This was a very interesting Spring Break vacation... a delicate balance of children centered events that included a cake decorating class at Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken...
lunch and frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity after an afternoon at FAO Schwartz...
and more adult centered activities that included the Frick Museum, a quick tour of ABC Carpet, and some fantastic garden tours.
Suprisingly, one of the historic places that turned out to be a wealth of garden inspiration was Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.
As we are in the midst of designing Patina Farm, I am focused on the little details where ever I go. For example, these rustic wood trellises are used quite a bit at Mount Vernon, and I plan to incorporate them in my own gardens.
They look great alone or used in groups to line a wall.
They only look better as they become covered with vines, age and gray.
These same simple trellises are used to support the grape vines in the center of this garden.
At first, I had planned to separate my cutting garden from my vegetable garden. But after my visit to Mount Vernon, I've changed my mind. I'm sure you can understand why...
The simplicity of these gardens is so charming. The little sticks used as supports for sweet peas are a beautiful and brilliant idea.
Spring blooms, like these tulips, add a dash of color.
The rustic, more informal gardens compliment the gorgeous traditional architecture of all of the buildings.
As we walked along a path, I admired the lanterns and thought how beautiful they must be at night.
I've been looking for ideas for simple animal stalls. This wood structure would be perfect.
I still think it's beautiful even though I now know its use!
Like many of the visitors to Mount Vernon, Steve and I gasped when we saw this view of the Potomac.
The outbuildings at Mount Vernon are just a lovely as the gardens. The Wash Room is one of my favorites.
I also liked the curved stalls in the horse barn.
There are an assortment of animals at Mount Vernon. I wonder if I can have sheep at Patina Farm?
There are several chicken coops.
I won't have any pigs at Patina Farm, but these little piglets did tempt me...
Stacked zig zag split rail created a wonderful pen for these sheep.
We've decided to use split rail fencing at Patina Farm.
I love the informal, natural quality of this type of fencing.
A tarp spread across some large pieces of timber makes a perfect place to get out of the sun or storage safe from the rain.
George Washington liked to plant a row of trees as a barrier instead of fencing.
We walked down the hill to visit George Washington's Pioneer Village. I thought this chicken pen, made from willow branches and netting, was fantastic!
An easy way to keep the chickens contained in one place.
We walked back up the hill to wander around another vegetable garden.
I want to make one of these stick trellises in my garden!
Mount Vernon really is a garden enthusiasts dream! I like the idea of having some kind of water feature in the center of the garden.
The grass pathways add some pretty greenery.
Miniature espalier fruit trees are attached to the trellis that surround the garden...
including miniature pomegranites, that were just starting to bear fruit.
I took one last look at the blooming lilacs as we left this magical place.
Have you visited Mount Vernon? What was your favorite detail?
xo
Brooke
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