Newtown -- Echo Valley Garden

Echo Valley Garden was transformed from an old farm property over a 40-year time span. In the large garden behind the house, island beds are set at the north and west of a spacious lawn. To the west, a 100 ft. long border of bulbs, perennials and a collection of daylilies runs irregularly along a sloping bank. The fall of the land to the east is defined into upper and lower lawns by a long juniper hedge trimed close on the edge of the upper lawn to carry the eye along the vista. The lower lawn, once an orchard, is planted with flowering trees and shrubs around two old apple trees. Circling the property are old fieldstone walls with an electric deer fence. A feature of this garden is its many controlled contrasts of form and color. Island beds consist of of dwarf evergreens, variegated plants, flowering perennials, and ornamental grasses. Around the house is a seasonal display of small and large containers filled with colorful exotics and annuals.

Persons and organizations associated with the property include: John H. Mulliken (former owner, 1911-1940); Isabel Y. Knox (former owner, 1940-1960); Elizabeth MacDonald (sculptor of ceramic and fountain globes); Emil Racenet (twig and metal gate); and Sydney Eddison (garden designer, 1960-present).