Chadd's Ford -- Nature's Flow

The four-acre property with a one-story contemporary house was nearly all turf grass when the owner (also the garden designer) moved in in late 2010 and began planning. A one-acre meadow was installed in front of the house in 2011 using native perennials, shrubs and trees to balance this ecosystem. Invasive barberry and a Norway maple were removed. More than 200 trees and shrubs have been planted overall, especially favored conifers and trees with interesting bark. They were placed for screening, as focal points, and where they would eventually fill in perennial beds and borders, requiring less maintenance long range. A deer fence was installed, and in 2015 an iron gate was placed at the entrance. Many pathways throughout the property are lined with herbaceous perennials, bulbs, shrubs, and vines. Along the path to the front door there are spring bulbs, golden alexander, coneflower, phlox, aster and goldenrod for three seasons of bloom. In winter the standing stems and seedheads provide visual interest and nourishment for local wildlife, minus deer. Dwarf conifers with differing colors and textures replaced the old foundation planting. Sections of iron fence are decorative and mark off newly planted beds. There is a stone patio in the back of the house with the view of another meadow, a weather station, and a vegetable garden. A container bog garden with carnivorous plants was installed in 2019. There is a seasonal wet area fed by springs planted with native sedges and grasses, and native pawpaw. Ferns including royal fern grow between the wet garden and the path. Although most of the perimeter conifers have been underplanted for screening there is a section left open to the borrowed view of the neighboring horse farm. A custom gazebo with sculptural metal chairs is the feature of this end of the property. Several other metal sculptures and ceramic pieces are features, often placed whimsically in garden beds. A woodland garden has black cherry and specimen plants including Michigan lily and showy orchid. Both the garden shed added in 2016 and the detached garage have paths and plantings that integrate the outbuildings into the overall scheme. Yellow jasmine covers the fence between the garage and house. Another fence is covered with honeysuckle. Golden ragwort was planted for its aggressive habit to combat erosion. A Franklin tree stand on a crest above the stream, the perfect site found after two unsuccessful locations. The flowing design of meadows, garden beds and borders with interconnecting paths fits the climate, terrain and wildlife of this location. The owner has opened her garden for tours and has taught how to plant meadows. Persons associated with the garden's design: Nora N. Sadler (garden designer, 2010- ).