When we took you on a tour of Lambertville, New Jersey’s
historic homes last winter the bare trees were ideal for showcasing the unique
architectural treasures, now with summer in full swing it’s the perfect time to
see how creative gardeners use plants and flowers to transform this enclave of
historic houses into a garden city.
One of the most unique examples of creative landscaping in
town has to be the little graveled forecourt in front of this classic American Foursquare currently on the market for $1.65 million. Centered on a small
flowerbed and surrounded by flowering bushes this simple yet stately treatment
effectively turns a small yard into a grand entrance.
The deep front porch of this gracious ivy covered red brick
mansion is nearly obscured with masses of flowers while ivy creeping up the
side of the house further ties it to the site.
This grand red brick Colonial Revival house built in 1909
enjoys one of the largest gardens in town set behind an antique wrought iron
fence.
A closer look shows the scrollwork detail under a shower of
roses. Many houses here are fortunate enough to still be surrounded by original
nineteenth century wrought or cast iron fences.
Here one of those beautiful antique cast iron fences
protects a shady columned veranda from the street.
No discussion of fences would be complete without the
classic white picket, and what could be more charming than a wild tangle of
daisies poking through a weathered white picket fence.
This large mound of cheerful pink flowers compliments the
red brick Victorian façade behind them.
Most properties in town have limited outdoor space so it’s
always interesting to see the creative ways people utilize what space they do
have, such as the lush planting alongside this porch.
Window boxes are a popular solution for those looking to add
some green to their homes. This pretty one also incorporates the colors of the
houses color scheme.
Here window boxes and large terra cotta pots holding
geraniums and topiaries decorate the front of a townhouse.
This early brick townhouse sports some very elaborate window
boxes dramatically finished of with pussy willow branches.
A sliver between this townhouse and the sidewalk was just
enough space for a cluster of bamboo and some other interesting plants in
various shades of green that look great against the gray painted brick
Not sure how the fantastic Victorian turret on this corner
house thick with vegetation managed to escape the tower theme in our previous
post.
Speaking of thick vegetation look at the brimming pots,
overflowing planters, and trailing vines on this charming Victorian glassed
porch.
Just around the corner is a private jungle in this shady
sculpture filled garden.
The front of the woman’s club mentioned in the previous post
is thickly planted around a wide tree trunk, giving a great example of how to
garden in a small space.
A detail of old paneled shutters on the Victorian era
clubhouse with flowers blooming against the buildings peachy color scheme.
Right next door is Mary E. Sheridan Park, a beautifully
maintained public space, almost more garden than park.
The park’s gazebo all swaged in festive bunting and ready
for a mid-summer night concert.
Photos by KS&D.