The gardener's eye

The Gardener's Eye

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Tovah's Indoor Tropical Treasures On Summer Vacation



Anne Raver recently wrote an article for the New York Times about Tovah Martin's houseplants called Inviting the Garden Inside and I thought it was the perfect opportunity to show you where all those indoor gems go to summer camp. 


This is the three-tiered bench outside the 18th century dairy barn that Raver mentions where plants showcased for the summer. It reminds me of the display of potted plants at the entrance to Great Dixter in England--full of color and textures-- all artfully combined.


The front porch of Tovah's house, a former 1790s cobbler shop


An inviting view of the house and garden from the street


A bench in the garden. The garden radiates charm, beauty and whimsy, just like the owner. 


The summer gardens in the front yard. Don't think for a minute that she is not equally knowledgeable of both indoor and cold hardy plants


A vignette of succulents on the door step

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing, Michael. Very charming display! I see some wonderful begonias. I'm a huge fan of houseplants. Especially this time of year. The days are getting a bit longer, and I'm noticing fresh new growth on my myrtles and scented pelargoniums.
    Loi

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    Replies
    1. Loi, Tovah's latest book, The Unexpected Houseplant, is something you might like. I am happy to have the days getting longer, the light clearer and brighter.

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    2. Micheal - I have that book!! I just looked at it last night and thought....this is Michael's friend. I purchased it at Terrain in PA. Did she have a book signing there? Looks like my copy was signed. It's fabulous. Please tell Tovah how much I'm enjoying the book.

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    3. Yes, she did. Last October when we were at the Perennial Plant Conference at Swarthmore, she did a signing at Terrain. I will be sure to tell her how much you like it.

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    4. Please also tell Tovah how much I enjoy her style of writing - charming!

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    5. Loi,
      See Tovah's comments below. You two belong in the Mutual Admiration Club.

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  2. Michael,
    The house and garden really have a relaxed country charm. I love that old fashioned bench, and all the plants out for the summer.

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    Replies
    1. That is exactly how it feels in person, James.

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  3. this really brings to mind my grandmother's house and garden

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  4. I'm tickled pink, Michael! So that's what you were doing when I went inside to make some phone calls when we were touring my neighborhood together. Sure wish it looked like that outside right now. But the good news is that all the houseplants are snug, warm, and keeping me company. What a coincidence Loi Thai! I was just looking at Tone on Tone's site and drooling. Gorgeous! I'm lecturing in Easton, MD next February...

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    Replies
    1. Tovah,
      I was hoping you would find this post! It is more fun for you to read Loi's comments than for me to tell you about them!!! It is a small word, isn't it? Trying to convince some NH garden buddies to make a winter trek to visit you, Einstein and all those beauties of yours.

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    2. Sure was winter therapy to see my garden when it was "happening," Michael. Did you hear through the grapevine that I'm headed up to Peterborough on March 23? Will you be around? Meanwhile, I'm off to Longwood this weekend. Eat your heart out, buddy. I'll wave to your ole 'hood for you.

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    3. Have a great time at Longwood. I hope to see you in NH soon!

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