My takeaway from the weekend’s garden tour in Salem is a renewed appreciation of structure in the garden: fences, pergolas, pillars and garden sheds were everywhere in evidence, and both the small and large gardens were oriented towards the architecture of their adjacent houses. I’ve always been a bit more botanical-based, but now I find myself desperately wanting a little garden house! It was a very eclectic tour, ranging from very small gardens on River Street to a palatial garden on Chestnut, with a beautifully structured classical garden on Federal Street in between. We toured in the morning, well before a torrential downpour in the later afternoon–which must have stranded lots of people under available porches, or some other convenient structure. As for plant material, there was mildew-free bee balm, very well-kept roses, lots of vines, and lavender that is much more lush than mine. As always, I feel grateful to the gardeners/homeowners who put themselves out there and allowed us all to trespass for a while.
Salem Gardens (+sheds) on River, Federal and Chestnut Streets.
July 9th, 2017 at 7:05 am
Wish I could be there. We’ll be in Salem in August this year–a little late, but fall flowers are lovely too.
July 9th, 2017 at 7:20 am
The Ropes Garden was not particularly spectacular yesterday, but it will be in August!
July 9th, 2017 at 7:09 am
Thank you for taking us along on the lovely garden tour. I love seeing the love and care people give their outdoor spaces. It looks like you had perfect weather.
July 9th, 2017 at 7:21 am
Until we had a late afternoon downpour, but it was brief (but dramatic!)
July 9th, 2017 at 9:53 am
So glad that the Ropes Garden will be wonderful in August. I think I’ll do the tour of thehouse too. Bet I can still recite all of the information I had to memorize all those years ago!
July 9th, 2017 at 10:34 am
I love Garden Tours. Thank you for the beautiful photos!