backyard and meadow at Owl Creek Farm. For a glance again at a buying journey at Terrain residence/backyard store close to Philadelphia, click on right here.
I welcome your feedback. Please scroll to the tip of this submit to depart one. In the event you’re studying in an e mail, click on right here to go to Digging and discover the remark field on the finish of every submit. And hey, did somebody ahead this e mail to you, and also you need to subscribe? Click on right here to get Digging delivered on to your inbox!
__________________________
Digging Deeper
Tour a number of Austin gardens on Saturday, November 4, on the Backyard Conservancy’s Open Day tour for Travis County. Tickets should be bought on-line upfront and can be obtainable starting September 1st.
Come study backyard design from the specialists at Backyard Spark! I set up in-person talks by inspiring designers, panorama architects, and authors just a few occasions a 12 months in Austin. These are limited-attendance occasions that promote out rapidly, so be part of the Backyard Spark e mail listing to be notified upfront; merely click on this hyperlink and ask to be added. The Season 7 lineup might be discovered right here.
All materials © 2023 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized copy prohibited.
