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.

Summer: It's not over just yet.

Every year it seems that as labor day approaches and the first days of school quickly turn into a weekly routine, summer is somehow instantly washed away into the distant past.  Pumpkins begin to emerge, halloween candy makes it's first appearance onto the grocery shelves, and those spooky skeletons and cobwebs creep their way into our daily lives, erasing memories of warm sand and cool water.

But as I consider this, I realize that it is way too early to forget about all of the things that are so wonderful about summertime!  The weather is still warm, skies are clear and blue, and fruits and veggies are ripening for the harvest.

So in protest of pumpkins (for the time being), I decided to go raspberry picking at a local farm.

Fall raspberries were abundant with Yellow and Red Raspberry bushes lining the rows.  The bees buzzed merrily about, while berries sparkled like jewels in the sun.  The blue sky created a crystal clear backdrop on a beautiful sunny day. 

I picked as many as I could carry!  When I returned home, I washed the berries and froze them so that this little taste of summer will last throughout the chilly winter months.

Drink Up!

Summertime is the perfect time to get together with friends, cook up some yummy recipes on the BBQ, and incorporate some of your favorite herbs into some fabulous and refreshing cocktails.  You can create some creative and complex flavors using just a few simple and fresh ingredients.

Fresh Picked Strawberry Spritzer

Macerate fresh strawberries with sugar until berries become soft.  In a shaker, combine with Gin or Vodka and ice, shake.  Add seltzer or lemon soda, and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

 Raspberry Mojito

One of my summertime favorites.  In a shaker, combine Rum, ice, simple syrup, fresh mint, the juice from half a lime, and fresh or frozen raspberries.  Shake.  Add seltzer or lemon soda and garnish with a lime slice.

Blueberry Limoncello Martini

Combine one part vodka, two parts Limoncello, Wild Maine or regular Blueberries, and ice in a shaker. 
Add a splash of seltzer or lemon soda.  Garnish with fresh blueberries, a lemon slice, and a sprig of lemon verbena.

Bloody Mary

One of my favorite pre-dinner cocktails this summer, the brunch favorite, the Bloody Mary.  I use fresh celery stalks from my garden and accompany with fresh sugar snap peas as a tasty snack.

Combine one part vodka or gin with two parts bloody mary mix with ice, olive juice, a celery stalk, salt, pepper, tabasco, and worcestershire sauce in a shaker.  Garnish with celery, an olive, and freshly ground pepper. 

Lemon Verbena Martini

Using a mortar and pestle, combine one tablespoon sugar and a sprig of fresh lemon verbena until a paste forms.  In a shaker, combine sugar mixture, one part vodka, one part limoncello, and ice.  Shake.  Add lemon soda, and garnish with a sprig of lemon verbena.

Salute, Cheers, and Enjoy!