Katonah -- Bryn Lea Farm

This 7 ½ acre property established in 1995 is defined by its vast grass lawns and native plantings that engulf the space in a sea of greens and yellows. On either side of the house are an in-ground pool, a vegetable garden, and fenced grass area leading to a large barn. Many non-native plants were replaced with natives in the creation of this garden, in order to enhance both biodiversity and aesthetics in an economical manner. Originally, 3 foot tall green velvet lined the entrance to the house, while 6 foot tall boxus sempervirens stood on either side of the door. Other non-native species replaced on the property were blue girl holly, miss Kim lilac, cystisus scoparius moonbeam, and rhododendrons.

Where these species once lived is now the setting for the owner's Native Garden that was intentionally kept low to allow for more visibility to the rest of the garden and increased light into the house. The plants closer to the house are slightly higher while the beds toward the Auto Court are lower. A low stone wall now defines the entrance to the Auto Court. Inside the stone wall are asters, coreopsis, switchgrass, and geranium macrorrhizum. The front of the house features hydrangea arborescens and itea virginica, amsonia tabernaemontana, iris cristata, and penstameon tubuloflorus. Monarda, asters, and coreopsis line the courtyard wall while asclepias and echinacea are planted near the garage. The property's major plantings include Appalachian Spring and perennials such as "blue ice", "ice ballet", "eco blue bird," and "green jewel."

Persons associated with the garden include: Diane Lewis (owner, 1995-present); William Brierly Tomlinson (designer [house and barn], 1995/2000); Hermann Shulz (designer, 1995/2000); Sheila Brady (designer, 2017) Innocenti and Webel (designer co., 1995/2000); Peter T. Michaelis (photographer)