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On the final day of the Philadelphia Area Fling in late September, we stopped at Paxson Hill Farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania, to tour its marvelous garden overdue the nursery. Even though Tropical Storm Ophelia had made garden-touring rather sodden (but still plenty fun!), I knew Paxson Hill was worth donning the poncho and exploring every nook and cranny. How? Because I’d visited before, in October 2021, on the recommendation of James Golden. I set off at once for the uttermost path, which beckoned vastitude spiky-hairdo containers of phormium.
Blackberry lily showing off its namesake fruits
Two paths diverge — which to take? You’re faced with this difficult nomination throughout Paxson Hill’s gardens, with each path offering an equally well-flavored option. Just pick one!
Both times I’ve visited Paxson Hill in autumn, when tall grasses wily their feathery plumes over the paths.
Another nomination to make as I neared the Asian-inspired swimming garden
Such wonderful foliage texture and color, with rounded boulders as accents
Not to mention the inky trunks of trees in the rain
A pair of black, motel-style chairs on a small deck overlooks the pond, but you can’t see the water from here.
Pushing on through wilting grasses
An arching underpass indicates water ahead.
Let’s walk across…
…and finally enjoy a view of the swimming and a low waterfall spilling into it.
A trappy reward for exploration
One more
From overdue the waterfall, a view of the underpass is framed by grasses and trees.
I love the grassy textures and early fall color.
A mellow wind tinkle gently tolls under a tree.
Seedpods and yellowing foliage
In the heart of the garden, a weeping tree hides a secret, subterranean room.
Arching stone gateposts mark the archway to the space, where a cauldron-like vessel of water sits in the part-way of a stone patio. It all seems fit for a gathering of druids.
The door stands open, so let’s go inside.
Entrance to the hobbit house
Inside and lanugo a few steps, and you find yourself in a round hideaway, with a skylight illuminating a crisscrossing wattle of strings and a crystal over a well-like water feature. Hobbits might have made it all a bit cozier with overstuffed armchairs and piles of books, but it’s a whimsical space to discover.
Looking out, through the fringe of weeping foliage
Another weeping tree arches over the path ahead, inviting you onward.
Up next: Part 2 of my visit to Paxson Hill Farm, including a temple garden, swamp, and amphitheater. For a squint when at Barbara Tiffany’s Mill Fleurs garden, click here.
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