Thursday, June 25, 2009

A Little Garden Gem in New Jersey

Not far from George Washington's historical headquarters in Morristown, New Jersey, USA, are The Cross Estate Gardens. It started as a summer retreat built by the railroad man John A. Bensel in 1905, and the main house and the 5-story water tower is still there. In the forest near the house is a great giant outdoor grill - just like one I want at our house!

The house is surrounded by a small but very charming garden, which was developed by the later owners, the Cross Family. They were involved in the Horticultural Society of New York.
There is a perennial garden with a formal layout with brick walks - really nice!, and a large arbor covered in wisteria and clematis. Another part is more wild, with taller stands of trees and herbs, including a giant dawn redwood. It is a really peaceful place hidden among the valleys and hills of this part of New Jersey.
The gardens are maintained by volunteers - thank you for all your work!

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