Cross Estate Gardens: Bernardsville, New Jersey

Today I stumbled upon a hidden gem, tucked away in historic Bernardsville, New Jersey.   I had passed the sign for the Cross Estate Gardens many times, on my way through Jockey Hollow Historical Park, usually on my way to a berry or apple picking adventure, or visits to other parks and gardens in the area.  Each time that I passed the sign, I was reminded of my curiosity and desire to see what this mysterious place was, but never made the turn....until today. 

 I followed the long country road though the hills and forest, eventually winding up at the estate.  The house looked as if it had been long forgotten from a different era of history, surrounded by the quiet green landscape, and old stone walls and paths.  As I approached and entered the gardens, I felt as if I was walking into a secret garden, like something out of Great Expectations.  The property somehow felt forgotten, though I could see and feel that the mark of human hands and care for the property was present.

I walked down the path and into the manicured courtyard, and made my way down the rounded stone steps.  As I opened the gate, I caught a glimpse of a formal gardens that were full of color and blooms, my heart started to race with excitement and discovery. 

The intoxicating scent of autumn clematis filled the air, while pink anemonies stood tall and proud.

As I wandered around the raised beds, along the brick paths, I came across some bright botanical blooms.  The formal garden was two tiered with stone walls and historical traces throughout.

Throughout the garden, I could feel the balance between manicured and cultivated plants and those that felt more natural and wild.  Entering each space allowed for a different type of experience and contemplation, like moving though the rooms of a house. 

The 5 story stone water tower stands like a ruin of the past, a striking reminder that the marks that we make remain, even as everything around us changes.

 I will return to this great little garden again and again now, to watch it transform and change with each season.

Morris Arboretum--Philadelphia, PA

I recently ventured out to the Morris Arboretum, located outside of Philadelphia, PA.  I had heard about the garden for years but never had a chance to visit.  Like many of the gardens that I have been to, the Morris Arboretum has a rich cultural, horticultural, and architectural history.  Originally owned and developed by John and Lydia Morris as a summer home in the late 1800's, the property became part of the University of Pennsylvania in 1932.  The gardens offer an amazing research opportunity in the history of landscape architecture and design, and the arboretum website has wonderful archives with photos and paperwork on the history of the property.

Gardens are a form of a living history, with the ability to transport us back in time.  They are constantly changing and adapting, however they show that the vision and work of human beings can leave an imprint on the landscape.

The gardens here are very well cared for, and provide the perfect balance between historical and contemporary elements. 

The rose garden offered a colorful and painterly array of perenials paired with an English country style stone wall.  The plants that were growing out of the stone wall, softened the architectural details.  

Though much of the surrounding landscape had grown in, I was surprised to learn that this wall appeared almost the same way in the early 1900's archives.  

The garden in this are felt different than other gardens that I have visited.  There was a wild element to it, yet everything was deliberately placed, and well manicured.  This was the perfect time of year to visit with everything in full bloom, providing a variety of colors and textures at every vantage point.

As I continued on, I began noticing some of the more formal stone elements.  These established a striking contrast between the more natural growth within the flower beds, and the surrounding trees and shrubs.

There were also some interesting little botanical discoveries to be found.

And something that I have never seen in a garden before...A garden railway!  Model trains, on an elaborate system of tracks, traveled about in their own little worlds, up mountains, through covered bridges, around the Eiffel Tower, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.  The movement of these little trains was mesmerizing as they traveled throughout landscape lined with Japanese Maple trees, Bleeding Hearts, and waterfalls, the sounds of railroad cars echoing from other areas of the garden.

Moving on from the little trains, I took a turn through a vine covered arch, and discovered a fountain which led me to the Pennock Flower Walk.
  

Walking up the hillside past the marble fountain and sundial, I was intrigued by what looked like an old terracotta wall nestled in a shady secluded spot.  This was once the spot of the summerhouse in the early 1900's and the area was described as the Italian Villa Garden.  There was a trickling stone fountain,  Italian style Urns, and a quiet spot to sit and gaze out at the striking view of the grounds.  This was where the landscape design truly became apparent.

 From that spot, I made my way to the swan pond, and English Park.  Surprise architectural elements could be discovered all around the expansive grounds each with its own unique character.

 Seven Arches, located at the edge of the garden, once pumped an elaborate system of water throughout the landscape.  Now, from on top of the arches, there is a striking view of the landscape, gardens, and very grown-in location where the original house once stood.

From here, as I walked back though the park, I encountered one of the many groundhogs that seem to have developed a commune on the property.  I think that this guy was suspicious of me.

I then made my way though a wooded area to the Key Fountain, and the Mercury Loggia and Grotto, both displaying a shadowy, quiet contrast to the light and open expanse of the English Park.

Finally, I made my way to the Victorian Fernery.  Built in 1899 this is the only freestanding fernery remaining in North America.  This was fascinating to learn about, as I have recently taken an interest in greenhouses and terrariums, and have been exploring the idea of caring for plants in constructed and controlled environments.  As a bonus, the building was beautifully constructed.

In addition to the historical details of the garden, there are also some fun and hidden gems to discover.

Like Giant Toads!

And a human sized Robin's nest high above in the tree canopy!