Ridgefield -- Farrington Garden

Situated on 3.3 wooded acres at the top of a high wooded hillside overlooking a large pond below, the property was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Wesley and Gertrude Farrington in 1981. Mrs. Farrington, who was an active member of the Ridgefield Garden Club, and her husband were avid gardeners. After the house was built in 1983, a deer fence was installed, and mature plantings from the former gardens at their previous property were moved to the new location. The move consisted of many varieties of azaleas and rhododendron, including the orange color rhododendron calendulaceum (flame azalea), which are still extant today. Others included in the move were Cornus kousa saplings (Kousa dogwood tree), mature juniperus horizontalis "Wiltonii" (blue rug juniper), iris ensata (Japanese iris), dianthus barbatas (Sweet William), and many roses. Tsuga (hemlock) trees were planted as seedlings, and continue to thrive. A viburnum carlesii (Korean spice viburnum) was also planted near the house. The picea glauca "Conica" (Alberta spruce) that was also planted is no longer there.

The gardens were mostly alpine rock gardens, given the rock and outcroppings that are natural to the property. Beyond the house and not far from the large rock outcroppings are five raised beds for roses transplanted from their other gardens. Nearby is a water spigot installed by the Farringtons, as there are two wells on the property, in addition to the well for the house. Further down the path once existed a water feature with a small pond and a fountain at the base of a rock outcropping. It was designed to pump water to the top of the rocks which then fell down into the pond below. The fairy garden ornament placed there has also disappeared.

Of note is the herb garden planted just outside the kitchen. A greenhouse was built at this location and was used to overwinter plants. Alchemilla mollis (lady's mantle) was also planted along the low rock wall that borders this area. On the other side of the house is a stone patio where a fountain and a statue of Pan with a flute once existed, but neither is there now. There was also a large butterfly garden which no longer exists. Today vestiges remain, primarily shrubs and trees, and some rock plantings.

Persons associated with the garden include Mr. and Mrs. Wesley and Gertrude Farrington (former owners, 1981-early 1990s).