A Gathering Place

Ten years ago, the Meehan’s new home on an oddly-shaped lot had a ‘yard’ that turned to mud after rain and a sloping side yard that was more weeds than grass.

Five years ago, a serendipitous visit to a garage sale led Sharon to meet Dolly Vinal, a retired garden designer, who agreed to take on one more project.  The result – a continually-evolving, inviting and lively, small-space garden with lots of personality. 

Seven steps above the sidewalk, a pair of rough-hewn wooden doors open to a colorful array of seasonal potted plantings. Enter the courtyard patio where large potted trees (weeping Atlas cedars) and plant-filled pots mingle with mixed border plantings in a curving sweep that pulls the viewer around the garden. Vines serve as privacy screens and strong vertical elements enlarge the visual space. Several varieties of hydrangea, Japanese maples and rhododendron are favorites placed throughout the garden.

It’s no wonder this garden has become a gathering place. “We entertain a lot. We are spur-of-the-moment, drop in-able,” notes Sharon. Who wouldn’t want to relax here, in a hammock swinging under an arbor, or sit on the deck for a morning or afternoon beverage, or gather with friends? 

A narrow garden traverses the back of the property, anchored by a spreading maple whose branches support hanging baskets, candle-powered chandeliers and birdhouses. It’s a lovely spot to sit for morning coffee. 

 Sharon loves “that plants are so tolerant of humans – moving them here to there. The more I get to know my plants, the more I understand what makes them thrive. I try to follow the philosophy of the tree doctor, ‘But what does the plant want?’”

“The conversations have no end here. All are welcome.”

Cheers to serendipity!

Stairs from sidewalk, but accessible from the back street. No stairs in garden.