the sky is reflected by the convex mirror placed inside the fireplace.


A scenic seating area inspires conversation.


golds and irises provide colour and contrast. The pond is anchored on either side by two magnificent trees, each polar opposites in their beauty. A Korean maple, matured perfectly, seems as if it has been keeping watch over the pond for an eternity. The weeping white pine bows in reverence, as if weeping because of the beauty that lies before it. Ryder's sizable deck wraps around


three sides of her home; each turn offers a new vantage from which to enjoy the gardens, a seating area and potted plants or a piece of art. You can't help but want to find your perfect seat and settle in for a few hours of peaceful reflection. An apple tree, espaliered against the


fence, creates a breathtaking tableau reminiscent of Gothic and Romanesque periods. The tree, grafted to produce four different varieties of apples, is indeed a sight


to behold. Once self-


standing, it was so laden with fruit it threatened to break in two. Irene decid- ed to try her hand at the age-old practice of espalier and succeeded. So many beautiful tableaux are creat-


ed in Irene's yard — from the seating area by the fire-pit, fitted with a concave mirror to reflect the sky and surrounded by tall delphiniums, roses and peonies, to the beautiful walkways and arbours. Trees grow everywhere. Irene has at least a dozen varieties, each given ample room to thrive; they live in harmony with each other and the plants around them. But Irene is not the only artist in the home, her daughter Kristy is quite talented at pottery and her art is includ- ed throughout the garden. To see the blank canvas transformed


into the ever-evolving picturesque gardens Irene has created is awe-inspir- ing. She explains, "I wanted to create a Nifty toadstools. kristy Ryder adds her own artistic touches to her mom’s garden with her pottery creations.


18 • Beautiful Gardens 2014 the garden is filled with special nooks of lush plantings.


One of the many views from the wrap-around deck.


localgardener.net


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40