Working Garden Visit Series - #1 Spring in Ithaca

This year FLNPS will host several open native garden visits. Unlike traditional Open Garden Days, these gardens are not all picture perfect, nor are they 100% native. They are works in progress, some new, some older, some more formal, some restored meadows. They are gardens whose creators are trying to incorporate lots of native plants within their own esthetic. Most will be self-guided; a couple will have posted tour times. Be sure to check each date for details: May 13, July 15, Aug 12, Aug 26, Sept 9.

May 13: Ithaca gardens open 10am-3pm - all self guided.  These gardens will be open again in the fall so you can see the differences!

Mary Squyres, Ithaca, NY 14850: Mary strives to have something blooming throughout the season, so there is always something to see.  Her garden and yard are a congenial mix of lots of natives for habitat and beauty, plus a lot of traditional and unusual perennials, shrubs and trees from her participation in the Rock Garden Society and as a Master Gardener. Her property includes extensive garden beds around the log house and lawn, as well as a “wildish” area undergoing succession.  Here she has kept out the invasives and planted native trees and shrubs amongst the oaks, maples and hickories.  Visit in both spring and fall for totally different effects.  Self-guided.

Gin Mistry, Ithaca, NY 14850: This garden has both formal and natural areas. A formal rock garden and a perennial garden blend with swaths of woodland natives. Ferns are a specialty. Wet areas, including a planned pond surrounded by meadow, and efforts to remove lawn throughout are in progress. Loads of spring flowers will evolve into a fern-filled shade area with lots of native shrubs, trees and sun lovers by fall. Visit both times to realize the potential. Self-Guided.  

Rosemarie Parker, Ithaca, 14850: A mix of formal and informal areas in a suburban yard of roughly ¾ acre 2nd growth woods and ¾ acre lawn, garden, & “meadow”. The most visible areas conform to the house and neighborhood with many pre-existing non-native elements. The outlying sections are mostly informal native plantings. Dry clay soil and steep grades limit somewhat, but there are still over 170 local and regional natives growing amongst the more exotic species. This garden is open both spring and fall. Spring highlights native ephemerals (alongside lots of non-natives). Fall emphasizes the natives in both informal and front beds. (The “meadow” changes from “mostly looks like a lawn” to 6 ft tall natives throughout.) Self-Guided with plant list.