Castleton on Hudson -- Baileywyck

The Baileywyck property was purchased in 1973 from the estate of the Herrick family, who owned the property since 1847. The home was in serious decay and had no central heating, running water or electricity. Restoration of the home took several years, and at first limited attention was given to "formal' landscaping or development of garden areas other than a vegetable garden. In 1976 and 1977, a pool and deck were installed with some small garden areas. Flagstone areas were added to make access to the house more permanent, and crabapple trees were planted to frame the entry to the property. In 2004 an addition was built on the east side of the house, extending the footprint nearer to an extensively overgrown area between the house and the tenant house. This addition required some grade changes so a retaining wall with steps toward this overgrown area was built. The tenant house was removed in 2006, leaving a large open area prime for garden development. Beginning in 2007, the current configuration of the gardens developed. Large perennial beds were installed on either side of a lane, which, with the removal of the tenant house, opened a clear path to the rear, tillable acreage of the property. The idea was to "frame" the lane to enhance the pastoral nature of the property. A water feature was added to the right of the lane and over time, the area became much more native in appearance as wildflowers mingled with the perennials in the space. The front of the house was heavily shaded by very old lindens and a maple tree, lending this area to focus on shade perennials, primarily ostrich fern, many varieties of hosta, sweet woodruff and spring ephemerals. Additional smaller gardens were installed around the pool and patio areas, and a border garden formerly around the vegetable garden was enhanced by adding baptisia and peonies to the existing daylilies. The "woodland" and meadow areas continued to develop with the additions of native dogwood, wildflower seeds and transplanted perennials from other gardens as they "outgrew" their space. The intent of the garden is to create a cottage garden environment, one that encourages pollinators, fits the historic nature of the house, and is visually inviting. Persons associated with the garden's design: Martha D. (Debbie) Brown, (owner, 1973 - ).