831 Garden Way:
What image does the word parasol conjure up for you? A French Impressionist painting perhaps, stage props for a musical, or maybe splashes of color on a beach contrasting with the dark blue horizon. The word itself is a combination of two Latin words: para (shield) and sol (sun), distinct from parapluie which shield us from the rain.
The garden at 831 Garden Way in Ashland delights us with its cheerful array of colorful umbrellas which shelter the tender plants beneath them. This was the creative solution that Michelle Taylor and Ren Kolar devised to compensate for the loss of two birches from disease last year. Rather unconventional but practical and completely in character with these two women who admit to planting what they like because it makes them happy!
The setting is picture perfect – a small garden on a quiet street with attention paid to every detail. Michelle took the lead with respect to layout and the project got started in 2006 when Michelle and Ren personally installed the interlocking paver driveway. The Synlawn ™ was installed fifteen years ago when Ashland first introduced their rebate program and it is outlined in medium sized tumbled river rock which contrasts with the larger pieces of rustic stone which outline the raised planting beds.
The original flagstone pathway connecting the driveway to the front door was replaced with a curved concrete walkway featuring a medallion of inlaid steel and polished river rock to form a compass. The intricate artwork was a labor of love involving many hands. A handsome metal planter box separates a small patio from the entry and compensates for the grade change between the walkway and seating area. The trailing stems of ornamental oregano are stunning against the dark metal. Brett Hassell also fabricated the gate to the side yard. Landscape lighting is discretely tucked along the edges of the walkway.
Long established plantings of rhododendron, lavender and rosemary were masterfully pruned to revitalize and supplemented with pollinator plantings of salvia, lemon balm and bear’s breeches. Spring welcomes the “gorgeous’ nodding heads of the hellebore, followed by the shaggy blooms of the peony, before summer heat brings the vibrant color of the dahlias. The erica ensures a dramatic contrast to the otherwise green foliage in the raised bed and ensures year-round color. Sword-like foliage featured throughout the garden contrasts with fine textured plants including the lacey-leafed Japanese maple planted where it can be appreciated while seated on the patio or porch. Multiple container pots add color accents.
An ancient apple tree bears prolific Sweet Tart fruit which is shared with local wildlife as well as neighbors. In the spring bearded iris screen the neighbor’s retaining wall but then the tree provides a shaded respite for the deer that wander along Garden Way.
Readers are encouraged to follow their path and enjoy other eye-catching venues, including a well-tended vineyard, prolific sunflowers and a rosarium. A picnic in the shade at the Soroptimist Garden at the end of the street and count the silhouetted bear, moose, wolves and fish adorning the playground fence. Hopefully we’ll be needing a parapluie one day soon!
Article submitted by Elizabeth Essex, with appreciation to Viki Ashford of the Ashland Garden Club for the suggestion. All photos by Elizabeth Essex.
The Ashland Garden Club has been selecting Gardens of the Month from spring through fall for more than twenty-five years. Nominations are gratefully received at gardenofthemonth@ashlandorgardenclub.org. Readers are invited to check out the club’s website at ashlandorgardenclub.org for information on meeting times and places.